Is the Lagotto Romagnolo’s Coat Really Low-Maintenance?

The Lagotto Romagnolo’s curly coat is a showstopper—dense, woolly, and full of character. It’s tempting to think those natural curls are a breeze to maintain, especially since they don’t shed all over your house. But at Northwest Lagotto, we’ve raised these truffle-hunting charmers long enough to bust that myth wide open. The coat isn’t “easy”—it’s thick, prone to matting, and demands regular care. It’s not hard work, but it takes consistent attention. Here’s the real scoop on grooming, plus why we prioritize discussing this key trait with our potential puppy clients.

Let’s ditch the “low-maintenance” fantasy. The Lagotto’s coat is too thick for brushing—those tight curls laugh at a brush. Instead, it’s all about controlling matting before it starts, because once mats form, they’re a chalenge to remove without stressing your dog. A steel comb is your best friend here. We run one through spots as we see them in our dogs’ coats weekly, working in small sections to catch tangles early. Focus on hotspots—behind the ears, under the armpits, around the base of the tail—where friction turns curls into knots. It’s not about brute force; it’s about steady, gentle passes to keep things smooth.

Trimming depends on your goals. For a show coat, we snip just a little every week—scissors or clippers, barely an 1/4 inch—to maintain that polished, even look. It’s precise but quick, keeping the coat functional and gorgeous. For a family pet, nothing more than a monthly trim is needed, about 1/2inch - 1 inch, to reset the length and prevent overgrowth. Either way, the key is staying ahead of mats. A matted coat isn’t just unsightly—it’s uncomfortable, trapping dirt and moisture against the skin. We’ve seen dogs squirm through heavy mat removal; it’s no fun for anyone. Regular combing and timely trims stop that problem cold.

Why the fuss? This coat isn’t just pretty—it’s practical. Back in Italy orin our Pacific forests, those curls shielded Lagottos from wet marshes and brambles while they hunted truffles. Today, a healthy coat still protects them, but only if you maintain it. Skip the routine, and you’re rolling the dice on skin issues or a shavedown. It’s not labor-intensive—15-30 minutes of combing a week, a trim when needed—but it’s not optional either. Attention, not effort, keeps it in check.

At Northwest Lagotto, we screen for coat quality that makes this manageable. Our dogs come from lines with dense, resilient curls—tight enough to do their job, pliable enough to comb without a fight. It’s not about a fake “easy” coat; it’s about one that thrives with basic care. We’ve honed this through years of pairing dogs whose coats balance beauty and health. Is the Lagotto’s coat low-maintenance? Nope. But with a steel comb, a weekly once-over, and a trim schedule that fits your life—weekly for show, monthly for pets—it’s straightforward. Mats are the enemy, not the work. Keep them at bay, and those curls stay as stunning as the day you met your Lagotto.