5 Reasons You Should NEVER Get a Lagotto Romagnolo

Look, I love my Lagottos. I flew three of them across an ocean. But I’m going to be honest with you — this breed is not for everyone. In fact, here are five very good reasons to run the other way.

1. Say Goodbye to Your Free Time (and Your Wallet) at the Groomer

That gorgeous curly coat? It’s basically wool. Like, actual sheep wool. And wool mats. It mats if you skip a day of brushing. It mats if it rains. It mats if your dog thinks about rolling in the grass.

You’ll need to brush them several times a week — not a quick once-over, but a real session with a slicker brush, working through every curl. And then once a month, you’re at the groomer. Not optional. Not “we’ll see.” Once a month, or your dog starts looking like a felted sweater someone left in the dryer.

If the phrase “regular grooming routine” makes you break out in hives, this is not your breed.

Lagottos are vocal. A leaf blew across the yard? Bark. The mailman exists? Bark. A shadow moved in a way they didn’t approve of? You better believe that’s a bark.

They’re not aggressive — they’re alert. They take their job as household security very seriously, even though nobody asked them to. Every sound, every movement, every suspicious squirrel gets a full report. At volume.

If you live in an apartment with thin walls or neighbors who value silence, think carefully. Your Lagotto will introduce themselves to the entire building whether you want them to or not.

3. Couch Potato Owners Need Not Apply

These dogs need to move. We’re talking 60 to 90 minutes of real exercise every single day. Not a leisurely stroll around the block — real walks, hikes, fetch sessions, swimming, nose work. And that’s just the physical part. They need mental stimulation too, or they’ll create their own entertainment (see: your couch cushions).

A bored Lagotto is a destructive Lagotto. They’re not being bad — they’re being under-employed. If your idea of exercise is walking to the fridge, this relationship isn’t going to work.

4. Your Bank Account Will Feel This One

Let’s talk money. A Lagotto Romagnolo puppy from a reputable breeder runs anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 on average. Some championship lines go up to $10,000. And that’s just the entry fee.

Then add vaccinations, spay/neuter, quality food, toys they’ll destroy in eleven minutes, and that monthly grooming appointment we already talked about. Plus training classes, because trust me — you’ll want training classes.

This is not a budget dog. This is a commitment, financially and otherwise. If you’re going to do it, do it right.

5. They’re Too Smart for Their Own Good (and Yours)

Here’s the thing nobody warns you about: Lagottos are brilliant. And brilliant dogs are not easy dogs. They learn fast — which sounds great until you realize they learn the bad stuff just as quickly as the good stuff.

Leave the treat drawer open once? They’ve memorized the mechanism. Let them get away with jumping on the couch one time? That’s now their couch. Show any inconsistency in your training? They’ll find the loophole and exploit it with the precision of a corporate lawyer.

They need a job. They need consistency. They need an owner who’s one step ahead — which is exhausting because they’re already two steps ahead of you. First-time dog owners often find themselves outmatched.

So Should You Get One?

If all of this sounds like a nightmare, please don’t get a Lagotto. Seriously. There are wonderful, lower-maintenance breeds that will make you just as happy.

But if you read all five of these “warnings” and thought, that sounds amazing — well, you might just be Lagotto people. And if you are, there’s nothing else like it.

Read 5 reasons why a Lagotto might be perfect for you →