Lagotto Romagnolo Grooming

Lagotto Romagnolos have curly coats that are considered their signature; as such, their coats require some close care. Details about Lagotto coat care are described below.

In addition to their coats, these dogs need their teeth brushed weekly with canine toothpaste (available at any pet store), their ears checked/cleaned monthly, and their nails trimmed every couple of months.

A Lagotto's most distinctive feature, many believe, is its curly coat; Lagotto Romagnolo grooming, therefore, is a necessary (and often time-consuming) task. The coat needs brushing with a large, soft comb at least once per week to avoid matting. Many Lagotto owners also use clippers with a long guard several times a year to maintain length; once a year, these dogs need a thorough clipping/haircut to keep their fur healthy and to reduce tangles and mats. This annual clipping is probably best done at a professional groomer, because some of the closer hair tends to snag on the clippers, and that hair may need scissoring instead. The good news is that this breed sheds very little, and thus won't need extra attention during shedding season.

Baths should be given monthly to keep a Lagotto's coat clean, healthy, and curly.

These dogs' signature thick, curly coats make a variety of Lagotto Romagnolo haircuts possible. Depending on the style, your Lagotto will need a touch-up trim every couple of months.

Some popular Lagotto haircut styles:

• Puppy Cut: A low-maintenance style that reduces tangling. The entire coat is clipped short (to about two inches). Some people like to leave the hair on the legs, face, and head a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Show Cut: Leaves most of the coat's length, but requires some precision. The coat is scissor-trimmed by only a half-inch or so, and is often thinned out with thinning shears; the hair in the face and head is rounded and even. Requires a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face, and head is left longer, and is carefully sculpted and rounded to make the dog resemble an adorable stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• Town and Country Cut: A sophisticated style. The hair on the body is clipped short, but the hair on the legs is left longer and sculpted into cylindrical patterns; the hair on the face, head, and tail is rounded and teased out. Definitely require's a groomer's skill.