Why Are Lagotto Puppies So Expensive?

When you see the price tag on a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, it’s natural to pause—thousands of dollars for a curly-coated companion? At Northwest Lagotto, we get the question a lot: “Why so expensive?” It’s not arbitrary. The cost reflects the cost of bringing in dogs from Europes best bloodlines, meticulous genetic research, health testing, truffle-line genetics, and the expertise we pour into every litter. These aren’t just pets; they’re a value investment for buyers who want quality—a dog that’s healthy, true to its heritage, and raised right. Let’s unpack what goes into that price.

Health testing is a big chunk. Lagottos can carry genetic risks—hip dysplasia, eye issues, a neurological condition called benign familial juvenile epilepsy. We don’t roll the dice. Every breeding dog gets OFA hip and elbow certifications, CERF eye exams, and DNA screens for known disorders. Each test runs $180-$1000, and with a breeding pair, that’s $1800-$4,000 before a litter’s even planned. Many dogs incur these expesnses and do not go on to join our breeding lines, increasing the overall cost of getting the best to our breeding pool. Add vet checks, vaccinations, and microchipping for pups, and you’re looking at hundreds more per puppy. We’ve had clients say, “My last dog was fine without all this,” but we’ve seen the heartbreak of untested lines—buyers deserve better odds.

Then there’s the genetics. Lagottos aren’t just any breed—they’re truffle hunters, a rare skill set tied to Italian bloodlines. We source from dogs with proven noses and temperaments, often traveling for pairings -- even returning to Europe. One stud fee can hit $8000, plus shipping or transport costs. Our litters carry that legacy—pups that dig, sniff, and focus like their ancestors. It’s not about prestige; it’s about preserving what makes a Lagotto a Lagotto. A backyard breeder might skip this, but we’ve raised dogs that clients swear “hunt” their yards for fun—that’s the truffle line shining through.

Expertise ties it together. We’re not hobbyists. Years of studying the breed, training recall, managing coats, and matching puppies to homes go into this. Each litter—say, five pups—gets 24/7 care for eight weeks: early neurological stimulation, socializing, puppy culture, crate training, early scent games. We spend the first 72 hours by the litters side without break. We work through a structured program from day 3 onward challenging and developing our puppies every step of the way. Food, whelping supplies, and time off work stack up—$5,000-$10,000 per litter, easy. Divide that out, and it’s $2000-$2500 per pup we've invested, having donated our time. We’ve had numerous litters where a C-section doubled the bill—costs we eat to keep our dogs safe. It’s labor, but it’s love, and it shows in pups that arrive ready to thrive.

Why the price? It’s not a cash grab—it’s Northwest Lagotto delivering value. You’re not paying for a generic dog; you’re investing in health, heritage, and hands-on care. Your buying a temperament and a socialized puppy unlike 95% of those you will find elswhere. Buyers tell us it’s worth it, check out our testamonials page—one said their Lagotto’s calm focus and clean bill of health justified every penny. Cheap puppies exist, but corners get cut: no tests, shaky lineage, less prep. We charge for quality because we produce it—pups that live long, work smart, and fit your life. That’s not expensive; that’s priceless when it’s your companion for a decade-plus.

We are thrilled to announce that we are now taking aplications for our summer 2025 Lagotto puppies. Contact us at NWLagotto@gmail.com to discuss.