The Lagotto Romagnolo

The name of this breed may sound like an Italian film star, and indeed the Lagotto originated in Italy where it served as a water retriever and hunter. The coat of the Lagotto is thick, curly and woolly and is considered hypoallergenic. Now this is a dog who’d make a great bed warmer or pooch to snuggle with. What’s most interesting about this breed, aside from the romantic name, is the fact that is it the only purebred dog in the world selected to search for truffles, those incredibly expensive, aromatic and edible fungi. As truffle lovers know, pigs have long been the chosen truffle hunters so it’s interesting to learn that a breed of dog will be putting its extraordinary scenting abilities to such good use ( that is, if you like truffles). The Lagotto, aside from being a great truffle sniffer, is an excellent companion dog. These dogs are highly intelligent and eager to learn, but they do require a great amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Don’t allow this breed to get bored because the dogs will become destructive and dig. After all, that is how they snoop out those prized truffles.