The Lagotto Romagnolo Standard
What Actually Matters
The Lagotto Romagnolo was built to work. The breed standard describes more than how a Lagotto should look—it reflects the structure, coat, temperament and movement needed for a dog whose traditional work is truffle hunting.
​
The FCI revised the official Lagotto Romagnolo breed standard in 2026. Below, we've translated the most important points into plain language, with an emphasis on function rather than the show ring.
​
​
Built for the Work
A Lagotto should be a small-to-medium, strongly built, well-proportioned dog with a rustic appearance and a dense, curly, woolly coat. Nothing about the breed should look exaggerated. The overall impression should be of a sturdy, athletic dog capable of working for hours over uneven ground and through the woods.
Size & Proportion
A Lagotto is compact and nearly square in outline—strong without being heavy or exaggerated. Balance matters more than size alone. The dog should have the substance, structure and stamina to move comfortably and work over varied terrain.
Head & Expression
The head is an important part of the Lagotto's working identity. A substantial muzzle and large nose support the breed's extraordinary scenting ability. The eyes should be expressive and attentive, giving the impression of an intelligent dog engaged with its surroundings.
The Coat: Rustic, Not Sculpted
The Lagotto's dense, curly, woolly coat and undercoat are working equipment. The coat should retain a natural, rustic appearance—not be brushed out, blown straight or sculpted into an exaggerated shape.
​
An important change in the 2026 FCI standard: the furnishings on the head should not cover the eyes. A Lagotto can retain its characteristic curls while keeping the eyes visible.
Movement Matters
A working Lagotto needs to move freely and efficiently. Movement should appear balanced, energetic and effortless rather than exaggerated. Good structure allows the dog to cover ground and continue working without wasting energy.
Temperament Is Part of the Standard
A Lagotto should be intelligent, attentive and closely connected to its handler. The breed's natural gift for searching and strong sense of smell are central to its identity. A correct Lagotto is not simply a curly-coated companion—it is a working dog whose temperament should reflect its purpose.
Why the Standard Matters
Breed standards aren't only about dog shows. At their best, they preserve the characteristics that allow a breed to continue doing the work for which it was developed.
​
For the Lagotto Romagnolo, that means maintaining a functional body, an appropriate protective coat, efficient movement, a remarkable nose and the temperament to work cooperatively with a person.