Who hasn’t dreamed of letting a fluffy little bundle of joy into their home? Of course, I’m not talking about babies – I’m talking about man’s best friend – Dogs. But wait, if you’re considering a pet dog as your first-ever canine bestie, you may want to dial down on the ‘popular’ ones and shift your gaze to a lesser-known but fantastic choice – the Lagotto Romagnolo.
Named after the Romagna sub-region of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo, often simply referred to as Lagotto, is one of the few dog breeds that come with an interesting backstory. This flighty fluffball, originally bred to hunt waterfowl, later became famous (or rather infamous) for its uncanny ability to sniff out truffles – a popular, precious, and pricey fungi – right in the wild.
Do you want to know a fun fact? The Lagotto Romagnolo is the only breed recognized for truffle hunting. That’s right – these little fellows aren’t just adorable, they’re pretty ambitious, too!
But enough of the trivia. If you’ve stumbled upon this article, you’re possibly considering whether a Lagotto Romagnolo could be a good first dog for you. In my humble opinion, this breed is an underrated gem, especially for newbie dog owners. Here’s why!
Read on to unwrap the treasure trove called Lagotto Romagnolo and check whether these checks and ticks align with your lifestyle. So tighten your seatbelts, hold onto your hearts, and let’s dive into the charismatic world of those brown-eyed Italian furballs!
Temperament – Real Sweethearts!
Even though Lagottos are active and intelligent, they’re easygoing when it comes to their temperament. They love their families; their loyalty is unparalleled! If you’re looking for a dog that will adore you unconditionally and be an ever-present ball of love, this breed should be right up your alley.
As their human, they’ll provide you with constant companionship, enthusiasm, and yes, a mountain of character! Their fluffy cotton candy-like coat and ever-wagging tail are sure to brighten your dreariest days.
Easy to Train, Loves to Learn
This breed is not just docile but also a smarty-pants! Lagottos are very intelligent and love challenges which makes them a pleasure to train. More importantly, they are eager to please and will learn quickly, making it easier for first-time pet parents. Whether you aim to teach them basic commands, fun tricks, or even mentor them into a truffle hunting machine, these dogs will not disappoint you.
Amazing With Kids And Other Pets
Worried about how your Lagotto will go along with your little ones or other pets? Worry no more. Because Lagottos are known for their ‘getting-along’ abilities. They love being part of a pack, and they adjust wonderfully to kids, other dogs, and even cats. Yes, you read it right, cats!
Lagottos have a nurturing nature; they’re more reserve rather than aggressive or dominant. This makes them a safe bet around children. Of course, you should still supervise your doggie around young kids and vice versa.
Health: Long-living and Robust
Lagottos are generally a healthy breed that can live up to 16-17 years, which is relatively long in the canine world. They’re tough pups that are not prone to many health issues. Although some Lagottos may develop health concerns (as any breed may), they’re much less likely compared to other breeds.
So, if you’re looking for a furry friend who’ll accompany you for a significant part of your life journey, Lagottos make a great companion!
Exercise: Active but Doesn’t Need a Marathon
Don’t mistake the Lagotto’s smaller size to mean they’re couch potatoes. These dogs are sporty and enjoy being outdoors. They’ll adore you if you have a backyard in which they can sniff around, romp and play.
However, unlike some breeds, they don’t require super-intense exercise every day to be happy. Regular walks and playtimes should suffice. This ensures that as busy, first-time dog owners, you won’t be overwhelmed by trying to keep up with their activity levels.
Grooming – It’s a ‘Furry’ Tale, but Manageable
Fell in love with their curls? We bet you did! It’s one of the reasons why people get drawn to Lagottos. But remember, those curls need care. They do not shed a lot but require regular brushing to prevent mats. Regular clipping is also needed to manage their coat, though.
If you’re worried about this, fear not. The grooming needs of a Lagotto are comparatively easier than managing other curly dogs like the Poodle.
So, is a Lagotto Romagnolo a good first dog? In conclusion, we’d have to say – absolutely! They’re loving, smart, healthy and relatively easy to manage. But as a wise man once said, “A dog mirrors the family he lives in.” Therefore, it depends on your lifestyle and commitment to ensuring a happy and comfortable life for your canine friend. It’s always necessary to do a thorough lifestyle check before embracing a new furry member into your family.
Finally, if you’ve made it to the end of this ‘furry’ tale and are still just as excited about the prospect of adopting a Lagotto Romagnolo, we’d say go for it! This little Italian marvel might just make your life ‘pawsitively’ amazing!
