Deep in the heart of Italy’s Romagna region, a breed of dog so robust, charming, and intelligent was born that its fame spread far beyond its native land. You may not have known that the Lagotto Romagnolo, usually just referred to as Lagotto, was initially bred as a water retrieving dog. It spent its first days in the marshes of Comacchio and Ravenna. Still, due to its keen sense of smell and docile nature, it eventually became a trusted companion in truffle hunting, a testament to the breed’s surprising versatility!
But is this versatile Italian breed a healthy dog? The answer is a resounding yes. Lagotto Romagnolos, these curly-haired truffle hunters, often named as one of the healthiest dog breeds, and are known for their long, active lives when given good care.
Lagotto Romagnolos usually live between 15-17 years, which is relatively higher compared to other breeds their size. It’s not uncommon to have healthy, active and blithe Lagottos in their late teens and early twenties. They have strong constitutions, courtesy of their years spent in the wild, adaptively mingling with the diverse flora and fauna.
Despite their robust nature, canine health isn’t a straightforward affair. While the Lagotto breed doesn’t have as many predisposed health issues as some other breeds, there are certain health issues they might be more prone to developing. Therefore, every Lagotto owner must be aware of these potential health issues to provide the needed care effectively, ensuring their pet enjoys an active, joyful, and long life.
While owning a Lagotto Romagnolo may not necessitate frequent trips to the vet compared to some other purebreds, there are specific genetic health issues these dogs can face. These include Hip Dysplasia, a joint disease prevalent among many dog breeds, causing pain and arthritis in severe cases. In Lagottos, this condition is seen in about 5% of the breed, much lower than other dog breeds. Another common concern can be Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy. This disorder may affect Lagottos under four months old, showing symptoms like seizures. However, thanks to responsible breeding and genetic tests, the incidence of this disease has greatly reduced.
As a dog owner, keeping an eye on your pet’s behavior, habits, and lifestyle is an effective way to spot many of the early signs of these health problems. Regular vet check-ups should be a priority, especially as your furry companion starts to get older.
Lagotto Romagnolos also have a thick, woolly coat that needs regular grooming. While this may not be a health issue per se, an unkempt coat can lead to skin problems and can become a home for ticks and parasites. Regular grooming will keep their curly coats looking sleek and also provides an opportunity to spot any potential skin issues.
Have an active lifestyle? Lagotto Romagnolos are perfect companions! They are agile, love to play and work. Regular exercise will keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. Hiking, swimming, or simply playing fetch in your backyard can add zest and vitality to their lives. A bored Lagotto can be a mischievous Lagotto, so never underestimate the power of a good play session!
The Lagotto Romagnolo’s diet also plays a crucial role in their overall health. They require a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Quality commercial dog food or a carefully planned home-cooked meal can keep them healthy, but be careful about overfeeding because this breed may have a propensity to put on weight.
The Lagotto Romagnolo breed’s robustness and longevity can be attributed to dedicated and sensible breeding practices. It’s essential to do your homework before choosing a Lagotto puppy and ensure it originates from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the breed’s health above all else. The best breeders regularly test for possible genetic disorders, limiting the probability of passing on these conditions down the line.
In conclusion, the Lagotto Romagnolo is one of the healthier dog breeds, but it is up to us, their human companions, to provide them with the care and attention they need. Caring for a dog, no matter the breed, is not just a one-time commitment but a journey filled with empathy and compassion. With proper love, care, and regular health check-ups, you stand the best chance of sharing many joyful, tail-wagging years with your Lagotto Romagnolo!
