The Lagotto Romagnolo is a healthy and robust dog with a life expectancy of 15 to 17 years. As with any breed of dog, some health concerns exist. It is important for fanciers of this breed to educate themselves as to these conditions and talk to your breeder about them and the tests they have done. Below is an overview of the tests currently available. More details can be found in the Health Testing section.
Breeders within the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America and listed on this website agree to follow a Code of Ethics regarding breeding practices. If looking for a puppy or adult dog, it is recommended that you ask the breeder to share this information with you.
Of the conditions that have been found to be genetic in nature and where testing is required; the first is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia has been found in several lines, and testing for hips of any breeding dogs is a requirement. Only dogs rated within a certain range should be allowed to breed. Tests are done using the Orthopedic Foundations for Animals guidelines for Veterinarians, or using PennHip.
DNA testing screens for several conditions and many in a general DNA panel are not specific to the Lagotti. Below is information of those most concerning diseases found in DNA testing.
- Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) appears in the affected puppy at just a few weeks of age and can present as seizures in puppies, but generally resolves once the puppy is about 13-15 weeks of age. Dogs that test as “carriers” are not affected by this condition, and can even be used in breeding, provided they are bred to a dog that tests as “clear.”
- Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) is a severe and ultimately fatal neuro-degenerative disease. Affected dogs will have an uncoordinated, staggering gait, and may also exhibit involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) and behavioral changes, such as aggression. The onset of symptoms has varied from 4 months to 4 years. Dogs tested as affected should not be bred, but those that are carriers can still be used, as long as they are bred to a dog that is tested as “clear”.
A gene has been found in some breeding lines causing an “incorrect coat”, where the hair may wave, but does not curl. While these dogs look nothing like the classic Lagotto, this is not a health concern and simply means that the coat will not be normal for the Lagotti. This is also found in the DNA tests and listed as “furnishings” meaning that if the dog is listed as “has furnishings” in the coat/hair section, it is normal for Lagotti.
The eyes of any breeding Lagotto must also be evaluated by a Board certified Ophthalmologist on an annual basis while the dog remains in a breeding program.
Luxation of the patella (knee joint) is done by a Veterinarian through manual manipulation of the knee, and graded. If there is laxity in the knee, it is graded as very mild (Grade 1) up to severe (Grade 4).
Another structural test that breeders may have done to their dogs is Elbow dysplasia. This is usually performed at the same time as the hip x-ray.
Breeders and the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America continually monitor breeding lines for any health concerns that could diminish the health of the Lagotto. Maintaining the health of the breed and quality of life for the Lagotto is a main concern. Our commitment to the breed is to keep updated information on this site and provide additional resources as they become available.
