Lagotto Romagnolo: description of the only dog ​​in the world that can search for truffles

Are you bored with calm dogs, and do overly nimble animals scare you with their irrepressible energy? Then it’s worth choosing an “intermediate option” - so that the dog is moderately active and at the same time obedient (if the owner tells him to calm down, the pet will do it immediately). The Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian water dog) has this feature. This is a very kind and smart dog - it is not for nothing that it is included in the list of the smartest breeds.

• 2 Appearance standards
  2.1 Photo gallery: acceptable colors for Lagotto Romagnolo

Maintenance and care

The Cane Corso dog breed is considered easy to care for.
A dog can feel comfortable both in an apartment and in a country house, but it is impossible to keep a freedom-loving animal on a chain. Puppies should be purchased from trusted breeders at the age of 1.5 months.

It is important to consider several points:

• The dog gets used to a certain territory. It is impossible to first accustom a dog to living in an apartment and then move it to a kennel - the animal will not understand why it was punished;
• The dog needs regular physical activity, training, walks in specialized areas, and jogging. This will take a lot of strength and energy from the owner. If dogs are not given the opportunity to release energy, they may begin to damage furniture and carpets in the house;
• Corsos are very sociable, so you can give them the opportunity to play with other dogs.

Dogs have short hair, but nevertheless, it is necessary to comb it with a stiff brush at least a couple of times a week, but better - every day. You should not wash it very often, as it gets dirty, most often - once every 3-4 months. But puppies should be accustomed to the procedure; it is almost impossible to subject an adult dog to water procedures for the first time.

Important! Corso does not have an undercoat, so there is a high risk of fleas or other skin parasites, so treatment is necessary in the summer. And don’t forget about regular ear cleaning, especially if they are cropped

If the dog takes long walks, the nails wear down on their own and do not need trimming.

And don’t forget about regular ear cleaning, especially if they are cropped. If the dog takes long walks, the nails wear down on their own and do not need trimming.

If the owner plans to take part in international exhibitions with his dog, it is not worth docking the ears and tail. But for Russian exhibitions and for using the Corso as a guard or a pet, docking is possible. This simple operation is performed at the age of 3-4 months. If the tail is not docked, there is a high risk of injury. Short ears give the dog a fighting and decisive appearance, but long ears are also quite appropriate and safe.

Important! The older the puppy, the more painful the docking procedure is for him. If the ears have not been cropped, they should be massaged for normal formation of the auricles

If the ears have not been cropped, they should be massaged for normal formation of the auricles.

Care and maintenance

An active dog will feel comfortable in the yard, where there is space to move, get exercise, explore and dig. A lively temperament requires daily exercise and stress.

The dog's thick coat requires the most attention when it comes to grooming. The advantage of the breed is that it does not shed; dead hairs do not fall out. But for this reason, Lagotto requires regular haircuts to avoid wool matting and tangles.

You should not comb the coat, so as not to straighten the curls and disfigure the dog’s appearance. Twice a year (in early summer and early autumn) it is recommended to cut your hair bald. By the hunting season, the optimal hair length will be restored. The temperature balance of the animal and the health of the pet depend on the condition of the fur.

The dog's ears and eyes are cleaned as needed. Claws are trimmed as they grow. You need to bathe your pet once a month. The dog loves this procedure very much, as he has a passion for water.

Dogs live on average 14-16 years. Naturally excellent health must be maintained with a healthy and balanced diet. Homemade food is not enough in the diet; special fortified food is needed.

During intense physical activity, the volume of food should be increased by 20%. Vaccination against various diseases and treatment against parasites are required. The dosage should correspond to the weight of the dog.

Lagotto Romagnolo puppies are taught the basics of playing with objects from the age of one and a half months. The search for each thing ends with its own reward. For example, a dog quickly remembers that he needs to find a ball in order to be given a cracker.

Therefore, when he sees the reward, he understands the task. Even in nurseries, Lagotto Romagnolos are selected for training and future work in the police. The smartest representatives of the breed are indispensable assistants in the search for explosives or drugs. The best care for your pet involves regular exercise and interaction with your four-legged companion.

Nurseries

The rare breed needs to be looked for in Italy.
The future owner must be aware of the purpose of the acquisition, what he will prepare the pet for, and what working qualities to develop. The price will depend on the tasks set. On average it is 1000-1500 US dollars. It is difficult to buy a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy in Russia

There are nurseries in Italy where Lagotto is bred. And in Russia there are also nurseries where dogs are bred for sale. If you want to buy an animal with good working qualities, then it makes sense to go to Italy or find someone who will bring it to you. Nurseries in Moscow do this. Art Fantasy and Alberto Richie.

