The Lagotto Breed
At Two By Two, we strive for a Lagotto that is in keeping with the standard. What does that mean for the average companion owner? It means we have done everything in our power to execute a breeding program that encompasses what we want in a puppy – a healthy, happy, good natured, well adjusted, easily trainable, energetic but not hyper, fun loving, hypoallergenic / allergy-free dog. In a nut shell, the best the dog can be. And while all the words in the Standard below outline what a Lagotto should look like, we believe it must be accompanied by health and temperament. Marry all these things and that is what you want in a Lagotto Breeder…someone who incorporated all these things into the wonderful Lagotto. Lagotto in America are gaining popluarity due to their curly coat (which is known to be hypoallergenic), size, demeanor, and trainability as well as their fun loving attitude, rustic and outdoorsy nature, and their loving loyalty. They are an excellent family companion that are very intuitive about children. They can also be great hunting dogs, as they are used for truffle hunting throughout the world. They do well in a number of environments.
Below is the Lagotto Club Standard also adopted by AKC.
Lagotto Club Standard also adopted by AKC
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
An ancient breed of water retrieving dogs in the lowlands of Comacchio and the marshlands of Ravenna. Over the centuries, the great marshlands were drained and turned into arable land. Subsequently, the Lagotto changed from being a water dog to an excellent dog for searching for truffles in the flat open country and the hills of Romagna.
UTILIZATION
Truffle Dog.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
TEMPERAMENT
A natural gift for searching and its very good nose has made the breed very efficient in truffle searching. The former hunting instinct has been eliminated, hence his work is not distracted by the scent of game. The Lagotto is tractable, undemanding, keen, affectionate, very attached to his owner and easy to train. He is a very good companion and also an excellent watch dog.
HEAD AND SKULL
EYES
Fairly large, rounded, filling the socket, set fairly well apart. The color of the iris ranges from ochre to hazel and dark brown, depending on the color of the coat. Close fitting eyelids; the color of the eye-rims ranges from light to dark brown. Eyelashes very well developed. Look is alert, expression keen and lively.
EARS
Medium sized in proportion to the head, triangular with rounded tips; their base is rather wide; they are set just above the zygomatic arches. Hanging at rest or slightly raised when the dog is attentive. If pulled towards the nose they should reach the muzzle at 1/4 of its length. On the ears, the hair tends to show looser curls, but remains very wavy. No short hair on the ears. The inner part of the ear-flap is also covered with hair.
NECK
Strong, muscular, lean with oval section; well set off from the nape and absolutely free from dewlap. Topline slightly arched. In males, the circumference of the neck can be twice that of its length. The length of the neck is a little less than the total length of the head.
MOUTH
Jaw strong with almost straight branches and a relatively large lower jaw. Complete scissor or pincer bite with white and well-developed teeth. Slightly undershot mouth acceptable.
FOREQUARTERS
BODY
HINDQUARTERS
FEET
TAIL
Set on neither too high nor too low; tapering towards the end. When extended, it should barely reach the hocks. At rest, carried scimitar-like; when attentive, decidedly raised. When working or excited, can be carried over the back, but never curled.
GAIT/MOVEMENT
Walk is regular, trot energetic and brisk, will gallop for short periods.
COAT (Skin)
Close-fitting all over the body, without wrinkles, thin, with little subcutaneous tissue. Pigmentation of mucous membranes and of pads ranges from light to dark and very dark brown.
COAT
Of wooly texture, somewhat rough surface, forming tightly curled, ring-shaped curls with the undercoat shining through. Curls must be evenly distributed all over the body, except on the head, where the curls are less tight, forming well-furnished eyebrows, whiskers, and beard. Even the cheeks are covered with dense hair. The topcoat and especially the undercoat are waterproof. If not clipped, the hair tends to become felted; therefore a complete clipping must be performed at least once a year. Felted topcoat and undercoat must be removed periodically.
COLOR
Off-white solid color, white with brown or orange patches, brown roan, brown solid color (indifferent shades), or orange solid color. A brown to dark brown mask acceptable.
SIZE
DISQUALIFICATIONS
FAULTS
NOTE – Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Above content translated by – Antonio Morsiani, Renée Sporre-Willes, Dr. J.M. Paschoud & Prof. R. Triquet.
NOTE – Words placed in normal brackets (…….) are in the Standard.
– Words placed in square brackets [……] are explanations or alternative translations. - Mrs. Ann Mitchell, AKC Breed Standards Co-Ordinator.