Why Rarity Matters: Understanding the Significance of the Lagotto Romagnolo Breed's Limited Numbers

One of our precious puppies during Early Nurelogical Stimulation

At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve dedicated years to breeding and preserving the Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed with deep roots in Italy’s truffle-hunting tradition. As experts, we often field questions about its rarity—how uncommon is it, and why does it matter? The Lagotto Romagnolo is indeed rare, with limited numbers both in the US and globally, and this rarity has significant implications for genetic diversity, availability, and breed conservation. Here are the details, backed by data and our firsthand experience.

Determining Rarity

To gauge the Lagotto Romagnolo’s rarity, we look at registration numbers and population estimates. In the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) provides annual registration statistics. Research suggests that in 2022, the Lagotto Romagnolo had approximately 264 registrations, ranking 142nd out of 197 breeds (American Kennel Club - Annual Statistics). This is a small figure compared to popular breeds like the Labrador Retriever, which sees tens of thousands of registrations annually. For 2019, another source indicates 238 registrations, reinforcing the trend of low numbers.

Globally, the breed is more prevalent in Italy, its country of origin. According to data from the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI), the number of Lagotto Romagnolos grew from 1,127 in 2007 to 2,198 in 2016 (Lagotto Romagnolo Valle dei Medici - Breeding). This suggests a population of around 2,000 in Italy, but worldwide, considering other countries like Spain, France, and England, the total is likely in the range of 5,000 to 10,000 dogs. This aligns with definitions of rare breeds, often cited as having fewer than 1,000 to 2,000 dogs in the US, making the Lagotto Romagnolo rare by any measure.

To put this in perspective, here’s a comparison with a popular breed:

Breed	2022 US Registrations	Estimated Global Population	AKC Rank (2022)
Lagotto Romagnolo	~264	~5,000-10,000	142nd
Labrador Retriever	~123,000 (est.)	Hundreds of thousands	1st

This table highlights the Lagotto’s rarity, with its US registrations being a fraction of the Labrador’s, and its global presence still limited.

Historical Context and Near-Extinction

An unexpected detail is the breed’s historical near-extinction. After World War II, the Lagotto Romagnolo’s numbers dropped significantly, and it was only through the efforts of dedicated breeders that it was preserved (Lagotto Romagnolo - Wikipedia). This history underscores its rarity today, as it was nearly lost, emphasizing the ongoing need for conservation efforts. At Northwest Lagotto, we take pride in continuing this legacy, ensuring each litter contributes to the breed’s survival.

Why Rarity Matters

The rarity of the Lagotto Romagnolo has several implications, both for the breed and potential owners:

1. Genetic Diversity: With a small population, there’s a higher risk of inbreeding, which can lead to genetic disorders like hip dysplasia or Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD). Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial, and we at Northwest Lagotto address this by selecting breeding dogs from diverse lines and conducting thorough health tests, including DNA screening for LSD and OFA certifications for hips and elbows. As a foundation, we believe in outcrossing to preserve genetic diversity.

2. Conservation: Preserving the breed is essential to prevent extinction. The evidence leans toward the need for responsible breeding to maintain the Lagotto’s unique traits, such as its dense, curly coat and exceptional scenting ability, which are integral to its truffle-hunting heritage. We’re committed to this mission, ensuring each puppy upholds the breed standard.

3. Availability: For potential owners, rarity means finding a puppy can be challenging. They may face waiting lists or need to travel, as there are only around 20 breeders listed by the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America (Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America - Home). At Northwest Lagotto, we work with clients to manage expectations, often planning litters months in advance to meet demand.

4. Community and Resources: The smaller community means fewer resources, clubs, or events dedicated to the breed. This can impact support for owners, but it also fosters a close-knit group of enthusiasts. We encourage clients to join the LRCA for additional support and connect with other Lagotto owners, enhancing their experience.

5. Specialness and Responsibility: Owning a rare breed like the Lagotto Romagnolo is special, offering a unique companion not commonly seen. However, it comes with responsibility—owners play a role in promoting and preserving the breed, ensuring its future. We guide our clients through this, emphasizing the importance of socialization, training, and health care to keep the breed thriving.

   
   

Expert Insights from Northwest Lagotto

As breeders at Northwest Lagotto, we’ve seen firsthand how rarity shapes the breed’s journey. Our litters are small and carefully planned, reflecting the limited supply and high demand. We’ve had clients travel from across the country, highlighting the availability challenge. Our focus on health testing and genetic diversity ensures each puppy is a step toward preserving this rare breed, and we’re proud to be part of its story. If you are interested in our upcoming 2025 summer litter, reach us at NWLagotto@gmail.com - we are now taking applications.

Conclusion

The Lagotto Romagnolo’s rarity—evident in its low registration numbers and small global population—matters for genetic diversity, conservation, and owner experience. At Northwest Lagotto, we’re committed to ensuring this rare breed continues to thrive, offering clients not just a dog, but a piece of history. If you’re considering a Lagotto, understand its rarity means a special responsibility, but also a unique bond with a breed that’s truly one of a kind.