Understanding The Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian working dog originally bred for water retrieving and later celebrated for its incredible truffle-hunting ability. These curly-coated companions are affectionate, energetic, and highly trainable—but beneath the surface, many Lagotti are deeply sensitive and anxiety-prone.

Recent behavioral studies have identified the Lagotto Romagnolo as one of the breeds most affected by emotional challenges. This guide explores the breed’s history, temperament, emotional vulnerabilities, and what it takes to raise a well-adjusted, confident Lagotto.

Let’s take a closer look.

The History of Lagotto Romagnolos
- Lagotti in the Modern World
Lagotto Temperament & Personality
Is a Lagotto Romagnolo Right for You?

<p>The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian <a href="https://lolahemp.com/blogs/dog-breed-guide/working-group-dog-breeds" title="This article discusses working dog breeds in general as a group.">working dog</a> originally bred for water retrieving and later celebrated for its incredible truffle-hunting ability. These curly-coated companions are affectionate, energetic, and highly trainable—but beneath the surface, many Lagotti are deeply sensitive and anxiety-prone.</p>
<p>Recent behavioral studies have identified the Lagotto Romagnolo as one of the breeds most affected by emotional challenges. This guide explores the breed’s history, temperament, emotional vulnerabilities, and what it takes to raise a well-adjusted, confident Lagotto.</p>
<p>Let’s take a closer look.</p>
<h2>The History of Lagotto Romagnolos</h2>
<p>Originating in the Romagna region of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was first used as a waterfowl retriever in marshy areas. When wetlands dried up in the 19th century, their role shifted to something more unique: <strong>truffle hunting</strong>. Their excellent noses, compact size, and obedient nature made them ideal for sniffing out valuable fungi buried underground.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0030/7435/9366/files/Lagotto_Romagnolo.jpg?v=1748015161" alt=""></p>
<p>Today, the Lagotto is still the only dog breed specifically recognized for truffle hunting, but they’ve also gained popularity as family companions. That said, their working background—and sensitive nature—means they need more than just cuddles to thrive.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Lagotti in the Modern World</h3>
<p>Modern Lagotti are affectionate, clever, and often described as “velcro dogs.” They bond deeply with their people and tend to shadow them from room to room. But their emotional sensitivity means they require early socialization, structured routine, and plenty of reassurance to avoid nervous or reactive behaviors.</p>
<p>Without proper guidance, Lagotti may develop intense fear responses, especially to loud sounds or unfamiliar people and environments.</p>
<h2>Lagotto Temperament & Personality</h2>
<p>Lagotti are intelligent, loyal, and usually eager to please. They enjoy problem-solving and often excel at nose work, obedience, and agility. But they are also emotionally complex—and their deep bond with humans can manifest as clinginess, separation distress, or anxiety if their needs aren’t met.</p>
<p>According to a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59837-z" title="Study: Breed differences in canine anxiety">Finnish behavioral study</a>, the Lagotto Romagnolo was one of the top breeds for:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Noise sensitivity</strong>—especially fear of fireworks and thunderstorms</li>
<li>
<strong>Social fear</strong>—including wariness of unfamiliar people or dogs</li>
<li>
<strong>Anxiety-linked aggression</strong>—reactivity driven by fear rather than dominance</li>
</ul>
<p>In fact, their anxiety profile is so distinct that researchers have used the Lagotto to study the genetics of fear and phobias.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Helping Anxious Lagotti Thrive</h2>
<p>Lagotti need more than affection—they need structure, confidence-building, and thoughtful exposure to the world. To help reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Begin socialization early</strong>—introduce new people, sounds, and environments gradually and positively</li>
<li>
<strong>Practice short separations</strong> to build independence and reduce clinginess</li>
<li>
<strong>Use scent work or puzzle toys</strong> to satisfy their working-dog instincts and provide calming mental stimulation</li>
<li>
<strong>Support with calming tools</strong>—consider <a href="https://lolahemp.com/collections/dog-cbd" title="Explore calming chews and oils for anxiety-prone dogs.">CBD calming chews or oils</a> during storms or periods of stress</li>
</ul>
<p>In severe cases, working with a force-free behaviorist and a veterinarian may be necessary to manage multi-layered anxiety.</p>
<h2>Is a Lagotto Romagnolo Right for You?</h2>
<p>Lagotti are loving, intelligent, and full of potential—but they aren’t the best match for everyone. Their anxiety tendencies mean they thrive in calm, predictable households with confident owners who can gently guide them through new experiences.</p>
<p>If you can offer time, patience, and emotional structure, the Lagotto Romagnolo will reward you with deep loyalty, joyful energy, and a nose that never quits.</p>

The History of Lagotto Romagnolos

Originating in the Romagna region of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo was first used as a waterfowl retriever in marshy areas. When wetlands dried up in the 19th century, their role shifted to something more unique: truffle hunting. Their excellent noses, compact size, and obedient nature made them ideal for sniffing out valuable fungi buried underground.

Today, the Lagotto is still the only dog breed specifically recognized for truffle hunting, but they’ve also gained popularity as family companions. That said, their working background—and sensitive nature—means they need more than just cuddles to thrive.

Lagotti in the Modern World

Modern Lagotti are affectionate, clever, and often described as “velcro dogs.” They bond deeply with their people and tend to shadow them from room to room. But their emotional sensitivity means they require early socialization, structured routine, and plenty of reassurance to avoid nervous or reactive behaviors.

Without proper guidance, Lagotti may develop intense fear responses, especially to loud sounds or unfamiliar people and environments.

Lagotto Temperament & Personality

Lagotti are intelligent, loyal, and usually eager to please. They enjoy problem-solving and often excel at nose work, obedience, and agility. But they are also emotionally complex—and their deep bond with humans can manifest as clinginess, separation distress, or anxiety if their needs aren’t met.

According to a Finnish behavioral study, the Lagotto Romagnolo was one of the top breeds for:

Noise sensitivity—especially fear of fireworks and thunderstorms
Social fear—including wariness of unfamiliar people or dogs
Anxiety-linked aggression—reactivity driven by fear rather than dominance

In fact, their anxiety profile is so distinct that researchers have used the Lagotto to study the genetics of fear and phobias.

Helping Anxious Lagotti Thrive

Lagotti need more than affection—they need structure, confidence-building, and thoughtful exposure to the world. To help reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience:

Begin socialization early—introduce new people, sounds, and environments gradually and positively
Practice short separations to build independence and reduce clinginess
Use scent work or puzzle toys to satisfy their working-dog instincts and provide calming mental stimulation
Support with calming tools—consider CBD calming chews or oils during storms or periods of stress

In severe cases, working with a force-free behaviorist and a veterinarian may be necessary to manage multi-layered anxiety.

Is a Lagotto Romagnolo Right for You?

Lagotti are loving, intelligent, and full of potential—but they aren’t the best match for everyone. Their anxiety tendencies mean they thrive in calm, predictable households with confident owners who can gently guide them through new experiences.

If you can offer time, patience, and emotional structure, the Lagotto Romagnolo will reward you with deep loyalty, joyful energy, and a nose that never quits.