Love, Laughter, and Licks!
PORTUGUESE WATER DOGS LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO
The Portuguese Water Dog is a loyal, attentive, affectionate, energetic and intelligent family member that thrives on human attention. They bond readily and are alert and protective rather than aggressive. The PWD is not successful as a kennel dog. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. They tend to mature slowly and remain active well into their senior years.
PWDs are multi-talented! They can retrieve, track, participate in agility, excel in obedience and most of all – they love to swim. While they each have their own unique personality, they have several things in common. They are enthusiastic workers, well muscled, extremely smart and loyal. They are known as the “clown of the dog breeds” and they certainly live up to that title.
PWDs require (or should we say demand?) plenty of human companionship. They are great family dogs and get along well with adults and older children. They need lots of exercise and a lack of it will cause them to “find other things to do”. From counter surfing (paws on counter – nose looking for food) to jumping high in the air, our dogs keep us entertained.
The first Portuguese Water Dog was imported from Portugal to the United States on September 18th,1968. In the early 70's there were only 25 known Portuguese Water Dogs in the world. On August13,1972, the Portuguese Water Dog Club Of America was organized. Thanks to those dedicated breeders, the breed is no longer in danger of extinction and many thousands live in the United States and around the world. In 1984, they became eligible to compete in the AKC Working Group.
The PWD originally helped Portuguese fishermen by herding fish into the nets, grabbing those that leaped out, carrying messages between the ships, retrieving things that fell overboard and guarding the catch and boats. They were little known outside Portugal until the 20th century although the breed is more than seven hundred years old. Since they were bred for water work, they are excellent swimmers.13,1972, the Portuguese Water Dog Club Of America was organized. Thanks to those dedicated breeders, the breed is no longer in danger of extinction and many thousands live in the United States and around the world. In 1984, they became eligible to compete in the AKC Working Group.
Males are 20 to 23 inches and weigh between 42 and 60 pounds. Females are 17 to 21 inches and weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. Colors include black, white, brown or a combination of black or brown and white.
They have substantial bone and are well muscled. Their coat, which can be wavy or curly, has little or no shedding and has no undercoat. They are great for homes with allergies. It is thick and weather resistant. The coat can be clipped in either a Retriever Clip or a Lion Clip.
At Diamante Kennels we do all the testing recommended by the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. They include Hips, Eyes, Storage Disease and others.
With their signature wooly coat, bushy beard and pronounced eyebrows, the Lagotto Romagnolo breed (Lagotti for more than one) is a distinctive-looking medium-sized dog with a powerful build. Their carrot-shaped tails wags will playing or cuddling.
Their coloring varies from brown and white, to white and orange to brown - that may fade as they age - or may remain the same color throughout their life.
What is life like when you are living with a Lagotto Romagnolo? They are spirited and have a high energy level. They need to be socialized from a young age, but when this is done, they get along with everyone - other dogs, kids and adults.
This Italian breed is known as a focused truffle hunter and an avid swimmer, Lagotti aren’t typically excessive barkers but they will let you know when the mail arrives or when someone’s at the door, or when a bird flies buy - so prepare your guests for a noisy welcome.
This sensitive dog breed will be very in-tune with their beloved pet parents’ feelings. They are people pleasers so love and cuddle them and give them lots of praise. You’ll always have company, because this breed is a “velcro dog” type who’ll be stuck to your side day and night.