The Complete Lagotto romagnolo Guide

You didn’t land on the Lagotto romagnolo by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The truffle dog, enthusiastic, loyal, and nose-first, and the only breed certified for truffle hunting, they’re a natural fit for active families, truffle enthusiasts, and dog sport participants who want a smart and devoted scent dog who want an enthusiastic, loyal, and highly capable scent dog who excels at nose work and bonds deeply with their family. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Lagotto romagnolo?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Lagotto romagnolo? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	5 out of 5	Highly intelligent and eager to learn. They respond enthusiastically to positive training
Obedience	4 out of 5	Reliable and cooperative when training is consistent
Focus	4 out of 5	Good focus during training. Their scenting drive complements working tasks
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Not particularly stubborn. Their eagerness to engage makes them cooperative

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted to their family
Good with children	4 out of 5	Gentle and good with children
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and outgoing
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Good with other dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	4 out of 5	Manages well in apartment settings with adequate daily exercise
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Their curly coat handles cool weather reasonably well
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Adaptable to varied routines when exercise needs are met
First time owner	4 out of 5	A good option for active first-time owners

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	3 out of 5	Moderate energy with a working drive for scent tasks
Endurance	3 out of 5	Good endurance for their size
Exercise needs	3 out of 5	Needs 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise
Mental stimulation	5 out of 5	One of the more intelligent and scent-oriented small breeds. Mental stimulation is essential
Grooming needs	4 out of 5	Curly, wool-like coat that is low-shedding but requires regular maintenance

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	4 out of 5	Playful and enthusiastic
Affection	5 out of 5	Deeply affectionate and warm with their family
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal and devoted
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. Prefers company
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and curious

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	3 out of 5	Can be vocal when alert or engaged in work
Digging tendency	3 out of 5	Some digging. Their truffle-hunting heritage encourages ground investigation
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Light chewing tendency
Prey drive	5 out of 5	Very high scent drive. Their nose and motivation for scent tasks is extraordinary
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Too friendly to be effective guard dogs

What are common health issues of a Lagotto romagnolo?

Like all breeds, Lagotto romagnolos are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Lagotto romagnolos? 

Your Lagotto romagnolo can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• DNA test for lagotto storage disease
• DNA test for benign familial juvenile epilepsy
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA hip and elbow evaluation

Do Lagotto romagnolos need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Lagotto romagnolo owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Lagotto romagnolo owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Lagotto specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Lagotto romagnolos are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Lagottos age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Lagotto romagnolo owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$55-$60
2 years old	$55-$60
3 years old	$65-$70
4 years old	$60-$65
5 years old	$65-$70
6 years old	$80-$85
7 years old	$85-$90

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Lagotto?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Lagotto romagnolo and your budget.

History of the Lagotto romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is one of the oldest water retriever breeds in the world, originating in the Romagna region of northeastern Italy. Their name translates roughly to lake dog from Romagna. Historically, the Lagotto worked the marshlands of Ravenna and Comacchio, retrieving ducks and waterfowl. When the marshlands were drained for farmland in the 19th century, the Lagotto's role shifted from retrieving to truffle hunting, work for which their dense, curly coat, excellent nose, and rugged constitution made them uniquely suited. The Lagotto is the only dog breed in the world officially recognized as a specialist truffle hunter. The breed was restored from near-extinction in the 1970s by enthusiasts who standardized it and registered it with the ENCI, the Italian kennel club. The AKC recognized the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015.

Caring for a Lagotto romagnolo

Training

Training a Lagotto romagnolo is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly motivated by scent work and tasks, which means they thrive when given a job and respond well to positive, consistent training methods. Positive reinforcement with treats and scent-based games, combined with consistent early obedience work tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Lagotto romagnolos have a thick, curly coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush weekly and have the coat professionally trimmed or stripped every 8 to 10 weeks, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. The dense, curly coat can mat quickly if neglected, so consistent brushing between professional appointments is important.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Lagotto looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Lagotto romagnolos have high energy levels and need 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Truffle and scent work, fetch, and swimming are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Lagotto romagnolos are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, vocal, and prone to destructive digging if their nose has nothing to do. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Lagotto romagnolo will actually love.

Nutrition

Lagotto romagnolos are medium dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 900 to 1,200 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $65 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Lagotto romagnolo here.

Lagotto romagnolo costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Lagotto romagnolo?

Before your Lagotto romagnolo even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$1,500-$4,000	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$600	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$400	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Lagotto romagnolo each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Lagotto romagnolo owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$500-$900	Based on the recommended portion for your Lagotto romagnolo
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$300-$600	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Curly coat is low-shedding but mats quickly without professional grooming and regular brushing.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Lagotto romagnolo names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Lagotto romagnolo we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Lagotto romagnolo puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Lagotto romagnolo puppies are enthusiastic, devoted, and scent-gifted in a way that makes nose work and truffle hunting a genuine shared adventure. That a loyalty and intelligence that make them one of the more rewarding working dogs in any home is part of what makes them daily nose work or mental stimulation, regular professional grooming, and an active owner who enjoys working with their dog, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Lagotto romagnolo brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Lagotto romagnolo’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Lagotto romagnolos are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

2. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

3. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

4. Washington

Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.

5. Illinois

Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Lagotto romagnolo? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Lagotto romagnolo right for you?

Lagotto romagnolos reward the right owner with a scenting capability and enthusiasm that makes nose work and truffle hunting genuinely extraordinary and a loyalty and warmth that makes the bond feel deeply reciprocal. They just need regular professional coat maintenance, daily nose work or mental stimulation, and an active lifestyle in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Lagotto romagnolo. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.