Surviving the Heat: Tips for Keeping Your Lagotto Cool in the Summer

The Lagotto Romagnolo’s thick, curly coat is a head-turner, a woolly shield born in the marshy lowlands of Italy. It kept them snug while hunting truffles in damp, cool conditions, but what happens when summer cranks up the heat? At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve tracked our dogs and tapped client feedback to understand their limits. They’re tougher than their fluffy exterior suggests, but they’re not built for scorching days. Here’s how they cope—and our tips to keep them cool when the sun blazes.

That coat tells a story. In Italy’s Emilia-Romagna, it repelled water and insulated against chilly, misty mornings. It’s dense and double-layered, trapping air to regulate temperature—great for fall or spring, less ideal when the mercury climbs past 80°F. Lagottos tolerate moderate warmth fine; they’ll romp happily in 70s weather. But push into the 90s, and their marsh-dog origins show. They don’t pant excessively or wilt at the first sign of heat, but they’ll slow down, seek shade, and signal they’re done. Our dogs have taught us they’re adaptable, not invincible—heat tolerance tops out before true summer sizzlers.

Cooling them off takes strategy, and we’ve honed ours with input from clients across the Northwest and beyond. First, time it right. Short play sessions—15-20 minutes—work best in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. We’ve heard from families in sunnier spots like Eastern Washington: midday fetch turns into a flop under a tree fast. Keep it brief and watch for heavy panting or lagging steps. Second, water is your ally. A kiddie pool or a gentle hose-down does wonders—our Lagottos splash in, cooling their undercoat while having a blast. Even a damp towel wiped over their belly and legs drops their temp quick.

Shade and airflow are non-negotiable. We tell clients to set up a spot—under a porch, a big tree, or an open garage—with a fan if possible. One Portland owner swears by freezing a water bottle in a sock for their Lagotto to lie against; it’s a hit - but watch them so they dont chew it. Hydration’s obvious but critical—fresh water always, maybe with an ice cube for fun. And skip the heavy grooming in summer—those curls insulate both ways, so a close shave can expose them to sunburn. Our breeding focuses on coat balance, giving them resilience without overburdening thickness, a nod from their Italian roots.

How does a Lagotto handle hot summers? Decently, but not flawlessly. Our Northwest Lagotto dogs, and the ones we’ve placed, thrive with a little help. Clients tell us the combo works: short bursts of fun, water on tap, and a shady retreat. They’re not desert dogs—mid-80s is their sweet spot, and high 90s push it—but they won’t melt if you’re smart. That marsh-bred coat still does its job, just not in a heatwave. Keep playtime cool, wet, and brief, and your Lagotto will cruise through summer with their curls intact and their spirits high.

We are expecting a litter this summer (late July 2025), and are still accepting applications. Contact us if you would like to know more: NWLagotto@gmail.com