Lagotto Romagnolo vs Spanish Water Dog: Best for Active Families

The Lagotto Romagnolo and Spanish Water Dog have unique histories tied to their countries of origin. Lagotto Romagnolo dogs come from Italy. On the other hand, Spanish Water Dogs, also called Perro de Agua, hail from Spain. Both breeds fall under the water dog category. This means they have waterproof coats and webbed feet for swimming.

Let’s explore more similarities and differences between these two fantastic dog breeds.

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Physical Characteristics

The Lagotto Romagnolo and Spanish Water Dog have distinct physical traits. These differences can help you choose the best fit for your family.

Size and Weight

• Lagotto Romagnolos are medium-sized dogs. Males stand 17-19 inches tall and weigh 28-35 pounds. Females are slightly smaller at 16-18 inches and 24-31 pounds.
• Spanish Water Dogs are a bit larger. Males reach 17-20 inches in height and weigh 40-49 pounds. Females measure 16-18 inches and weigh 31-40 pounds.
• Both breeds are sturdy and well-muscled. Their compact size makes them suitable for various living spaces.

Coat Type and Colors

• Lagotto Romagnolos have thick, curly coats that feel woolly. Their fur is water-resistant and doesn’t shed much. Common colors include off-white, brown, orange, and roan.
• Spanish Water Dogs also have curly coats. Their fur is dense and can form cords if not groomed. Colors range from solid black, brown, or white to beige with white markings.
• Both breeds need regular grooming to prevent matting. Their coats make them good choices for people with mild allergies.

Appearance Distinctions

• Lagotto Romagnolos have round heads with hanging ears. Their eyes are large and expressive. Their bodies are square-shaped with strong legs.
• Spanish Water Dogs have longer muzzles and almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are set high and hang down. They have a more athletic build with longer legs.
• Lagottos often look like teddy bears due to their woolly coat. Spanish Water Dogs have a more rugged appearance with their corded fur.
• Both breeds have webbed feet, which helps them swim well. This feature reflects their history as water-working dogs.

Temperament and Personality Traits

Lagotto Romagnolos and Spanish Water Dogs have distinct personalities that shape their interactions with families. Both breeds are known for their intelligence and affectionate nature, but they differ in key areas that can affect their fit in active households.

Affection and Social Needs

• Lagotto Romagnolos are loving and needy dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and crave attention. You’ll find them often seeking physical contact and wanting to be near you.
• Spanish Water Dogs are also affectionate but more independent. They show love to their families but don’t require constant attention. This breed can handle alone time better than Lagottos.
• Both dogs may experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Proper training and socialization can help manage this issue.

Energy Level and Playfulness

• Lagotto Romagnolos have moderate energy levels. They enjoy playtime and exercise but don’t need constant activity. Daily walks and play sessions will keep them happy and healthy.
• Spanish Water Dogs are more energetic and love water activities. They thrive in active families that can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Swimming, fetching, and agility training are great options for this breed.
• Both dogs are playful and enjoy interactive games with their owners. Puzzle toys can help keep their minds engaged when you’re busy.

Training and Intelligence

• Lagotto Romagnolos are highly intelligent and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and excel in obedience training. Their truffle-hunting background makes them naturally focused and attentive.
• Spanish Water Dogs are also smart and willing to please. They have a strong work ethic and do well in various dog sports. Their herding instincts can make them more independent during training.
• Both breeds respond best to positive reinforcement methods. Consistency and patience are key to successful training. Early socialization is important for both to ensure well-rounded adult dogs.

Health and Lifespan

Both breeds have unique health profiles and lifespans to consider. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision and prepare for potential issues.

Common Health Issues

• The Lagotto Romagnolo typically lives 15-17 years, while the Spanish Water Dog has a lifespan of 10-14 years. Both breeds can face hip dysplasia, a condition affecting hip joint development.
• Regular vet check-ups are crucial for early detection. You should also watch for signs of epilepsy, which can occur in both breeds.
• Exercise and a balanced diet help maintain their health. Keep an eye on their weight, as obesity can worsen joint issues.

Breed-Specific Concerns

• Lagotto Romagnolos may be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), an eye condition causing vision loss. Regular eye exams can catch this early.
• Spanish Water Dogs can develop Addison’s Disease, an adrenal gland disorder. Symptoms include lethargy and digestive issues.
• Both breeds benefit from genetic testing before breeding. This helps reduce the risk of passing on hereditary conditions. Always get your dog from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings.

