​Does your grooming routine involve weekly baths, brushing, combing, and regular trips to the groomer to turn your Lagotto Romagnolo into a fluffy "fur baby"?

Stop right there.

Your Lagotto is a rugged, hardworking dog bred for water retrieval, truffle hunting, and outdoor adventures—not a pampered showpiece. Over-grooming not only disrespects their heritage but can also harm their skin and coat.

Effective grooming means understanding their unique coat, respecting their instincts, and keeping their appearance practical and authentic.

 

Understanding the Lagotto Romagnolo Coat

 

The Lagotto's curly, lanolin-rich coat is designed for function—not fashion. Originally bred as water retrievers, it provides insulation and waterproofing, while its natural lanolin repels dust and dirt.

Here's the secret: let their coat do its job.

Dirt dries and falls off on its own, leaving their coat clean. You might have dirt on your floor, but your dog will remain pristine. Overwashing strips natural oils and disrupts this process.

 

Bathing Your Lagotto

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• When to Bathe: Only when your dog smells terrible—not just when it has a typical "dog aroma."

• What to Use: Avoid soap-based shampoos that strip natural oils. If needed, use a mild, soap-free baby shampoo.

 

Excessive washing can cause skin problems. Allow their coat's natural defenses to work as intended, and avoid being influenced by unnecessary grooming recommendations.

 

Haircuts and Trimming

 

Rustic is Key

The Lagotto's coat should reflect its working-dog origins: functional, not fluffy. Lagottos are naturally curly and rustic in Italy, without hairspray or excessive grooming.

• For Pets: Keep coats short for easier maintenance, especially in summer.

• For Winter: Allow the coat to grow back for warmth. Avoid dressing your dog in jackets, which can mat their fur.

• Avoid: Grooming styles that make your Lagotto look like a Poodle or a fluffy showpiece.

 

Combing and Shedding

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While Lagottos don't shed, regular combing is essential to prevent mats. Avoid brushing, as it disrupts their natural curls and leads to frizz and matting.

Focus on areas prone to tangles, such as the armpits and between the legs and chin, cheeks & ears - comb frequently to keep the coat manageable.

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Nails and Ears

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• Nails: Lagottos have hooked nails that grow quickly. Trim carefully and minimally to avoid cutting the quick.

• Ears: Lagottos' ear hair grows continuously, providing natural protection from water and dirt. Check regularly, but avoid excessive trimming.

 

Early handling of their paws and ears builds trust and ensures they're comfortable with grooming.

 

Respect Your Lagotto's Heritage

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Your Lagotto is a proud, adventurous breed. Grooming should honor its rugged, functional nature, not make it an overly primped pet.

• Always comb, never brush.

• Bathe only when necessary.

• Keep trims practical and rustic.

 

Following these simple guidelines, you'll maintain a happy, healthy dog that stays true to its Italian roots—an intrepid adventurer ready for its next truffle hunt or outdoor escapade.