Lifespans & Aging: What to Expect from Your Lagotto Romagnolo
- manaway
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
The Lagotto Romagnolo, a charming and intelligent breed known for its curly coat and truffle-hunting heritage, is celebrated for its impressive lifespan of 15 to 17 years. This longevity, combined with their affectionate and active nature, makes them a wonderful companion for families. In this guide, we compare the Lagotto’s lifespan and aging milestones to other popular breeds like the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog, and provide tailored advice on senior care, joint support, diet adjustments, and veterinary check-ups to ensure your Lagotto thrives at every stage of life.
Lagotto Romagnolo Lifespan Compared to Other Breeds
The Lagotto Romagnolo’s lifespan of 15–17 years is notably longer than many breeds, reflecting their robust health when properly cared for. Here’s how they compare to similar breeds:
Lagotto Romagnolo: 15–17 years. Their longevity is supported by responsible breeding practices, including genetic screening for conditions like hip dysplasia and benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE).
Poodle:
Toy/Miniature: 14–18 years
Standard: 12–15 years
Poodles benefit from their hypoallergenic coat and versatile sizes but may face issues like hip dysplasia in Standards or dental problems in smaller varieties.
Portuguese Water Dog: 11–13 years. Known for their active lifestyle, they may be prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, which can impact lifespan if not managed.
Factors Influencing Lifespan:
Genetics: Choosing a puppy from a breeder who conducts health screenings (e.g., for BFJE, lysosomal storage disease, and hip dysplasia) reduces the risk of hereditary conditions.
Care: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary care are critical for maximizing lifespan.
Lifestyle: Lagottos thrive in active households with mental and physical stimulation, contributing to their longevity.
Aging Milestones for Lagotto Romagnolo
Understanding the Lagotto’s life stages helps owners provide age-appropriate care:
Puppyhood (0–1 Year):
Characteristics: Rapid growth, high energy, and a need for socialization and training.
Care Needs: Feed a high-quality puppy food, provide gentle exercise (avoiding overexertion to protect developing joints), and start training early to leverage their intelligence.
Health Focus: Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and early socialization to ensure a confident adult dog.
Adulthood (1–8 Years):
Characteristics: Peak physical and mental condition, ideal for activities like truffle hunting, agility, or family playtime.
Care Needs: 1–2 hours of daily exercise (e.g., walks, fetch, swimming), mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys, and regular grooming to maintain their curly coat.
Health Focus: Monitor for breed-specific issues like hip dysplasia or ear infections, and maintain annual vet check-ups.
Senior Years (8+ Years):
Characteristics: Gradual slowing of energy levels, potential for joint stiffness, and increased susceptibility to health issues like hypothyroidism or cataracts.
Care Needs: Adjust exercise to low-impact activities, provide a nutrient-rich senior diet, and increase veterinary visits to twice yearly.
Health Focus: Early detection of age-related conditions through regular screenings.
Senior Care for Lagotto Romagnolo
As Lagotto Romagnolos enter their senior years (around 8–10 years), tailored care can enhance their quality of life and extend their vitality. Here are key areas to focus on:
Joint Support
Why It Matters: Lagottos may develop hip or elbow dysplasia, which can worsen with age, causing stiffness or lameness.
Prevention and Management:
Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements (e.g., Dasuquin or Cosequin) can support joint health. Consult your vet for appropriate dosages.
Weight Control: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress. Obesity can exacerbate dysplasia, with studies showing 20% of medium-sized breeds may develop joint issues if overweight (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals).
Low-Impact Exercise: Activities like swimming or short walks are gentle on joints while keeping muscles strong.
Comfortable Bedding: Orthopedic beds provide support for aging joints.
Diet Adjustments
Why It Matters: Senior Lagottos have slower metabolisms and may need fewer calories but more targeted nutrients to support aging bodies.
Recommendations:
Senior-Specific Food: Choose a high-quality senior dog food with reduced calories, high protein (to maintain muscle mass), and added omega-3 fatty acids for coat and joint health.
Portion Control: Adjust portions to prevent weight gain, typically reducing by 10–20% compared to adult portions, depending on activity level.
Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water, as seniors may be prone to dehydration.
Supplements: Consider adding fish oil for anti-inflammatory benefits or fiber for digestive health, after veterinary consultation.
Veterinary Check-Ups
Why It Matters: Regular vet visits can catch age-related issues like hypothyroidism, cataracts, or kidney disease early, improving outcomes.
Recommendations:
Frequency: Increase to biannual check-ups after age 8, including blood work, urine tests, and eye exams.
Screenings: Monitor for breed-specific conditions like hypothyroidism (prevalent in 5–10% of Lagottos, per veterinary studies) and dental health, as tartar buildup can worsen with age.
Vaccinations: Maintain core vaccinations (rabies, distemper) and discuss non-core vaccines based on lifestyle.
Additional Senior Care Tips
Ear Care: Continue weekly ear cleaning to prevent infections, as their pendulous ears remain prone to moisture buildup.
Grooming: Regular brushing (2–3 times weekly) and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks keep their curly coat manageable and reduce skin issues.
Mental Stimulation: Engage seniors with gentle training or puzzle toys to keep their intelligent minds active, preventing cognitive decline.
Comparison Table: Lifespan and Senior Care Needs
Breed | Lifespan | Common Senior Issues | Senior Care Recommendations |
Lagotto Romagnolo | 15–17 years | Hip/elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, ear infections | Joint supplements, senior diet, biannual vet visits, low-impact exercise, regular ear cleaning |
Poodle (Toy/Miniature) | 14–18 years | Dental issues, cataracts, heart conditions | Dental care, senior diet, regular eye exams, moderate exercise |
Poodle (Standard) | 12–15 years | Hip dysplasia, bloat, Addison’s disease | Weight control, joint supplements, biannual check-ups, low-impact exercise |
Portuguese Water Dog | 11–13 years | Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy | Joint support, eye screenings, senior diet, water-based activities |
Why Choose a Lagotto Romagnolo?
The Lagotto Romagnolo’s long lifespan and vibrant personality make them an exceptional choice for families seeking a loyal, active companion. By choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes health screenings, you set the stage for a healthy, happy dog. At northwest Lagotto, we raise our Lagotto Romagnolo puppies with care, ensuring they are genetically tested and well-socialized for a lifetime of companionship.
Ready to welcome a long-lived Lagotto Romagnolo? Would like info on our litter, born July 30, or to join our waitlist for upcoming litters? Emailing us at nwlagotto@gmail.com or Visit our website for more tips on raising a healthy Lagotto.
Citations
Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America - Health
PetMD - Lagotto Romagnolo
American Kennel Club - Dog Lifespan
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - Hip Dysplasia
WebMD - Lagotto Romagnolo
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