Lagotto Romagnolo Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Lagotto Puppy Prep: DNA Tests, Insurance, and Groomer

Before your Lagotto Romagnolo puppy arrives, three things require action: confirming Lagotto Storage Disease DNA test documentation from both parents, enrolling in pet insurance before the first vet visit, and identifying a groomer experienced with curly-coated dogs. All three are more difficult to address after the puppy is home.

Health Documentation to Confirm Before Purchase

• Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) DNA test — both parents must be clear; this eliminates the risk of a fatal neurological condition specific to this breed
• OFA hip certification for both parents
• Eye health exam for both parents

Essential Gear Checklist

• Medium crate (30–36 inch with divider for growth)
• Dog bed
• Stainless steel bowls
• Flat collar + ID tag (engrave immediately on arrival)
• Harness for walks
• 4–6 ft leash
• Slicker brush and wide-tooth metal comb — grooming begins week one
• Dematting comb or spray detangler
• Veterinary ear cleaning solution and cotton balls
• High-value training treats
• Scent enrichment toys: snuffle mats, Kong-style toys with food, hide-and-seek games
• Durable chew toys
• Enzymatic cleaner

First Week Priorities

First Vet Visit, Insurance, and Grooming Introduction

Insurance Before the First Vet Visit

Enroll in pet insurance on arrival day, before the puppy's first veterinary appointment. The LSD DNA test means your puppy cannot be affected by that specific condition — but insurance covers everything else: orthopedic issues, unexpected illness, eye conditions, and the benign juvenile epilepsy some Lagotto puppies experience. Enroll first, then attend the first vet visit.

First Vet Visit (Within 48–72 Hours)

• Full physical exam
• Vaccine schedule verification and continuation
• Parasite prevention discussion
• If the puppy experienced any seizures before arrival, report this to the vet immediately — benign juvenile epilepsy is known in this breed but requires evaluation
• Ear exam and ear care demonstration if needed
• Microchip if not done by breeder

Finding a Groomer Before You Need One

Identify a groomer experienced with curly-coated breeds before the puppy needs its first trim at 10–14 weeks. Ask whether they have experience with Lagottos, Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, or similar coat types. A brief familiarization visit to the groomer before the first real appointment — puppy sits on the table, gets treats, hears the dryer from a distance — reduces stress at the first grooming session significantly.

Starting the Grooming Routine

Begin weekly brushing and ear cleaning from the first week. The puppy's coat doesn't require much work yet — the point is building handling tolerance. A Lagotto that grows up with weekly handling of its ears, paws, and coat becomes an easy-to-groom adult. Skip this early conditioning and the adult dog may resist grooming actively, which is a problem that compounds over time.

Nose Work and Mental Enrichment

Channeling the Lagotto's Working Nose

The Scent Drive — Use It from Day One

The Lagotto Romagnolo was developed as a truffle-hunting dog — its nose and scent drive are exceptional. This drive needs an outlet from puppyhood. Channeling it constructively produces a mentally satisfied, manageable dog. Ignoring it produces a dog that invents its own scent projects in your garden or home.

Simple scent games for puppies: hide treats in a snuffle mat, hide kibble under cups, scatter feed in the grass. As the puppy develops, formal nose work classes (available through dog sport organizations) provide structured scent training that exercises the mind thoroughly in short sessions. A Lagotto that gets 15–20 minutes of nose work is significantly more settled than one that had the same time of physical exercise.

Socialization Window: 8–16 Weeks

Lagottos are generally friendly but benefit from broad socialization during the critical window. Prioritize:

• Varied people and environments — different ages, appearances, sounds, surfaces
• Controlled dog interactions in puppy classes
• Grooming handling: ears, paws, face — especially critical for this breed's maintenance requirements
• Novel environments: the breed's working background makes them adaptable, but varied early exposure reinforces this

Training Approach

Lagottos are intelligent and food-motivated, which makes training straightforward with the right approach. They are also independent thinkers with working dog instincts — they respond to training that engages their brain, not just rote repetition. Use positive reinforcement, keep sessions short and varied, and incorporate nose work and problem-solving activities alongside basic obedience. A bored Lagotto finds its own entertainment; a mentally engaged one is a pleasure to live with.