In Italy the nursery is IL GRANAIO DEI MALATESTA.

Lagotto dogs appeared in Russia relatively recently, five years ago, but the number of people whose hearts have been captured by these dogs is steadily growing.

Features of care and maintenance

Lagotto Romagnolo are very unpretentious dogs, they tolerate heat and cold well, and are not picky about food. They are able to live both in a city apartment and outside the city. Although, given their energy and activity, the best option for them would be to keep them in a house with a large area, where the dog can receive the necessary (rather large) exercise. They often achieve success in various types of dog sports. It is worth special mentioning the love of this breed for water; they love to swim and from time to time they need to be given this opportunity. A special warning for gardeners, these dogs love to dig, it is worth protecting the crop from them if you want to preserve it.

The fur of representatives of this breed does not cause allergies. Caring for Lagotto Romagnolo, in general, is not difficult, but it has certain nuances. There is no need to straighten the curls of the fur, otherwise you will end up with a dog that looks very similar to a regular poodle. Although these dogs practically do not shed, it is necessary to take care of their coat, brushing it regularly and trimming it periodically. Grooming is usually done 1-2 times a year; the dog’s body is most often clipped, and the head is clipped with scissors.

The ears require special attention; they must be systematically inspected and cleaned. Among the diseases characteristic of this breed are dysplasia. Otherwise these are healthy dogs. The average lifespan of a Lagotto Romagnolo is 13-15 years.

How to care for Lagotto Romagnolo

If you do not cut the hair, it grows very strongly and begins to cause discomfort to the dog (it gets into the eyes, nose and ears, interferes with normal air exchange, which is why the dog is constantly hot). Long curls quickly become tangled and turn into ugly tangles. Haircut “bare” (when both the guard hair and the undercoat are cut) for Lagotto Romagnolo is a mandatory procedure, it must be carried out at least once a year (during the hottest season). Italian water dogs will need to be brushed daily.

Lagotto Romagnolos do not shed, but this causes the undercoat and fur to grow to such an extent that they begin to interfere with the dog itself.

Dogs are active, you need to walk them at least 2 times for half an hour. While walking, you should play with the dog, train it, teach it commands - this will only be a joy for the Lagotto Romagnolo. Dogs of this breed will not refuse to communicate with other dogs.

Under the descendants of Lagotto Romagnolo, there are schools where puppies from 2 months are taught to search for truffles (a certificate is issued upon completion of training)

Lagotto Romagnolos have one innate habit - they love to dig holes. This must be taken into account and care must be taken to ensure that dogs do not dig through the entire area in front of the house.

When selecting food, you should give preference to series for medium-sized dogs with high activity. Such food is quite high in calories, so it will provide your pet with the necessary energy for playing, running, hunting, searching for truffles or other types of active pastime. For example, Hill's Science Plan Advanced Fitness, Chicopee Pro Nature Line Active, and Belcando Adult Active are suitable for Lagotto Romagnolo adults.

Video: how Lagotto Romagnolo looks for truffles in the forest

Search for tasty mushrooms

Collecting truffles is a real hunt. Who searches for truffles with a person? Helpers are pigs and dogs, as well as insects and bears. Truffle hunting is the province of the trifulau. The craft of these craftsmen is shrouded in mysteries, secrets that hunters do not want to tell the public. Trifulau call themselves representatives of the fairy-tale world, like gnomes and fairies. Truffle harvesting is focused on the phases of the moon.

According to legend, craftsmen hunt only at night, and they always have a white dog with them. Trifulau hunting locations are a professional secret. It is passed down from generation to generation and hidden from competitors. At the market, craftsmen bargain in whispers and hide jewelry in their pockets.

To find truffles in the forest you will need a pig. The pig is the first animal that helped man in his search for mushrooms. First you need to train the pig to smell it. If a pig smells it in the forest where truffles usually grow, it will start digging. The hunter needs to drive away the animal in time, otherwise the delicacy will go to the last one.

A trained pig can help its owner-hunter for up to 10 years. But these animals get tired quickly, and it is difficult for them to search in large areas. In such cases, the search for truffles can be entrusted to the dog.

Where do the roots come from...

Truffle hunting has its roots in the past, and pigs, rather than dogs, were once used for this purpose.

