The Lagotto Romagnolo is a breed of dog that comes from the Romagna sub-region of Italy. The name means "lake dog from Romagna" coming from the Italian word lago, lake. Its traditional function is a gundog, specifically a water retriever. However, it is often used to hunt for truffles.
History
The Lagotto is an ancient breed of water retriever from the lowlands of Comacchio and marshlands of Ravenna, Italy. All modern water retrieving dog breeds are believed to have descended in part from the Lagotto Ramagnolo. Andrea Mantegna in the 1474 work titled "The Meeting" depicts a small dog in the lower left corner that is the perfect image of today's Lagotto.
Health
Lagotto live roughly 16 years. Some health issues are, but only with poor breeding:
- Hip dysplasia choose your Breeder- this is only a condition of poor breeding, be sure your Breeder has GD Hip Lineage.
- Benign Juvenile Epilepsy Choose your Breeder - be sure your Breeder, breeds JE clear.
- Cerebral Anomaly. (Could be the same as BJE above) Good Breeders breed clear.
Lagotto puppies have been crucial in research into epilepsy. In July 2011, researchers in Finland reported the discovery of a mutation in a gene called Lgi2 that may be a new candidate gene for human benign childhood epilepsy. Lgi2 is the first gene that can be linked directly to the remission that sufferers experience after the age of ten. Lagotto breeders are now using a genetic test to screen for this mutation.
Through thousands of years of adaptation and survival in the Romagnolo Mountains of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo Breed of Dog has survived by eliminating health issues by natural selection. The onus is now on Breeders to ensure this pure ancient breed retains these naturally surviving good health standards. Globally, Lagotto Romagnolo has begun its revival as a pure, ancient, gentle, non-shedding waterdog.
