Understanding the Instincts and Behavior of Lagotto Romagnolos: Are They Prone to Getting Lost?

The Lagotto Romagnolo’s nose is a superpower—tuned over centuries to track truffles through Italy’s forests and marshes. That scent-driven instinct makes them brilliant hunters, but it can also lead them astray. Are they prone to getting lost? At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve seen their wandering streak firsthand. It’s not recklessness—it’s curiosity—and while they’re not escape artists, an intriguing smell can pull them off course. Here’s why it happens, how we train recall early, and why our puppies give owners a leg up on keeping them close.

Lagottos live by their noses. In their truffle-hunting days, they’d follow a scent trail wherever it led—over hills, through brush, no map required. That focus is still there. A whiff of something enticing—a squirrel, a compost pile, a mystery in the wind—can override their sense of direction. We’ve watched our dogs beeline across a field, heads down, oblivious to calls until the trail runs cold. They’re not bolting to flee; they’re just wired to investigate. Off-leash in an unfenced space, that tendency could spell trouble if you’re not prepared. But it’s manageable with the right start.

Recall is our answer, and we drill it early. From the moment our puppies hit the ground, we build focus and responsiveness. We start simple: a whistle or a cheerful “come” paired with a treat, repeated daily in short bursts. By six weeks, they’re trotting back to us on cue, even with distractions like toys or littermates. We ramp it up—hiding behind a tree, adding a scent lure—teaching them that returning pays off more than wandering. Our clients tell us it sticks; one Spokane owner said their Lagotto pivots mid-chase when called, a rarity for a scent hound. Early training turns instinct into a strength, not a liability.

Our breeding gives them a head start, too. We select for temperament—dogs that pair that truffle-hunter drive with a biddable streak. Our puppies come from lines that listen, not just sniff. They’re not immune to a good smell—none are—but they’re primed to check in. We’ve raised litters that naturally glance back during play, a trait we nurture before they head home. Owners still need to reinforce it—practice recall in safe spaces, use a long line at first, and reward big—but our groundwork eases the worry. A lost Lagotto isn’t inevitable; it’s preventable.

Are Lagottos prone to getting lost? They’ve got a wandering nose, sure—stronger than some breeds, less than others. At Northwest Lagotto, our dogs show it daily: a scent can tug them, but they’re not gone for good. With recall baked in from day one and a focus bred into their bones, they’re less likely to vanish than their instincts might suggest. Owners can breathe easier knowing their pup’s got a foundation—ours do, anyway. Keep a leash handy, ensure you instill recall early, and their curiosity becomes a quirk, not a crisis. They’ll explore, but they’ll come back.

If you would like to know more about our dogs or discuss our summer 2025 litter, we are currently taking applications and would love to hear from you: NWLagotto@gmail.com