However, dogs are the only animals that are ideal for truffle hunting. Unlike "piglets", dogs are much easier to train and teach to search for mushrooms.

As for the breed, theoretically it is possible to train any dog ​​to look for truffles, but only three canines are considered the most successful in this matter.

How to assemble it correctly

Not only can the search for truffles be difficult, but so can the process of collecting them.

When collecting valuable mushrooms, you should act carefully and adhere to several rules:

1. If you find a representative of the mushroom kingdom, clear the area around it.
2. Do not pull the fruiting bodies out of the ground, but carefully remove them with a knife.
3. Make the cut without damaging the surface and root.

Important! You should not look for truffles in young forests. They have poor soil, unsuitable for the growth of the described mushrooms

So, such a valuable and delicious mushroom as truffle grows in the Russian Federation, in particular in the Moscow region. Finding it is not easy - you need to know in which places you need to search, focusing on the preferences of the fungus in the composition of the soil, lighting, and plants with which it mycorrhizes.

Features of growth

A favorable place for the development of truffles is a large number of tree roots and soil with loose soil with a large amount of sand and lime. Experienced mushroom pickers say that if you find one specimen, then you need to continue looking for several more nearby. Typically, you can find about 5 pieces. Often truffle develops in families, rarely - alone.

Searching for truffles in the forest

People have been collecting unusual mushrooms for many years.

It is important to consider that there are false and real mushrooms. To return home with the desired loot, it is important to follow special technology:

• Go to the forest where there are beeches, birches, oaks, and hazels.
• Look for fruits near trees with large roots.
• If the search is carried out with the help of pigs, then they should be muzzled, because the animals really love to feast on mushrooms.
• Keep in mind the type of plant: its surface is rough, the flesh has a hard structure. The fruits resemble potato tubers in black or white shades.

Character

This pet is extremely sociable. He will always strive to be in the center of events, look for what the owner asks for, and play with equal pleasure with adults and children. They appreciate praise very much, even more than a delicious treat.

This dog will obediently learn the wisdom, but this process must be regular so as not to allow the animal to be lazy and relax. Harsh methods in raising such a dog are completely unacceptable. Only with affection and patience you will achieve considerable success. Nothing good can come from rudeness.

He gets along peacefully with all pets without exception and indulges in jealousy and suffering when attention is not paid to him. Lagottos have an excellent attitude towards children and will serve as excellent nannies and guards for children.

Lagottos have an excellent attitude towards children and will serve as excellent nannies and guards for children.

The dog becomes so attached to the family in which he lives that separation is unbearable for him, as is loneliness.

The hunting instinct has lived in him for centuries. So, while walking, you may find yourself drawn into a chase against your will: you are after a dog, it is after some animal, and it is saving its life.

The dog may well live in an apartment, but it is still better to keep this little creature in the yard of your house if you have taken care in advance of the safety of your garden plantings and the encroachment of such an indefatigable digger on them.

How to Most Effectively Teach Hunting Skills

Italian lap dog

The Austrian Smooth-haired Bracket is quite easy to train, so training him will not cause any problems. By six to seven months, the puppy should clearly know all the basic commands and not be afraid of loud sounds. From the age of one, a young dog can be taken on a real hunt. However, in order for a hound to properly drive prey, it must be accustomed to this. There are several ways to teach a dog hunting skills. One of the most effective is to take a young hound hunting with well-trained dogs.

An inexperienced dog with a strong hunting instinct, looking at its fellows, will quickly learn what is required of it.

You can contact a specialist who, according to an individual program, will teach a young dog hunting wisdom. The Austrian Hound can work alone, but in a group of three or four individuals, its effectiveness increases significantly.

Training and education

The dog is easy to train, so the owner will not have any difficulties with raising and training. Puppies begin to learn swimming and fetching balls and toys at 1.5–2 months. A little later, the dog can be taught the basic commands: “come to me”, “fu”, “near”, etc. It is enough to explain the command to the dog 1-2 times, and it will immediately execute it. The parenting process should be gentle and without pressure. During training, you need to use treats - in order to get a treat, the dog will try his best to please the owner.

Lagotto can be used to find things. To do this, the dog needs to be trained using associative series: for example, so that he associates keys with a cracker, glasses with a cartilaginous bone, etc. Having seen a treat, the dog will understand what he needs to look for.

Animals are very patient and, if the situation demands, can remain calm

Since dogs are dependent on their owners, they need attention and time

General characteristics of the breed

The Lagotto Romagnolo is also called the Italian water (or lake) dog. She is distinguished by her cheerful character and excellent work qualities. The peculiarity of the coat, which allows the animal to feel comfortable even in icy water, is the main distinguishing feature of the breed.

