Lagotto Romagnolo are the 88th most popular dog breed in the United States.
So unlike other popular dog breeds, you may have a difficult time finding a breeder that lives near you.
If you’re convinced the Lagotti Romagnoli is the right breed for you, careful research will be required to find a suitable breeder. Just like any breed, they’ve got their unique pros and cons.
Of course, you could start by contacting your local rescue shelter to see if they’ve got a Lagotto Romagnolo in need of a new home.
However, if you believe a puppy would be a better fit for your circumstances, you should start your search on a dedicated club website.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at Lagotto Romagnolo price, where you can find Lagotto Romagnolo breeders and discuss the costs associated with owning a member of this breed.
In this article, we’ll hear from Lupo (@luposniffs), Biscotti (@biscottithelagotti), Apa (@apa.lagotto) and Rona (@lagottorona) to hear their advice for dog lovers looking for a Lagotto Romagnolo pup and share some of their photos (with their permission).
Jump To Section
What Is A Lagotto Romagnolo?
Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian water dog.
These curly-haired dogs were initially used as water retrievers but they’ve since established themselves as world-renowned truffle hunters.
While the Lagotto Romagnolo is traditionally a working dog, they can also make excellent family pets provided their owners have the time to provide these active canines with regular mental and physical stimulation.
As we mentioned at the top of the article, they’re the 88th most popular dog in the USA. So they’re not a common breed like a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd, but they can still excel in a family setting.
Of a small-medium size, the Club Italiano Lagotto was created in 1988 and there are now 300 members all over the world.
The Lagotto Club of America’s website highlights the growing popularity of these hypoallergenic dogs.
The breed has enjoyed European and even worldwide success and the number of pups registered at the various F.C.I., British and American Kennel Clubs is constantly growing. For example, in Italy, 545 pups were registered in 1994 and nearly 900 in 2002 – a near-doubling of births in just 9 years. In countries such as Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Great Britain the number of registered pups has increased tenfold – and in some cases a hundredfold.
The organization goes on to add that there is a constantly increasing number of puppy registrations in countries such as Switzerland, Holland, Germany, France, Finland, Great Britain, Australia and the United States.
Where To Adopt A Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
We always urge dog lovers to think about adopting before opting for a puppy.
If you’d like to explore the possibility of rehoming a member of the breed, you can visit the Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Rescue.
Their website explains that they hope to help preserve and protect the ancient breed. Currently operating in North America, they hope to help foster and ultimately find forever homes for Lagotti Romangoli.
Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain have a breed specific rescue facility for members of the breed in need of a new home.
Where Can I Buy A Lagotto Romagnolo?
If you’re looking to find a Lagotto Romagnolo breeder, your first stop should be the American Kennel Club’s website or visit the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America.
The latter provide a lot of information to help Lagotto Romagnolo enthusiasts in their journey towards bringing home a member of this breed to their home.
Their website has a “Looking For A Puppy” section which provides a lot of great information and useful tools to help in your search for a Lagotto Romagnolo breeder.
They offer what they describe as the “most important piece of advice that can be given” to someone looking for a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy.
‘Choose your breeder, not the puppy’. You will fall in love with any puppy – that is a guarantee. But, a life with a dog that is not healthy or has a poor temperament will cost you time, money and a lot of heartbreak.
The LRCA provide a basic list of questions that you should ask a breeder, such as their experience as a breeder, whether health testing has been carried out and practices for raising puppies to provide socialization.
They’ve got a director of Lagotto Romagnolo breeders on their website. The orgnaization explains that all the breeders listed on the page have agreed to adhere to the LRCA’s code of ethics and have completed all health testing necessary. Note: The LRCA don’t supervise, guarantee, recommend or endorse any breeder.
They list 21 breeders, of which 19 are in the USA and two in Canada.
For readers in the UK and Europe, there is also a Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain.
Advice From Lagotto Romagnolo Owners
Biscotti the Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: biscottithelagotti / Instagram)
Biscotti (owners Wendy and Jo): Make sure your lifestyle fits the breed of dog – don’t try to change their instincts and needs to fit your life. Look for experienced breeders, meet some Lagotti if you can, ask the questions that you really need the answers to. I can imagine these dogs could be a bit of a handful if your life and their instincts/temperaments don’t align.
Rona the Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: lagottorona / Instagram)
Rona (owner Petra): I would advise them to be patient and not to rush into it! Meet the breeders, meet their dogs, ask to see all the papers and health results, and then decide. There are a lot of scammers so just give it time.
Apa the Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: apa.lagotto / Instagram)
Apa (owner Maria): The first 2 years require a lot of work, attention, dedication, and training – but they are the most rewarding dog you will ever own if you are willing to put in the time.
Lupo Sniffs the Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: luposniffs / Instagram)
Lupo: Something to look for in a good breeder is health testing. They need to have all their OFA’s completed before breeding. I also suggest dogs that have titles in the show ring or hunt truffles. Lupo’s sire in particular isn’t the healthiest dog. He (the sire) has Severe Hip Dysplasia yet the breeder continues to breed him. Wouldn’t recommend our breeder but we were first time owners and didn’t know what to look for. Overall, look for breeders who health test (and that the dogs have good results) as well as who title their dogs in the show ring or for truffles with them.
How Much Are Lagotto Romagnolo Puppies?
The average price of a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy appears to be be around $3000-$4000 based upon our research. However, the price can vary depending on the breeder, the coat color and the heritage of the puppy.
If you live in the UK, you should expect to pay around £2000 or Europeans may have to part with around €3000 for a Lagotto Romagnolo pup.
Other Lagotto Romagnolo Costs
If you’re planning for a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, you should be prepared to for the costs of owning one of these dogs. Aside from the initial purchase price, you’ll need to consider the monthly expenses associated with a Lagotto Romagnolo.
There are basic necessities such as food, toys, bedding, brushes. Other things you’ll need to consider are vaccinations, neutering or spaying and regular trips to the groomer.
Anything Else To Consider?
If you’re looking for a Lagotto Romagnolo breeder, you could contact Lagotto Romagnolo owners on Instagram to learn more about their experience finding a breeder and bringing their puppy home.
You’ll also be able to ask questions about their experience and whether they’ve got any additional advice based upon their experience.
Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts
Lagotto Romagnolo (Photo: Adobe Stock)
We’ve reached the end of this feature on Lagotto Romagnolo.
You should use the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America or Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain to help your search for a breeder.
A Lagotto Romagnolo puppy will usually cost around $3,000-$4,000 in the US, £2,000-£3,000 in the UK and €3000 in Europe.
You can also contact the aforementioned organization if you’re looking to rescue a Lagotto Romagnolo.
