Preserving the Lagotto Romagnolo: How Northwest Lagotto Champions Genetic Diversity

The Lagotto Romagnolo, celebrated for its truffle-hunting prowess in Italy, is a breed worth safeguarding. Its near extinction in the 1970s left a limited gene pool, creating challenges for genetic diversity. Today, responsible breeders use advanced tools to pair dogs with low coefficients of inbreeding (COI), ensuring the breed’s health and vitality for future generations. At Northwest Lagotto in Washington State, we make genetic diversity a cornerstone of our mission to raise healthy, well-rounded Lagotto Romagnolo puppies.

Leveraging Pedigree Analysis for Healthier Puppies

One essential tool is pedigree analysis software, such as BreedMate or ZooEasy. These programs allow us to input detailed family trees—often spanning five generations—to calculate the COI, which measures the likelihood of identical genes inherited from common ancestors. For Lagottos, where the average COI ranges from 10–15% due to historical bottlenecks, we prioritize pairings below this threshold. At Northwest Lagotto, we meticulously review pedigrees to avoid close relatives, ensuring our puppies inherit a broader genetic foundation for long-term health.

Unlocking Insights with DNA Testing

DNA testing provides a deeper look into a dog’s genetic makeup. Services like Embark analyze thousands of genetic markers from a simple cheek swab to generate genomic COI reports. This precision helps us identify dogs that might appear unrelated on paper but share hidden similarities. By incorporating DNA testing, Northwest Lagotto selects mates that maximize genetic diversity, balancing predictable traits with the breed’s overall robustness. This science-driven approach is central to our breeding philosophy.

Tapping into Global Breed Databases

Breed-specific databases, like the Lagotto Romagnolo Worldwide Database, are invaluable for accessing pedigrees and DNA data from Lagottos worldwide. For a breed once reduced to a handful of dogs, incorporating distant bloodlines—such as those from Scandinavia or Australia—is critical. We actively use these resources to identify outcrosses that enrich our breeding program, moving away from outdated practices of relying solely on local or familiar lines. This global approach strengthens the breed as a whole.

Advanced Tools for Rare Genetic Contributions

Cutting-edge tools like VCFtools allow us to analyze allele frequencies and identify dogs with unique genetic contributions. While technically complex, this method is a game-changer for small gene pools, ensuring rare traits are preserved. At Northwest Lagotto, we work with experts to integrate these insights, reinforcing our commitment to science-driven breeding. By avoiding the overuse of popular sires, we help maintain the breed’s diversity and resilience.

A Holistic Commitment to the Breed

At Northwest Lagotto, genetic diversity is a pillar of our breeding program, alongside health and temperament. Our thoughtful outcrossing, guided by advanced tools, ensures the Lagotto Romagnolo thrives beyond its 1970s low point. Our puppies, raised with care in a family environment, embody this dedication—proof that a focus on diversity produces dogs that are as robust as they are charming. For Lagotto enthusiasts, this commitment is a legacy to celebrate.

Ready to welcome a healthy, vibrant Lagotto Romagnolo into your home? Contact us at nwlagotto@gmail.com to join our waitlist for our Summer 2025 litter and bring home a resilient, loving companion from Northwest Lagotto.