These intelligent dogs are incredibly capable, easy to train and very hard working. They managed to preserve their passion for digging holes through the centuries. They use their keen sense of smell exclusively for “peaceful purposes” - to search for mushrooms or prey, remaining completely indifferent to the smells of other animals.

They have a gentle character and will get along with any family member, play with any other pet, and do not mind other dogs in the house. Lagotto are wary of strangers and will definitely warn about the arrival of guests.

This dog will require a lot of your time and attention. You will walk with him three times a day, provide him with active exercise during walks, and play with him. Keep in mind that if there is no pond nearby, the dog will gladly choose a puddle, even the dirtiest one as an alternative. And if you draw a bath for him, he will splash around in it with delight.

These dogs are strong and compactly built. Lagotto Romagnolo has excellent wool. It is thick and wavy, at the same time tough and all in dense curls, and it is also waterproof. She can be brown and white, red and white, brown-red, just red.

Related breeds[edit | edit code]

The closest relatives of the Lagotto Romagnolo breed include the Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and Spanish Water Spaniel.

Origin story

Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are also known as “Italian water dogs.” Their homeland is the areas of Comacchio and Ravenna in northern Italy. It is believed that the ancestors of this breed were directly prehistoric turf dogs, from which many modern dog breeds originated. Other experts believe that, due to their physique, habits and character traits, these dogs are descendants of the ash dog, which belongs to the hound species.

It is believed that the pedigree of the dog of this breed dates back to the 16th century, when they first came to Italy. Initially, their abilities were appreciated by sailors arriving from Turkey to Italy, who were the first to note the ability of these dogs to swim well, as well as carry out various commands and assignments. The dog was also popular among hunters and fishermen, who used the breed to pull shot game or small boats out of the water.

By the 19th century In the Ravenna area, where Lagotto Romagnolo was mainly bred, landowners drained the swamps, which led to a decrease in the number of birds and made hunting waterfowl almost impossible. Thus, this breed was not in demand. However, soon she discovered the ability, with the help of a superbly developed sense of smell, to find truffles (edible mushrooms) underground, and this returned the breed to its former popularity.

The breed standard began to be developed in the 70s of the 20th century. In 1988, the first breed club appeared. And in 1996, Lagotto Romagnolo officially received their standard. Today, these dogs are successfully used as mushroom pickers and cheerful companions.

Does Lagotto Romagnolo have a predisposition to disease?

The average life expectancy of dogs of this breed is 12–14 years. Hereditary defects are rare; Lagotto Romagnolo is distinguished by good health. This is largely due to the fact that due to the nature of their coat, they are not prone to hypothermia. But it is important to consider that in the absence of regular training and play, the dog may develop metabolic disorders that threaten obesity.

The active lifestyle of dogs has its own danger - if it plays out, the pet can get injured. Owners need to keep an eye on the dog - if after a walk it begins to limp, lick its paws, and whine, then it should be taken to the veterinarian and checked for bruises, fractures, dislocations, and wounds.

Occasionally, puppies with congenital hip dysplasia are born in a litter of Italian water dogs. This defect is indicated by crooked paws and constant falling to one side when walking. The pathology is fixable, the main thing is to consult a doctor in time and carry out the necessary operation to realign the joint.

Tips for choosing Italian Water Dog puppies

Before buying a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, you need to learn to distinguish them from dogs of other breeds. This will protect you from fraud when dishonest breeders try to sell cheaper animals at an inflated price.

This is what one and a half month old Lagotto Romagnolo puppies look like

Here's a little hint on what to look for when choosing a purebred pet:

Italian Water Dogs have pronounced curls all over their bodies from puppyhood.

The tails of Lagotto Romagnolo cannot be stubby, too short, or curled in a spiral.

All aquatic dogs have a pronounced fold of skin (webbing) between their toes.

Pay attention to your overall physique. Lagotto Romagnolos are dogs of medium build, they cannot be called robust.

The Italian Water Dog's ears should not stand up, have rounded tips or be too long. In addition to appearance, when choosing a puppy, pay attention to its behavior

Young Lagotto Romagnolos are characterized by curiosity, activity, playfulness, and quick contact with people. A calm disposition is more typical of the Portuguese Water Dog or Wetterhouns.

In addition to appearance, when choosing a puppy, pay attention to its behavior. Young Lagotto Romagnolos are characterized by curiosity, activity, playfulness, and quick contact with people.

