Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient Italian breed originating from the marshy regions of Romagna. It was originally used as a water dog for retrieving game, later becoming highly valued as an unsurpassed truffle hunter. Its dense, water-resistant coat and keen sense of smell made the Lagotto an indispensable helper to hunters. With the development of truffle hunting, the breed lost its hunting function but retained its working qualities and exceptional scenting ability. In the 20th century, the Lagotto was revived and officially recognized as a distinct breed. Today, it is a rare, intelligent, and devoted dog, combining diligence and friendliness.
General Appearance
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog of strong, compact build, with well-developed musculature and a square body format. The head is large, with a soft, friendly expression; the eyes are round and alert; the ears are pendant and covered with curly hair. The coat is dense, tight, and curly all over the body, protecting from moisture and cold. The limbs are strong, providing endurance and stability when moving across uneven terrain. The tail is of medium length, sabre-shaped, covered with curly hair. The overall appearance of the Lagotto expresses harmony of strength, endurance, and natural energy, reflected in a confident yet gentle look.
Important Proportions
The Lagotto Romagnolo has an almost square body format: the length from the shoulder to the base of the tail is equal to the height at the withers. The head is proportional to the body, the muzzle length is about 40% of the total head length. The chest is deep, reaching the level of the elbows; ribs are well arched. The back is straight and strong, the loin short and muscular. The limbs are of medium length, straight and firm, providing stability and confident movement. The tail is set on the line of the back, neither too high nor too low. All proportions are balanced, creating a compact, harmonious, and functional body reflecting the working essence of the breed.
Behavior and Temperament
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a friendly, balanced, and attentive dog with high intelligence and an excellent sense of smell. It is devoted to its owner, easily trained, and eager to cooperate. The Lagotto is active, hardworking, and resilient, showing persistence and focus during work, especially in truffle hunting. At the same time, it remains gentle, kind, and affectionate in communication. It is not aggressive, gets along well with children and other animals. The breed is curious, cheerful, and highly adaptable, making the Lagotto an ideal companion and versatile working dog.
Head
The head of the Lagotto Romagnolo is large, proportional to the body, with smooth and harmonious lines. The skull is broad, slightly convex, with a well-defined occipital protuberance; the forehead moderately rounded. The stop is distinct but not abrupt. The muzzle is blunt and wedge-shaped, slightly shorter than the skull, with a straight nasal bridge. The nose is large, with wide nostrils, its color ranging from brown to dark ochre. The lips are dry and tight-fitting; jaws are strong with a scissor bite. The eyes are round, expressive, amber to hazel in color. The ears are of medium size, triangular, pendant, covered with dense curls, giving the breed an intelligent and kind expression.
Facial Part
The facial part of the Lagotto Romagnolo is well defined and proportional. The muzzle is blunt and wedge-shaped, broad at the base and slightly tapering toward the nose, but not pointed. The bridge of the nose is straight, nostrils wide and open. The nose is large, pigmented from brown to dark ochre, matching the coat color. The lips are dry and tight, with slightly defined corners. The chin is strong but not heavy. Cheeks are moderately developed, without coarseness. The whiskers are long and dense, enhancing the expressive appearance. The facial part should balance with the skull, reflecting the alert, working, and friendly nature of the Lagotto Romagnolo.
Eyes
The eyes of the Lagotto Romagnolo are medium in size, round, and well set apart, with an intelligent and attentive expression. The iris color ranges from ochre to dark brown, always harmonizing with the coat color. Eyelids are tight-fitting, well pigmented, with dark rims. The expression is lively and thoughtful, reflecting the softness and focus typical of the breed. The eyes should not be prominent or deep set. Their correct shape and placement emphasize the Lagotto’s kind, balanced temperament and intelligent, friendly look.
Ears
The ears of the Lagotto Romagnolo are of medium size, triangular, set slightly above the eye line, with rounded tips. At rest, they hang close to the cheeks; when alert, they lift slightly at the base. They are covered with dense curls evenly distributed over the surface, giving the breed its characteristic soft appearance. The length of the ear reaches the midpoint of the muzzle. The ears should not be too large or too short, and the hair should not form mats. Proper ear set emphasizes head balance and the lively, attentive expression of the Lagotto Romagnolo.
Neck
The neck of the Lagotto Romagnolo is strong, muscular, and of medium length, harmoniously connecting the head with the body. It has a smooth curve, without coarseness or heaviness. The skin is tight, without dewlap or folds. The neck should be long enough to allow the dog to move freely and hold the head high while working. Covered by dense hair, it appears more massive yet retains elegance and proportion. A correct neck highlights the overall balance and gives the Lagotto an expression of strength, confidence, and natural endurance.
Body
The body of the Lagotto Romagnolo is strong, compact, and proportional, with a square outline. The topline is straight and firm; the withers are slightly pronounced; the back is short, powerful, and muscular. The chest is deep and well developed, with resilient ribs that are well sprung but not barrel-shaped. The loin is short, broad, slightly convex; the croup strong and slightly sloping. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, emphasizing a sporty, working silhouette. The body must convey strength, endurance, and functionality, expressing natural harmony and steadiness typical of the Lagotto Romagnolo as a versatile working breed.