Grooming and Maintenance

Both Lagotto Romagnolos and Spanish Water Dogs need regular grooming to stay healthy and look their best. Their coats require different care, and they have unique shedding patterns that affect people with allergies.

Grooming Needs

• The Lagotto Romagnolo has a curly, wooly coat that needs medium maintenance. You’ll need to brush it 2-3 times a week to prevent matting. Trim the coat every 6-8 weeks to keep it tidy. Bathe your Lagotto only when needed to avoid drying out its skin.
• Spanish Water Dogs have a low-maintenance coat. Their hair grows in cords naturally. You don’t need to brush it often. Instead, separate the cords with your fingers to prevent matting. Trim the coat 1-2 times a year. Bathe your Spanish Water Dog only when necessary.
• Both breeds need regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.

Shedding and Hypoallergenic Traits

• Lagotto Romagnolos and Spanish Water Dogs are both low-shedding breeds. This makes them good choices for people with mild allergies. Neither breed sheds much, but they’re not completely hypoallergenic.
• Lagottos have a dense, curly coat that traps loose hair. This means less hair around your home. Spanish Water Dogs have a single coat that cords naturally. The cords help contain loose hair.
• While both breeds produce less dander than many others, no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. If you have severe allergies, spend time with each breed before deciding.

Living Environment and Adaptability

Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and Spanish Water Dog can adapt to different living situations. Their needs vary when it comes to space, exercise, and climate tolerance.

Apartment Vs. House Adaptability

• The Lagotto Romagnolo is more suited to apartment living than the Spanish Water Dog. You can keep a Lagotto in a smaller space if you provide enough exercise and mental stimulation. Spanish Water Dogs do better in houses with yards.
• For apartment dwellers, Lagottos are a good choice. They’re quieter and less energetic indoors. Spanish Water Dogs need more space to move around.
• If you have a house, either breed will do well. They both enjoy having a yard to play in. Make sure to fence your yard securely, as both breeds can be escape artists.

Exercise Needs

Both breeds are active and energetic. You’ll need to give them plenty of exercise each day. Plan for at least an hour of activity.

Lagottos enjoy:

• Walks
• Fetch
• Swimming
• Nose work

Spanish Water Dogs like:

• Hiking
• Running
• Agility training
• Herding activities

Without enough exercise, both breeds can become destructive. Make sure you can meet their activity needs before choosing either dog.

Adaptability to Weather Conditions

• Lagottos and Spanish Water Dogs handle different weather conditions well. Their coats protect them in various climates.
• Lagottos have thick, curly coats that insulate them in cold weather. They also do fine in moderate heat. Avoid extreme temperatures with them.
• Spanish Water Dogs have wooly coats that repel water. They tolerate cold and wet conditions better than heat. In hot weather, give them access to shade and water.
• Neither breed should be left outside in extreme temperatures. Always provide shelter and fresh water for outdoor time.

Notable Behaviors

The Lagotto Romagnolo and Spanish Water Dog have distinct traits that affect how they fit into active families. Their behaviors around separation, protection, and social interactions vary in important ways.

Separation Anxiety and Alone Time Tolerance

• Lagotto Romagnolos tend to bond closely with their families. This strong attachment can make them prone to separation anxiety. You’ll need to train them early to be comfortable alone. Start with short periods and gradually increase the time.
• Spanish Water Dogs are more independent. They can handle being alone for longer stretches. However, they still need proper training to prevent destructive behaviors when left alone.
• Both breeds benefit from mental stimulation when alone. Puzzle toys and long-lasting chews can help keep them occupied.

Territorial Protection and Guarding Instincts

• Lagotto Romagnolos have moderate guarding instincts. They’ll alert you to strangers but are not overly aggressive. Their bark is usually enough to deter intruders.
• Spanish Water Dogs have stronger protective instincts. They’re naturally wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. Early socialization is crucial to prevent over-protective behavior.
• Both breeds need clear boundaries about when to guard and when to relax. Consistent training helps them understand appropriate responses to perceived threats.

Social and Stranger Interaction

• Lagotto Romagnolos are generally friendly with strangers. They may be reserved at first but warm up quickly. Their playful nature makes them good with children and other pets.
• Spanish Water Dogs are more cautious around new people. They need time to warm up to strangers. With proper socialization, they can become comfortable in various social situations.
• Both breeds benefit from early and ongoing socialization. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age. This helps prevent fear or aggression issues later in life.