A calm disposition is more typical of the Portuguese Water Dog or Wetterhouns.

How much do puppies cost?

The price of Lagotto Romagnolo puppies depends on whether his parents belong to an elite nursery, whether they participated and won exhibitions, and how many generations of proven purebred. The cost decreases in the presence of shortcomings that can serve as a basis for disqualification (even minor defects are important, which are not a reason for rejection, but reduce the chances of winning competitions). The average price for elite babies is $1000–1500.

This is an elite Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, since his father is a two-time champion of Ukraine, and his mother is the winner of World Show Dog Germany 2017

Buying a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy

Serious breeders donate puppies no earlier than 90 days of age. These dogs live a long time and you must understand that this is not a toy. A small dog in the house will definitely chew things, and you need to be prepared for this. If he messes something up, take it as normal. He needs to be treated like a child, with affection, care and love.

If you have already decided to purchase such a miracle, it will be safer for you to turn to professional nurseries. Specialists raise healthy animals that fully correspond to the breed's exterior. You will receive the necessary valuable advice and consultations from breeders throughout the life of your pet.

The cost of a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy will depend on what you want from the animal in the future. Either you are planning it for breeding, or for exhibitions, or maybe you want to realize its working qualities. The approximate price can vary from $1000 to $1500. This breed is rare in Russia. To purchase dogs with the best breed line, it is better to go to Italy.

Why can a dog be disqualified?

Obtaining a certificate from the canine society for further participation in exhibitions and breeding of the breed is not so easy. The animal must undergo thorough testing to ensure it meets the standards. There are “non-strict” deficiencies in which the document will be refused only if there is a severe defect (for example, the length of the ears should ideally reach the lower jaw, but if they are slightly above or below the specified line in the Lagotto Romagnolo certificate, they will not be refused).

There is a list of strict disqualifications (reasons why an animal will not be able to take part in exhibitions and participate in breeding):

• excessive aggressiveness towards people and other dogs;
• too short muzzle or small skull;
• snack or undershot;
• a tail twisted in a spiral and thrown over the back;
• straight coat without curls;
• black skin pigmentation and/or black coloring;
• blue or green eyes (only puppies can have light eyes).

A solid black color in a Lagotto Romagnolo is not acceptable, but black spots on a white background are not considered a defect.

Kinds

There are quite a lot of them. Among them

• summer truffle (aka Russian black),
• winter,
• white,
• Chinese, Piedmontese,
• as well as several other species, named mainly according to their place of growth.

Winter black

The fruit is covered with warts 2-3 cm in size, its diameter reaches 20 cm. The fresh fruit has a reddish-violet tint on the outside, after harvesting the color darkens and becomes black. The truffle pulp is white, then turns gray and becomes gray-violet with many white, yellowish veins. The weight of such a fruit can be more than a kilogram. It often grows in Ukrainian, French, and Italian lands. Ideal places for plants are birch, oak groves, and beech forests. Active fruiting - from November to March. The truffle aroma is reminiscent of musk.

White truffle

This species has a light, almost white, and very dense fruit body. In all areas where white truffle grows, and in Russia this is the Volga region and the central black earth region, you need to look for mushrooms from July to November.

Black truffle

These truffles are also called summer, or Russian. Black truffles have black peridia, and the inside of the fruit body has a slightly purple tint. Some experts claim that the taste and aroma of black truffles is much better than that of white truffles.

The areas where black truffles grow have a particularly mild climate. Most often, these mushrooms are found in the southern regions of Russia, in Crimea, and on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

They are usually found at a depth of up to 30 cm. The oldest specimens, due to their large size, are sometimes located closer to the surface.

• The harvesting period for black summer truffles in Russia covers the period from July to November.

When does the harvest season begin?

The most common types of truffle are black (Périgord), Italian (real white), Chinese, and winter. In Russia you can find only one species of the genus Tuber - black Russian or summer. Its fruiting bodies reach a diameter of 2.5–10 cm. The surface of the mushrooms is painted black. Their taste is nutty and sweet. The smell is pleasant. Fruiting of the Russian variety occurs in August - September.

Did you know? The most valuable varieties of truffles are sold by auction. So, in China, one of the auction participants paid 330 thousand dollars for a pair of white copies. Mushrooms from the genus Choiromyces are often called truffles. However, they are less valuable than the real species. Representatives of this genus can also be found in regions of Russia. This is a white truffle, which is also called Troitsky, Posadsky. It produces fruiting bodies 2–8 cm in diameter.

