What are the key differences between Lagotto Romagnolo dogs and Labradoodles?

Introduction

At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve raised Lagotto Romagnolo dogs for years, and we often hear comparisons to Labradoodles, especially given their similar curly coats. However, as experts in the breed, we’re here to clarify that these are distinct choices, with the Lagotto offering unique benefits, particularly in temperament consistency and genetic reliability. Let’s dive into their origins, physical traits, temperaments, health profiles, and more, emphasizing why the Lagotto stands out.

Origin and History

The Lagotto Romagnolo, originating from Italy, has a rich history as a waterfowl hunter before transitioning to truffle hunting, a role that solidified its place as one of Italy's oldest breeds. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2015, reflecting its status as a purebred with a standardized lineage (American Kennel Club - Lagotto Romagnolo). This recognition ensures a consistent breeding standard, which we at Northwest Lagotto prioritize to maintain the breed’s working heritage.

In contrast, the Labradoodle emerged in the 1980s in Australia, a deliberate cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, aimed at creating a hypoallergenic guide dog. As a hybrid, it lacks AKC recognition, positioning it as a mixed breed with variable genetics (American Kennel Club - Labradoodle). This variability can lead to unpredictability, which we’ve seen in client feedback about Labradoodles from less reputable sources.

Physical Characteristics

Both breeds share curly coats, but their physical profiles diverge significantly. The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog, weighing 25 to 35 pounds and standing 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder, with a dense, woolly coat that is typically solid in colors like white, cream, or brown (DogTime - Lagotto Romagnolo). This coat is hypoallergenic, trapping dander, which aligns with our breeding focus on manageable coats for families.

The Labradoodle, however, varies in size due to its hybrid nature:

• Standard Labradoodles weigh 50 to 80 pounds and are 21 to 24 inches tall.

• Medium Labradoodles weigh 30 to 45 pounds and are 17 to 20 inches tall.

• Mini Labradoodles weigh 15 to 25 pounds and are 14 to 16 inches tall.

  
  

Their coat can be curly, wavy, or straight, inherited from Poodle and Labrador genetics, and colors range from solids to patterns, offering more variety than the Lagotto (DogTime - Labradoodle). While this variety appeals to some, it can make predicting coat care and shedding more challenging, a concern we address with our Lagotto clients.

To visualize the size comparison:

Breed	Weight Range (lbs)	Height Range (inches)	Coat Type	Color Variety
Lagotto Romagnolo	25-35	17-20	Dense, curly	Solid (white, brown, etc.)
Labradoodle	15-80 (varies by size)	14-24 (varies by size)	Curly, wavy, or straight	Solid, patterned, varied

Temperament and Behavior

Temperament is where the Lagotto shines, and it’s a key benefit we highlight at Northwest Lagotto. The Lagotto Romagnolo is intelligent, loyal, and has a strong work ethic, making it a focused companion. It is good with families but can be reserved with strangers, requiring socialization to build confidence (Petfinder - Lagotto Romagnolo). This reserved nature reflects their working dog roots, and we’ve seen it in our litters—pups that watch and learn, ready to bond with their owners.

The Labradoodle, bred for sociability, is friendly, outgoing, and excels as a therapy dog, thriving with children and other pets. However, as a hybrid, its temperament can be less predictable, and we’ve heard from clients and forums about instances of instability—some Labradoodles showing anxiety, hyperactivity, or even aggression, especially from breeders not focused on temperament (Petfinder - Labradoodle). This variability stems from the mix of Labrador and Poodle traits, which can clash without careful breeding. At Northwest Lagotto, we prioritize the Lagotto’s consistent temperament, ensuring a reliable companion.

Health Issues

Health profiles differ due to their genetic backgrounds, and this is another area where the Lagotto offers a benefit. Lagottos are prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD), a genetic disorder that requires DNA screening. Their purebred status means these risks are well-documented and testable, and we at Northwest Lagotto screen every breeding dog to minimize these issues (DogTime - Lagotto Romagnolo). This gives buyers confidence in their pup’s long-term health.

Labradoodles, as hybrids, can inherit health issues from both parents, including hip and elbow dysplasia from Labradors and eye problems or allergies from Poodles. The hybrid vigor theory suggests they might have fewer issues, but variability means health can differ widely between individuals, and testing isn’t as standardized (DogTime - Labradoodle). This unpredictability is a concern we’ve seen in client inquiries, and it’s why we advocate for the Lagotto’s tested lineage.

Breed Recognition

A critical distinction is their breed status. The Lagotto Romagnolo is recognized by major kennel clubs, including the AKC, ensuring genetic consistency and standardized breeding practices (American Kennel Club - Lagotto Romagnolo). This recognition aligns with our breeding philosophy at Northwest Lagotto, providing buyers with a dog that meets breed standards. The Labradoodle, however, is not recognized as a purebred, classified as a hybrid or mixed breed, which can lead to variability in appearance, temperament, and health (American Kennel Club - Labradoodle). This lack of standardization is a drawback we’ve observed, making the Lagotto a more reliable choice.

Exercise Needs: An Unexpected Detail

Both breeds require exercise, but their needs reflect their backgrounds, and this is an unexpected detail worth noting. Lagottos, with their scent-driven instincts, thrive on sniffing walks for mental stimulation, needing at least 45 minutes daily to satisfy their working drive (Petfinder - Lagotto Romagnolo). Labradoodles, bred for companionship, prefer active play sessions, with energy levels varying by size, often requiring an hour or more of varied activity (Petfinder - Labradoodle). This difference highlights their distinct roles: Lagottos as workers, Labradoodles as versatile companions, and it’s a factor we discuss with clients to ensure the right fit.

Conclusion

While Lagotto Romagnolos and Labradoodles share curly coats and hypoallergenic potential, their differences in origin, size, temperament, health, and breed recognition make them distinct choices. At Northwest Lagotto, we advocate for the Lagotto’s consistency, particularly its stable temperament and tested health, over the Labradoodle’s potential variability. If you’re seeking a dog with a rich history, predictable traits, and a reliable companion, the Lagotto Romagnolo is the clear choice. We’re here to guide you through this decision, ensuring you find a pup that fits your life. Contact us at NWLagotto@gmail.com to discuss our summer 2025 litter.