Our Story

How It All Began

Our journey with the Lagotto Romagnolo began during a trip to Italy’s truffle region, a journey Donald and Elisabeth Meyer took together years ago. Watching these curly coated dogs work beside truffle hunters in the forests of Piedmont, we saw something neither of us had words for at the time. The bond between human and dog, the quiet focus of the search, the ancient rhythm of it all captured us both completely.

Elisabeth was the heart of Golden Truffle Lagotto. Her warmth, her instinct for matching the right puppy to the right family, and her uncompromising care for every dog in our program shaped everything this kennel stands for. When she passed after a courageous battle with cancer, she left behind not just a breeding program, but a living legacy. In every puppy we raise, every family we welcome, every Lagotto that carries the Italian heritage she fell in love with in those Piedmont forests.

Donald continues that work today, with the same standards, the same dedication, and the same belief that the Lagotto Romagnolo deserves nothing less than the best. Golden Truffle Lagotto is, and will always remain, a tribute to what Elisabeth built.

When we welcomed our first Lagotto into our lives, everything changed. Their intelligence, affection, and heritage drew us in completely, and we knew this was our calling.

Our Mission and Values

At Golden Truffle Lagotto, we believe in breeding with purpose. Every litter is thoughtfully planned to preserve and strengthen the qualities that make this breed unique: their keen scenting ability, hypoallergenic coat, gentle temperament, and versatile intelligence.

We also strive to educate future owners about this rare breed, ensuring each puppy is placed in a home that understands and values its unique needs and abilities.

Uncompromising Health and Quality

Health Testing Standards

Quality and health are at the center of everything we do. We work exclusively with purebred Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, carefully selecting breeding pairs that show:

• Excellent temperament and trainability
• Strong health and genetic soundness
• Natural working instincts and scenting ability
• Correct conformation to breed standards

Comprehensive Health Protocols

All of our adult dogs go through extensive genetic testing to confirm they are free from hereditary conditions that affect the breed, including:

• Hip dysplasia evaluation
• Eye examinations (CERF certified)
• DNA testing for breed specific conditions
• Neurological screening

Every puppy also receives:

• Full veterinary health checks by licensed veterinarians
• Current vaccinations following AAHA guidelines
• Regular deworming treatments
• Microchipping for permanent identification
• Complete health documentation

We proudly stand behind every puppy we raise, ensuring they grow into dogs that are healthy, confident, and well adjusted.

Raised with Love, Trained for Excellence

Our Puppy Raising Philosophy

From the moment they are born, our puppies are surrounded by care, attention, and enrichment. We believe that early socialization and positive exposure are essential for raising confident and happy dogs.

Our Lagotto puppies grow up:

• In our home, surrounded by family life
• Interacting with adults and children
• Meeting other dogs and appropriate pets
• Exploring different textures, surfaces, and environments
• Playing in water to develop natural swimming instincts
• Experiencing early scent work games and truffle training basics

Early Training Foundation

Before leaving for their new families, our puppies are gently introduced to:

• Grooming and handling
• Crate training basics
• House training concepts
• Name recognition and simple obedience commands
• Truffle scent introduction for those interested in training further

This foundation creates puppies that are adaptable, responsive, and ready to become loving family companions, skilled truffle hunters, or even therapy dogs.

Ethical and Responsible Breeding

Our Breeding Philosophy

Breeding is a serious responsibility, and we approach it with respect and dedication. At Golden Truffle Lagotto, we:

• Breed only dogs that meet the highest health, temperament, and breed standards
• Limit the number of litters per year to ensure each puppy receives full attention and care
• Match breeding pairs carefully to strengthen the breed’s best traits
• Prioritize the well being of every dog over all else
• Preserve authentic Italian bloodlines and traditional characteristics

Preserving the Truffle Hunting Heritage

While many of our puppies become cherished family members, we remain passionate about the Lagotto’s truffle hunting roots. We provide resources, guidance, and connections for owners who want to explore this fascinating tradition.

We also collaborate with truffle farms and professional trainers to help keep this unique working heritage alive across the United States.

 Your Perfect Lagotto Awaits

Finding Your Match

Choosing a Lagotto Romagnolo is a joyful and meaningful experience. Whether you are an experienced owner or learning about this breed for the first time, we are here to guide you.

We take time to understand each family’s lifestyle and goals, helping match them with the ideal puppy. Our mission is to ensure every Lagotto we raise ends up in a home where they will flourish.

Lifelong Support

When you bring home a Golden Truffle puppy, the relationship doesn’t end at the door. We stay involved because we genuinely care about how each dog develops, and because the families who raise our puppies well are the best proof of what this program stands for. Our support does not end when you take your puppy home.

We provide:

• Detailed care and grooming instructions
• Training advice and recommendations
• Nutritional guidance tailored to the breed
• Truffle training information for interested families
• Ongoing communication and support throughout your dog’s life

From your very first message to years later, we are always here to help and celebrate your journey together.

Our Facility and Environment

Our facility reflects the same care and standards we uphold in our breeding program. Puppies are raised in a clean, safe, and stimulating environment designed to support healthy development.

They enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces, structured socialization activities, and early exposure to scent work areas. Above all, they grow up surrounded by family, learning from the start what it means to be loved and part of a home.