The skin is smooth, whitish. As it ripens, it becomes yellow-brown. This mushroom is considered a delicacy in some countries, while in others it is considered poisonous and can cause poisoning. The collection season for the white species begins at the end of August and ends in November.

Content Features

Lagotto Romagnolos are very suitable for keeping in a house or apartment. They practically do not shed and have no specific odor. Puppies, as a rule, do not cause any inconvenience while growing up, quickly learn the rules of behavior, and are not prone to damaging things or being excessively fussy. In principle, Lagotto can be kept in the courtyard of a private house. These dogs tolerate the cold well and adapt to the summer heat, but psychologically they will suffer greatly when alone, need constant company, and must be part of the family.

The Italian Water Dog is athletic, active and playful, it needs good physical exercise and will require many hours of walking from its owner. As befits water dogs, Lagottos love to swim. With the first warming and until the frosts, they jump into the water with excitement. Swimming should be an integral part of their life

In addition, it is important to provide them with good mental exercise. This can be various activities, games, a search task, anything that will help you use your keen sense of smell and innate hunting talents.

Lagotto may be difficult for people with a very calm disposition, the elderly, or those with health problems.

Care

Caring for a Lagotto Romagnolo includes: combing, washing, cutting and basic hygiene procedures. Like other dogs, their fur sheds, but the overmature hair does not fall out on the floor, but remains on the dog. With regular combing, it can be removed with a comb and does not fall off at all. Combing is also necessary to prevent tangles from forming. Bathing is indicated as needed, usually once a month. Other mandatory hygiene procedures include regular cleaning of ears, teeth and nail trimming. If a dog eats natural food, it is advisable to wash it after eating. Lagotto Romagnolo shows regular haircuts. If the wool is not cut, it becomes felt (it grows constantly).

If the lagotto is not exposed, the coat can be cut very short, literally 1-2 cm. The short coat will not get tangled, dirty or shed, which will make caring for the dog even easier. For show dogs, the hair is left long, about 4 cm. A rounded cap is formed on the head, the eyes should be clearly visible.

Italians have a special approach to grooming a water dog. They believe that, in principle, it is not necessary to comb them, but 1-2 times a year the dog needs to be cut with a clipper and then grow a new coat, which, until it reaches a certain length, does not get tangled and does not shed. In this case, the dog cannot participate in exhibitions for about 3-4 months after the haircut.

Nutrition

The dog’s appearance and health depend on the quality of the Lagotto Romagnolo’s diet, so you shouldn’t skimp on food. The owner chooses the type of feeding himself. This can be home-cooked food or industrial feed. Both options work equally well if all feeding rules are followed. Lagotto is suitable for super-premium and higher class food for medium-sized dog breeds that lead a normal or active lifestyle.

Lagotto Romagnolos rarely suffer from food allergies, but they are prone to gaining excess weight, especially if they lead a sedentary lifestyle. You need to follow a feeding schedule, provide the dog with free access to clean drinking water and monitor the total calorie content of the diet, which is often greatly increased by the presence of treats. If the owners do not start pampering their Italian, problems with nutrition usually do not arise.

Nutrition

The Lagotto dog is unpretentious in nutrition. The menu can be made from natural products or use industrial feed. From natural products, the animal is allowed to give:

• lean meats;
• fish;
• cereals boiled in water;
• soups and broths;
• vegetables.

Important! If the pet is on a natural diet, it must be regularly given vitamin-mineral complexes, since products cannot provide enough vitamins and minerals for the animal.

It is important to monitor the balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. In the dog's menu, food enriched with protein should predominate, and fats should be kept to a minimum. The source of carbohydrates are cereals and vegetables, herbs.

There should always be clean water in the bowl. It is very important to ensure that the animal consumes enough water, especially in cases where the diet consists of industrial feed.

Note! Representatives of the breed are prone to obesity, especially if the owner does not provide them with sufficient physical activity. To avoid your pet being overweight, you need to monitor your caloric intake. It is strictly forbidden to feed an animal from a human table.

Character traits

Lagotto is a sociable, friendly, peace-loving dog. He cannot stand loneliness and prefers to always be close to his owner. The Lagotto Romagnolo, despite its cheerful disposition, is a very hard-working, easily trained and active dog. It’s not for nothing that they use her in the police - Lagotto is able to completely immerse herself in work, without being distracted by anything. This dog is also great with children - peaceful and friendly. Knows how to get along with other dogs - not pugnacious and not cocky. The Lagotto treats strangers with reserve and suspicion. With apparent calm and indifference, he will always be on the alert and promptly warn the owner about unwanted actions of the guest.