Tail
The tail of the Lagotto Romagnolo is of medium length, set on the line of the back, thick at the base, and gradually tapering toward the tip. At rest, it hangs down; in movement or excitement, it is carried in a gentle curve but never curled over the back. It is covered with dense, curly hair, even throughout its length. The tail should harmonize with the body proportions, reflecting the breed’s active temperament. Its movement is natural and lively, never stiff. The correct tail completes the silhouette of the Lagotto, adding balance and confidence.
Forelimbs
The forelimbs are straight, strong, with well-developed bone and dry musculature. The shoulders are long, sloping, and close-fitting, forming a correct angle with the upper arm for free movement. Elbows are directed straight back, without turning in or out. Forearms are straight and solid; pasterns short, slightly sloping, and resilient. Feet are round, compact, with strong pads and tightly closed toes. The limbs must be parallel and stable, ensuring endurance, precision, and agility, characteristic of a working Lagotto Romagnolo.
Hind Limbs
The hind limbs are powerful, muscular, with well-defined angulations providing thrust and stability. Thighs are broad and strong; stifles well bent; lower thighs long and muscular. Hock joints are firm and low; metatarsi short and vertical when viewed from behind. Feet are round, compact, with firm pads. The hind limbs should be parallel and symmetrical, ensuring balance and steady movement. Their correct structure gives the Lagotto endurance, maneuverability, and a confident stride.
Gait and Movement
The gait of the Lagotto Romagnolo is free, energetic, and balanced, with good reach in the forelegs and strong drive from the hindquarters. Movements are smooth and coordinated, without stiffness or body sway. The back remains straight and stable, steps rhythmic and light. The dog moves with agility, strength, and steadiness, maintaining natural grace. The gait should demonstrate stamina and the ability to work for long periods over rough terrain without losing coordination or energy.
Coat
The coat of the Lagotto Romagnolo is dense, tight, and curly all over the body. The outer coat is coarse, forming firm curls that provide protection against moisture and cold. The undercoat is soft and dense, offering additional insulation. The hair on the head forms distinctive eyebrows, beard, and whiskers, giving the breed its characteristic expression. The coat must not be silky, felted, or straight when dry. The correct texture provides excellent protection and underlines the breed’s working heritage.
Acceptable Colors
Acceptable colors include solid shades ranging from white to various tones of brown — ochre, orange-brown, chocolate — as well as white with brown or orange patches, roan, or speckled variations. Slight darkening on the ears and tips of curls is permissible. The color must be natural and even, without harsh contrasts or atypical shades. Regardless of color, the coat must retain its dense, curly texture and emphasize the breed’s functional type.
Size
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized, strong, and well-balanced dog. Height at the withers: males 43–48 cm, females 41–46 cm. Weight proportional to height, ranging from 11 to 16 kg. The format is square, the body compact, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. All dimensions must remain harmonious and functional, reflecting the breed’s working purpose. The Lagotto gives the impression of endurance, strength, and agility combined with elegance.
Faults
Faults include deviations from breed type and proportion. Undesirable are coarse or overly fine bones, elongated body, narrow chest, weak back. Short or excessively long muzzle, light or round eyes, soft or thin coat, loss of curl are considered faults. Incorrect bite, weak angulation, cow hocks, stiff gait are also undesirable. Behavioral faults include timidity, irritability, or unwarranted aggression. Lack of working ability and insufficient endurance are serious faults.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include serious deviations from the standard and congenital defects that make participation in shows or breeding impossible. These include incorrect bite (overshot, undershot, asymmetrical jaw), missing teeth, blue or mismatched eyes, depigmentation of the nose, eyelids, or lips. Deformations of limbs, spine, or tail, absence of undercoat, excessively soft, straight, or felted coat are not permitted. Disallowed colors include black or black markings. Aggressive, fearful, or unstable behavior is grounds for disqualification. Any artificial alteration of appearance also leads to disqualification.
Important Notes
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient working breed combining endurance, intelligence, and a friendly nature. In the ICCF system, special attention is given to maintaining its functionality and natural type. The coat’s quality — dense, curly, and protective rather than decorative — is of utmost importance. Excessive miniaturization or breeding practices that weaken health or working ability are unacceptable. Breeding must preserve a stable temperament, strong bone, and the exceptional scenting ability that makes the Lagotto the finest truffle-hunting breed. Only dogs with official ICCF documents confirming origin and standard compliance are permitted for shows and breeding.
Conclusion
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a unique Italian breed combining diligence, intelligence, and a balanced temperament. In the ICCF system, it is recognized as a model of harmony between a working and companion type. These dogs possess remarkable scenting skills, endurance, and loyalty, while remaining kind, friendly, and easy to train. Their dense curly coat protects them from adverse weather and highlights their natural beauty. The Lagotto excels both as a worker and as a devoted family companion. Participation in shows and breeding is allowed only for dogs with official ICCF documents confirming origin and conformity to the standard. Compliance with these rules ensures the preservation of purity, stability of temperament, and the true character of the breed.
