Understanding the Fascination: Why Do Lagotto Romagnolos Love Mud?

Lagotto in their element

At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve raised Lagotto Romagnolos for years, and we often hear from owners about their dogs' love for mud. We’re here to provide detailed insights into why this happens and practical strategies for coping, ensuring potential owners are well-prepared for this occasional reality. This post, part of our series "Living with a Lagotto Romagnolo," addresses the breed’s natural inclinations and offers specific, actionable advice.

Understanding Why Lagotto Romagnolos Love Mud

Lagotto Romagnolos’ affinity for mud stems from their breed history. Originating from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, they were initially water retrievers for duck hunting in marshlands, as detailed in Wikipedia: Lagotto Romagnolo. Their dense, curly, water-resistant coat, designed for wet conditions, made them ideal for these environments. When marshlands were drained in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted to truffle hunting, involving digging in soil that could be muddy. This working heritage explains their comfort in mud.

They enjoy mud for several reasons, drawing from general dog behavior insights. First, mud can cool them down on hot days, a natural instinct for temperature regulation. Second, rolling in mud masks their scent or picks up new smells, aligning with their scent-driven nature, as per DogTime: Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Breed Information & Characteristics. Third, their instinctual digging, honed for truffles, extends to exploring muddy textures. We’ve seen this in our litters—pups that dive into dirt or muddy patches during playtime, reflecting their natural inclinations.

The Challenge of Coping with a Muddy Lagotto

Living with a Lagotto that loves mud means accepting that they’ll get dirty, especially with access to outdoor areas. Their coat, while a benefit for water resistance, traps mud and dirt easily, making cleaning essential. Clients often share stories of muddy paws tracking through homes, and we’ve guided them through managing this. One rural client with a pond said their Lagotto returns caked in mud, requiring a routine rinse before entry.

To cope, owners need a systematic approach:

1. Regular Grooming: Establish a routine to maintain their coat’s health. Comb frequently with a wide-tooth comb to prevent matting, especially after mud exposure, as recommended in our post "Grooming Tips for Lagotto Owners" at Northwest Lagotto. Their curly coat, detailed in AKC: Lagotto Romagnolo, requires care to avoid tangles.

2. Cleaning After Mud Exposure: When they get muddy, rinse them immediately with water to remove loose mud, then bathe with a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo to ease brushing. Dry them thoroughly, preferably air drying or using a low-heat dryer on a low setting to maintain curl pattern, as per The Spruce Pets: How to Dry a Dog After a Bath. Comb afterward to remove any remaining tangles.

3. Training for Boundaries: Train them to wait or stay in a designated spot until cleaned, using positive reinforcement. We’ve found this effective in our training programs. For example, teach a “wait” command before entering the house, rewarding clean behavior.

4. Designated Play Areas: If possible, create a muddy play area (sand box) in the yard to contain mess, allowing them to indulge their instincts without ruining other spaces. One urban client set up a small corner in their garden.

5. Preventing Excessive Mess: Minimize indoor mess by providing a doormat or rug at the entrance for paw wiping. Use towels to dry paws and coat immediately after outdoor time, and consider trimming their coat during muddy seasons for manageability, though be cautious, as clipping can affect insulation, as per our post "Coat Care Through the Seasons" at Northwest Lagotto.

   
   

Health Considerations: An Unexpected Detail

An unexpected detail is the potential for skin issues from mud exposure. While mud itself isn’t harmful, if not cleaned properly, it can lead to irritations or infections, especially if the coat retains moisture and mats, as noted in PetMD: Dog Skin Issues. This is not an issue we have experienced. Depending on what part of the country you are in, check for ticks or parasites after mud play, and ensure thorough drying to prevent fungal growth. We advise clients to inspect their Lagotto’s coat regularly.

Conclusion

Living with a Lagotto Romagnolo that loves to dig requires understanding their natural inclinations and implementing a routine for cleaning and management. At Northwest Lagotto, we’re here to support you with expert advice, ensuring both you and your dog enjoy their muddy adventures without undue stress. For more tips, visit our website at Northwest Lagotto or explore our series for additional insights.

If you do not yet have a lagotto and are interested, we would love to discuss the breed and our upcoming summer 2025 litter with you. Contact us at NWLagotto@gmail.com.