However, taking into account all the above features, it should be noted that the Lagotto Romagnolo is, first of all, a hunter. Over the long decades that the dog spent with her family, she did not lose the habit of her hunting habits and inclinations, and did not forget her old responsibilities. Therefore, the Lagotto will always require a lot of time from the owner for many hours of walks, active games that develop the sense of smell, active outdoor activities, etc. This is worth remembering, since the Lagotto does not have the opportunity to fully develop its inclinations and satisfy its needs in active pursuits, one can easily become bored and melancholy, and this will very quickly lead to illness.

Owner reviews

Irina A. “We were looking for a puppy for a very long time, and in the end we brought him from France. This is a smart and affectionate dog. Loves active games with a stick and disk. He gets along well with children, but often climbs into their bed at night. We don’t know how to wean ourselves off this.”

Victor G. “My wife gave me a puppy for my birthday. It took me a long time to choose a hunting companion. I often take my dog ​​with me into nature, she quickly learned commands and listens well. His character reminds me of my spaniel.”

Description of the breed (requirements for the standard)

The breed was recognized only in 1991, despite the dogs' historical roots. A few years later it was officially approved. The appearance of the animal is harmonious, proportional, sporty. Characterized by a strong build and average height, from 42 to 48 cm, weight does not exceed 14-16 kg. Within the normal range, males are slightly larger than females.

The head is medium-sized; the hair on the muzzle forms a beard. Large round eyes. Above the eyebrows. The eye color is harmonious with the coat color: from light ocher to dark brown. The neck is muscular, without dewlap. The ears are triangular, drooping. The tail is saber-shaped, located below the back.

The limbs are strong, the paws are in a ball. Characterized by dark pads and developed membranes in the interdigital spaces. The coat of dogs is notable for its curliness and coarseness, the thickness of the hair with moderate length of strands. The curls are located throughout the body. The waterproof undercoat protects against cold and moisture.

The dog needs regular haircuts to avoid matting. The color ranges from white-red to deep brown. There are one-color and two-color representatives of the breed, with dark spots on a light background or with a contrasting mask on the face within the main color range.

brief information

• Country: Italy.
• ICF class: Group 8 - retrievers, spaniels and water dogs.
• Use: hunting and working dog, truffle search, companion.
• Color: white, dark brown, white with spots.
• Life expectancy: 15-17 years.
• Average weight: 11-16 kg.
• Height: 41-46 cm.
• Price: from 80,000 rub.

Photo: wikimedia.org

About global truffle production

Contrary to popular belief, truffles can still be cultivated. Successful attempts were already made in 1808. It was noticed that truffles grew between the roots of only some oak trees. In 1808, Joseph Talon planted acorns from the oak trees under which truffles were found. Ten years later, when the trees had grown, truffles were discovered under the roots of some of them. Thus, he realized that there is a symbiosis between truffle and oak. Joseph Talon is considered the father of modern truffle farming.

In 1847, Auguste Rousseau planted 7 hectares with such acorns and subsequently collected a large harvest of truffles, for which he received a prize at the 1855 World Exhibition in Paris.

At the end of the 19th century, 750 square kilometers were already planted with truffle groves, from which up to 1000 tons of “black culinary diamonds” were collected. However, due to the decline of agriculture in France in the 20th century, many of the truffle groves were abandoned. The average duration of fruiting for truffle oaks is about 30 years, after which the yield drops sharply. As a result, although 80% of all truffles collected in France came from special oak plantations, the annual harvest fell sharply. Local farmers opposed new oak plantations, fearing a serious drop in prices for this delicious mushroom.

Thus, the number of truffles produced is decreasing from year to year. In recent years, the harvest of these mushrooms does not exceed 50 tons. Currently, truffles are cultivated in the USA, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

At the beginning of the 21st century, China became the largest truffle producer in the world. The Chinese variety of the noble mushroom is not only cheaper, but also much inferior to the real truffle in its taste. In 2005, about 70 tons of truffles were exported from China, of which 40 tons were imported to France.

French experts claim that the taste of Chinese truffles is so different from their French counterparts that they should be considered different varieties of mushrooms altogether, but Chinese suppliers dispute this, arguing that "the aroma of Chinese truffles is indeed a little weaker, but their shape, taste and the appearance is very similar to the French counterpart, and no one is able to distinguish the mixture of these mushrooms from a real French truffle.”

