The Lagotto Romagnolo now family companion, known as the “truffle hunting dog,” has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the marshlands of Italy. This breed, originally prized for its ability to find wild ducks, is now known as an indispensable companion in the search for truffles, as well as an outstanding family dog.
Breed History
The Lagotto Romagnolo, which translates to “lake dog from Romagna,” originates from the marshlands of the Po River delta in the eastern part of the Romagna region in Italy. These dogs were invaluable assistants to hunters, specialized in finding and retrieving wild ducks. Their waterproof coat and exceptional swimming ability made them ideal for working in wetlands.
However, by the end of the 19th century, changes in the ecosystem and the draining of marshlands led to a change in the role of the Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. As ducks became increasingly rare, they led to the transformation of this breed’s role, directing them to a new task – the search for truffles. Thanks to their extraordinary sense of smell and unparalleled dedication to their owner, the Lagotto Romagnolo became invaluable in this delicate search for precious underground fungi, remaining focused even when other breeds might be distracted by the scent of game.
Breed Development
Over the years, Lagotto Romagnolo dogs have become known for their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to adapt to different living conditions. Their popularity grew, and the breed was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) in 1993, and later by the International Canine Federation (FCI) in 1995. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed only in 2015.
Genetic Diseases and the Importance of Testing
Lagotto Romagnolo dogs are generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain genetic diseases such as juvenile epilepsy, lysosomal storage disease, and hyperuricosuria. Therefore, testing is of utmost importance to ensure that diseases are not passed on to offspring. Also, screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as patella issues, are key to preserving the health and well-being of dogs.
Lagotto Romagnolo as a Family Dog
Today, the Lagotto Romagnolo is not just a truffle dog but is also valued as a family dog, real family companion. Their friendly nature and ability to bond with people make them ideal pets. They are especially patient and tolerant with children, making them a perfect addition to any family.
The History of Lagotto Romagnolo at Ideal Dale Kennel
Ideal Dale Kennel, recognized as one of the pioneers in breeding Lagotto Romagnolo dogs in the Balkans, embarked on its journey in 2009. At that time, when truffles were almost unknown in Serbia, and the Lagotto breed was yet to gain wider popularity, Ideal Dale imported some of the first Lagottos into the country, in collaboration with the then-few truffle hunters. It is certainly worth mentioning names such as Dragan Kozomora – Ringo, a pioneer in truffle hunting, a man who dedicated his life to the love of the forest, and two men who, unfortunately, are no longer with us, Miroslav Nikolić and Predrag Jeličić – Peđa… Ideal Dale (Goran Karanović and Biljana Bjekić) focused with vision and dedication on breeding healthy individuals, becoming the first to start sending blood samples for analysis of genetically inherited diseases, at that time even to Germany, due to the lack of appropriate laboratories in Serbia. With the development of laboratories in Hungary, the process became easier, and today, fortunately, there are laboratories in Serbia that can perform these analyses. Goran and Biljana from Ideal Dale Kennel, through their visits to America and communication with the leaders of the American Kennel Club (AKC), played a significant role as initiators in the process of recognizing the Lagotto Romagnolo as an official breed within the AKC. Their passion and dedication to the breed contributed to raising awareness and recognition of the Lagotto at an international level.
Breed Promotion and Show Success
Ideal Dale was also among the first to begin promoting the Lagotto Romagnolo breed at dog shows, contributing to raising awareness of this wonderful breed. Their famous “Ideal-F” litter from 2012 is particularly significant, where 7 out of 8 puppies became champions of different European countries, confirming the quality and dedication of the kennel in breeding top individuals of the Lagotto Romagnolo breed. This litter has definitely entered the legend of the breed in our region, and the mother of this litter, Kan Trace Tesa (later nicknamed Ideal Tesa by Ringo), is well known to everyone who follows the bloodlines of the Lagotto Romagnolo.
