Meet the new dogs of OLR! I had done a Blog on our 2 Portuguese Water Dogs, Bella and Koko 1/27/13 and that amazing breed. Sadly, we lost both last winter, only two months apart. It has been a difficult summer with no PWDs but a friend recently said, you have got to get new dogs, name the breed and it is yours! While the PWD again presented itself, I was willing to go for a new breed, as I don’t think any dog could ever replace Bella.
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| Koko and Bella |
So, in doing a lot of research, a new breed to us, popped up on my screen. It is the grandparent of the PWD, Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever, in fact all water dogs. It is the very intelligent, fun loving, truffle digging dog of Italy- the LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO. Try saying this- rolls right off the tongue!
The Lagotto is a breed of water retriever from the lowlands of Comacchio and marshlands of Ravenna, Italy. The artist Andrea Mantegna in the 1474 work titled "The Meeting" depicts a small dog in the lower left corner that is the perfect image of today's Lagotto. This breed was a favorite among other early artists.![]() |
| "The Meeting"- detail |
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| Van der Helst- Dutch 1643 |
Its traditional function was as gundog, specifically a water retriever. After the marshlands were dried up the breed became almost extinct.
Towards the mid 1970s a group of Romagna-based dog lovers decided to save the breed, which was risking extinction as a result of the incompetence, ignorance and negligence. Due to their keen "nose" and love of digging, it was found they are perfect for searching out truffles. In fact they are the only breed trained to do so in Europe.
The Lagotto is very loyal and loving, making them the perfect family companion. They also love to play seeking games and have very active and clever minds. They are easy to train, and many get along with other animals quite easily if they are socialized as puppies.
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| Paolo Barbieri- 1603-49 |
Lagotti vary in their need for exercise, but should always be given stimulation to keep their minds occupied. The instinct to hunt, swim and retrieve is inborn and does not have to be encouraged. No problem for us!
The Lagotti has a thick, waterproof double coat of hair rather than fur and should be groomed on a regular basis. It is recommended that the coat be cut down at least once every year. (Pretty much the care we gave the PWDs). Like the Poodle & PWD, they are hypo-allergic.
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| Winnie's dam Gillenias Winnipeg- (Emma) |
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| Emma again |
There are only about 500 Lagotti in the USA. The breed lives to about 16 years of age- which means they will outlive me! We will get a companion for WINNIE as soon as she or he is born and ready to come to us. It took 4 ferry rides and 14 hours to get her to us. (Not so far in distance as the eagle flies!) The breeder will not ship (her husband was a pilot- so knows what goes on), so people buying from her must come and pick up- two from Winnie's litter leaving for Minn. More photos to follow.
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| OUR WINNIE |
