Lagotto Romagnolo Grooming Guide
The Lagotto Coat
Understanding the Lagotto Romagnolo's Curly Coat
The Lagotto Romagnolo has a dense, curly, double coat that is one of its most distinctive features. The curls are tight and woolly in texture — similar in concept to a Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog coat, but with a somewhat rougher texture. The coat is low-shedding, which is appealing, but this comes with a maintenance requirement: without regular attention, the curls mat against the skin rather than shedding out. A matted Lagotto coat is uncomfortable for the dog and requires significant work (or shaving down) to resolve.
The practical maintenance plan is regular professional trimming every 8–10 weeks, weekly home brushing between appointments, and consistent ear cleaning. This is not a dog for owners who expect minimal coat care because of the low shedding — the trade-off for low shed is higher maintenance.
Grooming Tools You'll Need
- Slicker brush — for regular home brushing
- Wide-tooth metal comb — essential for checking for hidden mats in curly coats
- Dematting comb — for working through minor tangles before they become full mats
- Ear cleaning solution (veterinary-approved) and cotton balls
- Dog-safe shampoo formulated for curly or woolly coats
- Nail clippers or grinder
Shedding Reality
The Lagotto sheds minimally — loose hair tends to stay in the coat rather than falling out. This is why regular grooming is essential: without brushing and professional trimming, the retained hair mats into the existing curls. For allergy sufferers, the low-shed coat may cause fewer reactions, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Regular Routine
Weekly and Monthly Grooming Routine
Weekly Home Maintenance
- Brush through the entire coat with a slicker brush to prevent mat formation
- Follow with a wide-tooth metal comb through the entire coat, especially behind the ears, under the armpits, and in the leg area — these are the highest-mat-risk areas
- Clean both ears — floppy ears over a curly coat create a moisture trap; weekly cleaning is non-optional
- Check paw pads and between the toes — the curly coat around the paws can trap debris and develop interdigital issues
- Check the face around the eyes for discharge accumulation in the curls
Professional Trimming (Every 8–10 Weeks)
Professional trimming keeps the coat at a manageable length and prevents the full-coat matting that occurs when curls grow unchecked. The typical Lagotto trim maintains a uniform length over the body, shortens the face and ear fringe, and tidies the feet. The coat is not clipped to bare skin — the goal is a maintained curly coat, not a shaved dog.
Find a groomer experienced with curly-coated dogs. The Lagotto coat behaves differently from smooth or silky coats, and groomers without curly coat experience may not know how to manage it correctly. Portuguese Water Dog, Poodle, and Lagotto experience all transfer well.
Bathing
Bathe every 4–6 weeks or when the dog is dirty. Use a shampoo formulated for curly or woolly coats. Rinse thoroughly — residue left in the curls causes skin irritation. After bathing, towel dry and allow the coat to air dry fully before the dog is confined to a closed space; dampness trapped against the skin can cause hot spots.
Ear and Face Care
Ear Cleaning and Face Care for Lagottos
The Lagotto's floppy ears combined with the curly coat around the ear opening create a moisture retention problem. Weekly ear cleaning is essential. Apply veterinary ear cleaning solution, massage the ear base, let the dog shake, then wipe visible debris with cotton balls. At every professional grooming session, ensure the groomer trims any hair at the ear canal opening to maintain airflow.
Face and Eye Area
Curly coats around the face can accumulate discharge in the corners of the eyes. Wipe the eye area with a damp cloth during weekly maintenance. Staining (brown or reddish discoloration) around the eyes is normal and primarily cosmetic — it reflects tear chemistry, not a health problem in most cases. If the staining is accompanied by discharge, cloudiness, or the dog pawing at its eyes, consult a veterinarian.
Post-Truffle-Hunting Coat Check
Lagottos used for truffle hunting work in field, forest, and undergrowth conditions. After any outdoor working session, check the coat thoroughly for burrs, plant material, and debris embedded in the curls. Remove these before they work deeper into the coat and contact the skin. A metal comb run through the entire coat after field work takes 5 minutes and prevents the matting and skin irritation that debris causes when left in place.
Related Reading
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a Lagotto Romagnolo need professional grooming? +
Every 8–10 weeks. Without professional trimming, the curly coat grows continuously and mats against the skin. Many owners find 8 weeks the right interval — long enough to minimize cost, short enough that the coat stays manageable between appointments. Letting the schedule slip to 12+ weeks results in more work at each appointment and higher session costs.
Can I groom a Lagotto at home without professional help? +
Some owners learn to manage the coat entirely at home with clippers and practice. The learning curve is real — curly coats require specific technique to cut evenly and avoid clipper lines. If you're willing to invest in clippers and training, home grooming is achievable. Most owners find a combination works best: weekly home brushing and combing, with professional trims every 8–10 weeks for the actual cut.
My Lagotto's curls are getting matted even with regular brushing. What am I missing? +
Check whether you're getting down to the skin with the brush. Curly coats can look brushed on the surface while mats form underneath. Use a metal comb after brushing and work it through the entire coat to the skin. If the comb catches anywhere, work those areas with the slicker brush before finishing with the comb. Behind the ears and under the armpits are the most common missed areas. If mats are already present, a dematting comb or spray detangler can help, but significant mats often require a groomer to resolve safely.
