| Height | 17-19 inches (male), 16-18 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 28.5-35 pounds (male), 24-31 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 15–17+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Affectionate / Keen / Undemanding [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Italy [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 77 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
As with most sporting breeds, the Lagotto requires an active, engaged lifestyle to keep him happy. They are not hyper and do not require a great amount of exercise, but they do need both mental stimulation and physical activity. While a Lagotto will enjoy and benefit from time outside, the breed will not do well if left to live outdoors without family interaction. [1]
Grooming
The Lagotto's rough-looking, waterproof coat forms thick, tight curls that cover the entire body except for the head. They have a double coat of hair rather than fur and shed only minimally, although they may leave little tufts of hair once in a while. The coat needs to be trimmed on a regular basis. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The breed is generally very healthy, and a responsible breeder screens breeding stock for health conditions such as juvenile epilepsy, storage disease, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. DNA testing aids breeding decisions aimed at avoiding the occurrence of disease. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Exam, Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) - DNA Test, Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015. [1]
- It ranked No. 77 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Lagotto.” [1]
- The AKC lists Italy as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Lagotto Romagnolos live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 15-17 years.
How big does a Lagotto Romagnolo get?
AKC breed information lists height 17-19 inches (male), 16-18 inches (female) and weight 28.5-35 pounds (male), 24-31 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Lagotto Romagnolo?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Lagotto Romagnolo, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.