Get to know US!
Grant and Dat's journey together is deeply rooted in their shared passion for travel, food, cultural experiences, nature, animals, and dogs, particularly their love for their Lagotto Romagnolo. As well as all the other beloved pets throughout their lives.
Dat spent his formative years growing up in Hawaii, Monterey, and Munich, he developed a profound appreciation for different cultures, global travel, culinary experiences, being out in nature, water activities, and his love for animals at a very young age. Having grown up alongside several family dogs, Dat has always felt blessed and cherished by that powerful, magical bond he shared between himself and the loyal canine companions of his childhood.
Grant grew up in a small town in Southern New Hampshire. He spent his childhood dedicated to his educational studies, participating in sports, and helping his father with agricultural research projects. Whenever visiting his family in Pennsylvania, he always helped on his grandparents' farm tending to the horses and livestock, but his interest was more in playing with their farm dogs. He always wanted to own his own dog, which has become one of his life goals, to become a dog owner/parent.
Dat and Grant met in Flagstaff, AZ. After returning from 14 years in Europe, Dat decided to be close to his family who mostly lived in California and Arizona. Grant attended and graduated from Northern Arizona University. After many cherished years in Flagstaff they decided to return to California to further Grant’s teaching career; and so once again Dat could live close to his beloved Pacific Ocean. Together, they are dedicated to fostering a community that celebrates their love for the Lagotto Romagnolo, ensuring each furry friend receives the love, care, and attention they deserve, all while sharing this unique breed, the Lagotto Romagnolo, with others.
Our journey with this remarkable breed began years ago, with our first Lagotto, Malla. Such a little curly fluffball full of energy and bravado. She ignited a passion that has only grown stronger in time for both of us. Watching Malla dive headfirst into the shimmering water at Lake Folsom was a memory that still warms our hearts. With sandy paws and wagging tails, our dogs seemed to have some sort of unspoken pact; they loved the water just as much as we did. Exploring different coves and areas of the lake together, making memories that will always warm our hearts and remind us why we love this breed.
Our Mission
Here at CALAGOTTO, our commitment to the Lagotto Romagnolo extends beyond merely promoting the breed. We adhere to strict health standards, and OFA health tests while being mindful of all AKC Lagotto Romagnolo breed standards to ensure the well-being of our dogs and their puppy litters. This includes screening for genetic disorders that can affect Lagottos, along with providing a stable and nurturing environment that aids in their social development. We believe that raising Lagottos not only involves ethical breeding but also a major responsibility on the breeder's behalf. Each Lagotto puppy is treated with lots of love, care, and respect, ensuring they are well-adjusted and ready to thrive in their new homes.
Ultimately, the Lagotto Romagnolo embodies more than just a breed for us; they are our family members who enrich our lives and shape our values daily. Through our dedication and love for these dogs, we aim to share the beauty of the Lagotto Romagnolo with you and hope to inspire others to appreciate this extraordinary ancient breed as we do.
At CALAGOTTO, our breeding philosophy centers around the well-being, health, genetics and temperament of each individual Lagotto Romagnolo in our breeding programs. We carefully select breeding pairs to breed puppy litters that not only meet the physical standards of the breed but also embody the excellent temperaments that make them wonderful family companions. We adhere to a rigorous health testing regimen for all our breeding dogs to achieve this. These health checks are vital in identifying genetic conditions and ensuring that we are breeding only the healthiest Lagotti. This practice helps minimize potential health issues, providing our puppies with a superior genetic foundation.
Our Commitment
Our commitment starts with comprehensive health checks that are systematically carried out from birth. Each breeding dog undergoes rigorous health testing protocols which include a variety of genetic screenings to identify any potential hereditary issues. This early intervention allows us to not only provide care but also ensure that our puppies are healthy and genetically sound.
In addition to health screenings, we adhere to a meticulous vaccination schedule, designed to protect our puppies from common infectious diseases. Vaccinations are administered carefully by a licensed veterinarian at week 7, prior to going home with their future forever families. We follow recommended guidelines to ensure that every puppy immunizes effectively. This proactive approach to vaccinations is crucial in paving the way for a healthy life for all our puppies.
Moreover, we recognize the importance of socialization in a puppy’s early development stages. Our team engages in early developmental socialization techniques to promote emotional stability and adaptability. Puppies are exposed to various environments, sounds, and experiences, which helps them build confidence and reduces anxiety as they transition to their new homes. This holistic approach fosters health and encourages well-adjusted, social puppies who thrive in family settings.
Ultimately, our dedication to the health and well-being of our Lagotto Romagnolo puppies ensures that each dog is equipped with the physical health and temperament necessary to thrive. By prioritizing health checks, vaccinations, and socialization, we prepare our puppies for a successful transition into loving forever homes, where they can flourish and bring joy to their families.
