Lagotto Romagnolo
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Lagotto Romagnolo. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Present at moderate rates; request OFA scores. |
| Lagotto storage disease (LSD) | moderate | Breed-specific neurodegenerative disorder; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
| Benign familial juvenile epilepsy | moderate | Puppy-onset seizures unique to the breed, usually outgrown; DNA test available. |
| Eye disorders (cataracts, PRA) | low | Occasional hereditary eye disease; annual eye exams recommended. |
| Ear infections | low | Hair-filled ears need regular cleaning and plucking. |
Pet insurance for a Lagotto Romagnolo
Insurers price a Lagotto Romagnolo from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Lagotto Romagnolo is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 24–35 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the Lagotto Romagnolo sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian water retriever reinvented as the world's premier truffle-hunting dog, with a nose few breeds can match. It is an affectionate, undemanding family companion — good with children, moderate in exercise needs, and low-shedding thanks to its woolly coat, which does need regular clipping to prevent mats. Lagottos are highly trainable and notably long-lived, often reaching fifteen years or more. Mental work matters as much as exercise: nosework and hide-and-seek games keep this breed happiest. Suits families and first-time owners.
Origin: Italy (Romagna)
Temperament
Related reading for Lagotto Romagnolo owners
Lagotto Romagnolo FAQ
How long do Lagotto Romagnolos live?
The typical Lagotto Romagnolo lifespan is 15–17 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Lagotto Romagnolo?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Lagotto Romagnolo carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Lagotto Romagnolo a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Lagotto Romagnolo can live in an apartment, but its 4/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Lagotto Romagnolos prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Lagotto storage disease (LSD), Benign familial juvenile epilepsy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.