The Lagotto Romagnolo: Italy’s Ancient Truffle Hunting Treasure

Few breeds carry a legacy as rich and deeply rooted in Italian history as the Lagotto Romagnolo. At Golden Truffle Lagotto, we are more than just breeders. We are passionate caretakers of a lineage that traces back through centuries. Our mission is to honor and preserve the traits that have made the Lagotto a trusted partner in the fields and forests of Italy for generations.

A Breed Born of Italian Marshlands

Ancient Origins in Romagna

The story of the Lagotto begins in the vast marshlands and lagoons of northeastern Italy, in a region known as Romagna. Its name comes from the Italian word for lake, “lago,” which hints at its early role as a water dog. These dogs once retrieved waterfowl from the chilly waters of places like Comacchio and Ravenna, working closely with hunters in a challenging environment.

Renaissance Roots

Evidence of the Lagotto’s early presence appears in Renaissance art. A small curly coated dog, almost identical to today’s Lagotto, can be seen in a fresco painted by Andrea Mantegna in the Camera degli Sposi at the Ducal Palace of Mantova. The painting, created between 1465 and 1474, offers a glimpse into how long this breed has been part of Italian life.

 The Transformation to Truffle Hunter

When the Marshlands Disappeared

As agriculture expanded in the 1800s and much of the Romagna marshland was drained, the Lagotto lost its original job. But all was not lost. Local truffle hunters discovered that the breed’s strong nose and instinct to dig made it incredibly well suited for a new task.

Birth of the Truffle Dog

The transition came naturally. The Lagotto’s dense, water resistant coat protected it in all types of weather. Its sharp mind made training easy, especially for tasks that required focus and scent tracking. Unlike traditional hunting dogs, the Lagotto had no interest in chasing game. That made it perfect for one job: finding truffles hidden beneath the forest floor.

Near Extinction and Remarkable Revival

The 1970s Crisis

By the 1970s, the breed was nearly gone. Crossbreeding had diluted its purity, and fewer people needed truffle dogs or water retrievers. With only a small number of true Lagottos left, the breed’s survival was in doubt.

The Passionate Revival

A group of determined Italian breeders refused to let the Lagotto disappear. They dug into historical records, tracked down the remaining pure examples, and started breeding programs focused on restoring the original traits. Thanks to their efforts, the breed began to bounce back.

The Role of Truffle Hunters

Oddly enough, it was the rising value of truffles that helped save the Lagotto. As truffles became a luxury item in high end cuisine, hunters realized how essential these dogs were. Their ability to find delicate truffles without damaging them turned out to be irreplaceable. Truffle hunters became the breed’s strongest allies, playing a major role in its revival.

 Official Recognition and Modern Status

International Recognition Timeline

In 1988, the Club Italiano Lagotto was founded. A few years later in 1993, the Italian Kennel Club gave the breed official recognition. That recognition spread beyond Italy in 1995 when the international canine organization FCI acknowledged the breed. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom followed in 2001, and finally, the American Kennel Club welcomed the Lagotto Romagnolo in 2015.

The Only Purebred Truffle Dog

Today, the Lagotto Romagnolo holds a special place in the canine world. It is the only purebred dog officially recognized for truffle hunting. While other animals can be trained for this task, only the Lagotto has been bred for generations with this one purpose in mind.

The Modern Lagotto Romagnolo

Preserving Working Heritage

Modern breeders are careful to keep the breed’s original qualities intact. The sharp sense of smell, the natural digging behavior, the calm focus, and the soft mouth are all key traits that remain essential. These qualities make the Lagotto not just a show dog but a working partner.

Beyond Truffle Hunting

Lagottos today are more than just working dogs. While many still sniff out truffles in Italy, France, and even the United States, others serve as loving family pets, therapy animals, and scent detection dogs. Their medium size and non shedding coat make them a good fit for many homes.

A Growing International Following

Fifty years ago, the breed was nearly lost. Now, Lagottos are appreciated worldwide. Specialized truffle training schools continue to teach these dogs, while families treasure them for their affectionate nature and sharp minds. Though still relatively rare, the breed is growing steadily in numbers and recognition.

Our Role at Golden Truffle Lagotto

At Golden Truffle Lagotto, we are proud to be part of this breed’s story. Each puppy we raise carries the best traits of its ancestors. From the sharp nose to the gentle nature, our dogs are raised with care and purpose.

We are committed not just to preserving the look of the Lagotto, but to protecting the essence of what makes this breed unique. When you welcome one of our puppies into your home, you are becoming part of a living legacy that stretches from Renaissance Italy to kitchens and forests around the world.