The little-known Italian dog breed Lagotto Romagnolo’s could be looking at a rise in popularity following its recent win at the Crufts dog show. Renowned for being lively and affectionate, it was Orca, a four-year-old Croatian dog, who won the Best in Show award with its handler Javier Gonzalez Mendikote.
Following the win, John Burns MBE, veterinary surgeon and founder of pet food company Burns Pet Nutrition has compiled an overview of the breed.
What is a Lagotto Romagnolo dog?
Lagotto Romagnolo’s were originally bred to retrieve game, specifically waterfowl. Lagotto actually translates as ‘curly-coated duck retriever’.
However, much of the wetland in their Romagna in northern Italy – where the breed originates from - has been drained so they are now used to hunting for truffles thanks to their sense of smell.
They are very active dogs, so they need plenty of exercise. It is also recommended that Lagotto Romagnolo’s get groomed 2 – 3 times a week.
It was in 1991 that the dog was recognised by the Italian Kennel Club.
What health issues can a Lagotto Romagnolo dog have?
· Hip dysplasia – hind leg doesn’t fit in the hip joint as it should
· Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) (This is a breed-specific neurodegenerative disease)
· Patellar luxation – rear knee cap displacement
· Benign familial juvenile epilepsy – epilepsy in puppies that clears up around 8-13 weeks
John Burns said: “It is great to hear that the Lagotto Romagnolo breed won at Crufts for the first time and Orca will be getting lots of plaudits as a result.
“As a result, I can imagine there will be a lot of interest from prospective dog owners. We would encourage those looking at the dog to do their research into the background of the breeder, its parents and take the necessary precautions to ensure you have a healthy dog that is sure to be a great addition to your life.”
