Common Health Concerns in Lagotto Romagnolos – And How Responsible Breeders Help Prevent Them

When people search for “Lagotto Romagnolo health issues,” “Lagotto hip dysplasia,” or “Lagotto PRA,” they’re asking the right questions. Every responsible breeder and puppy buyer should understand the breed’s known health risks and what’s being done to reduce them. At Northwest Lagotto, health testing and preventive care are non-negotiable parts of our program. In this post, we’ll cover the most common hereditary concerns in the breed, how we screen for them, and why puppies from our upcoming litters come with a strong health foundation.

Main Hereditary Health Concerns in Lagotto Romagnolos

While Lagottos are generally a healthy breed with a good lifespan (typically 14–17 years), a few conditions appear more frequently than in some other breeds. Reputable breeders work hard to minimize these risks through genetic testing and selective breeding.

1. Hip Dysplasia A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis, pain, and mobility issues later in life.

   • Severity varies widely — some dogs show no symptoms, others need management or surgery.

   • We screen all breeding dogs with hip evaluations (usually OFA or PennHIP).

2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) An inherited eye disease that causes gradual vision loss and can eventually lead to blindness.

   • Several genetic mutations are known in Lagottos.

   • We perform DNA testing to ensure breeding dogs are clear or carriers only when paired appropriately.

3. Juvenile Epilepsy (Lagotto Romagnolo Epilepsy / LRE) A form of epilepsy that can appear in puppies or young adults, causing seizures.

   • Genetic testing is available for the known mutation.

   • We test our breeding stock to avoid producing affected puppies.

4. Other Occasional Concerns

   • Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps)

   • Elbow dysplasia

   • Storage diseases (very rare but screened for via DNA)

No breed is risk-free, but the combination of health testing + responsible selection dramatically reduces the likelihood of these issues appearing in the puppies.

What We Do at Northwest Lagotto to Protect Puppy Health

We believe in going beyond the minimum:

• All breeding dogs are DNA tested for known Lagotto-specific genetic conditions (including PRA and epilepsy mutations).

• Hip and elbow evaluations (OFA or equivalent) are performed on all breeding adults.

• Regular veterinary check-ups and clear eye exams (CERF/OFA) are standard.

• We strongly recommend and support joint supplements — particularly green-lipped mussel products — from puppyhood onward to support long-term joint health.

• Puppies leave us with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, microchip, and a health certificate.

This multi-layered approach gives our puppy families peace of mind and helps set the foundation for a long, active life.

Our Upcoming Litters: Health-Focused Breedings from Tested Parents

Both current litters feature parents who have been carefully selected for health, temperament, and breed type.

Repeat Litter: Mousse × Ginger

Expected birth: February 24, 2026 Only a couple of spots left!

• Mousse: White with brown spots — gentle, affectionate personality

• Ginger: Orange roan — calm, gentle, loves attention

Last time this pairing produced healthy, structurally sound puppies with wonderful temperaments. We’re repeating it because the results were so consistent and well-loved. Both parents have undergone full health screening appropriate for breeding.

Ready to go home: Mid-April 2026

New Litter: Mousse × Tia

Breeding expected: Today or tomorrow (February 1–2, 2026) Only 5 spots available!

Mousse’s proven health profile pairs with Tia for another thoughtfully planned litter. All necessary testing has been completed or is in process, and we expect another group of healthy, well-started puppies.

Ready to go home: Early June 2026

Ready to Choose a Healthy Lagotto Puppy?

A Lagotto Romagnolo from a health-tested, responsible breeder gives you the best possible start — fewer surprises, lower risk of hereditary disease, and more years of happy companionship.

Our application process is simple and thorough:

1. Email us at NWLagotto@gmail.com to request an application

2. After vetting, we send a deposit contract

3. Return the signed contract with your $500 deposit to join the waitlist

4. At 8 weeks, we match puppies to families and complete the final puppy contract at pickup

With only a couple spots left in the Mousse × Ginger repeat litter and just 5 remaining in the Mousse × Tia litter, now is the time to act.

Contact us today at NWLagotto@gmail.com to apply or learn more about:

• Our February 24 litter (Mousse × Ginger repeat – only a couple spots left!)

• Our spring litter (Mousse × Tia – only 5 spots available, expected to go home early June 2026)

We’re here to help you bring home a healthy, happy Lagotto puppy.