French experts demand a ban on mixing European and Chinese truffles, as this ultimately greatly affects the reputation of European products for which such mixtures are passed off. These are the interesting events happening on the world market with truffles.

Description

The Lagotto Romagnolo (or Romagna lake dog, Italian water dog, truffle dog) is an ancient breed native to Northern Italy.

At first it was used to guard sailing ships, then as an assistant to a waterfowl hunter, and much later it began to harvest earth mushrooms - truffles. Nowadays, it is positioned as a skilled mushroom picker and a wonderful pet.

Peculiarities

According to one version, the Lagotto originated from the turf dog, but this hypothesis is questionable, since the ancestor of the group of hunting dogs is the ash dog, which is confirmed by scientific evidence.

Interesting fact

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an excellent swimmer and diver. Thanks to its unique dense coat, it easily dives under the ice crust for shot game without any harm to its health.

Distinctive features

Head

The head is small, trapezoidal, slightly longer than the muzzle. The skull is wide and dome-shaped. The muzzle is in the form of a blunt truncated triangle. The line of transition of the frontal part to the muzzle is implicit.

Teeth

The jaws are powerful with fully developed and strong teeth. The bite is straight or scissor.

Ears

The ears are of medium size, triangular, hanging type with rounded tips. Placed slightly above the brow line.

Eyes

The eyes are large and round. The color of the iris matches the dominant coat color, so the color range varies from light brown to dark chocolate.

Frame

The body is strong and proportional. The neck is of a dry build, strong, slightly shorter than the length of the head. The body is powerful with a straight topline and high withers. The back is flat with a slightly convex loin. Croup slightly sloping. The sternum is fully formed, narrowed in front with widening in the back. The stomach is slightly retracted.

Limbs

Legs straight, parallel. The paws are compact in size, rounded, arched with elastic pads. The fingers are tightly clenched with strong curved claws. The interdigital membranes are very well developed.

Wool

The hair forms curly strands of moderate length, extremely thick, and semi-rigid in texture. Curls cover the entire body. The undercoat is dense and water-repellent. Color ranges from white to dark chestnut, white with brown and red markings. The face often has a lighter or darker mask compared to the main color.

Interesting fact

Lagotto is able to detect truffles at a depth of 50-60 cm.

Character

The Italian Water Dog is an open, friendly and very sociable animal with a peaceful character. He is hard-working and has good learning and training abilities.

She grasps new commands after 2-3 repetitions, and the owner’s praise is more important to her than a treat. During the work process, he fully concentrates on completing the task, without being distracted by extraneous sounds and smells.

She adores and loves her owner very much, and does not tolerate separation and loneliness from him. He respects his family members, showing tender feelings towards them, communicates with pleasure, but the owner is always a priority.

He treats children affectionately, willingly participates in games and children's pranks, and can be a nanny. She is distrustful and indifferent to strangers, ready to warn her owner about danger at any time.

Aggression and cowardice are not typical for this breed, so their manifestation is considered a serious defect.

The relationship with pets is twofold. If he gets along with other dogs, then he does not always find a common language with a cat because of his hunting instinct, but if he grew up together, then usually there is no hostility.

Buying "from hand"

The advantage of this method of purchasing an animal is that it costs relatively little. At the market there are resellers called “breeders”; some sellers bring dogs whose breed and health they know nothing about. Although the price tags are lower than in dog breeding organizations, there is a risk of loss in purchasing a non-purebred or sick animal, which can be adopted for free.

To avoid becoming a victim of deception, you need to have a good understanding of the exterior of purebred animals and be able to visually recognize signs of disease. Try to find out the seller's address so you can contact him if any misunderstandings arise.

General health problems

The Lagotto is known as a healthy breed with a long lifespan. They often live to be 17 years old. However, like most breeds, they can be prone to certain hereditary diseases.

Some Lagotto Romagnolo diseases you need to know about:

• Hip dysplasia can be a problem for some individuals. Abnormal joint growth in one or both hips can lead to a degenerative problem that can range from mild to very severe. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
• Lagotto Behavior Disease (LSD) is a breed-specific condition that breeders should have checked for. It is a serious neurodegenerative disease that ultimately leads to death. Dogs suffering from this disease will exhibit a variety of neurological symptoms, which include behavioral changes, problems with coordination, and facial and eye tics.
• Benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE) occurs in very young puppies that suffer from seizures, which they usually grow out of before reaching adulthood.