FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
We often get approached by people where we live or whenever we travel asking about the breed and what Lagotti are like. Here are some of questions we get asked:
How did you first find out about this breed?
I have shown and bred Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers since the early 1990s. I always wondered what breed would have the same appeal. My preferences being a medium sized dog, that doesn't shed much. I was on a raw-feeding list where I first heard of the name of Lagotto. I asked about the breed and then started researching on the internet. I searched every single website I could find on the internet and read everything I could about the breed.
How did you decide to get your first Lagotto?
I was happy to find a yahoogroup that was for those interested in the Lagotto and joined it for over a year. The more I learned, the more I felt this would be the right dog for me. My oldest Wheaten was nearing the end of her life and I felt I would have room in our lives for another dog. As a show/hobby breeder, I noted photos of dogs that had the look and conformation that I liked.
I wrote inquiries to all the breeders whose dogs looked like what I would want. I started learning pedigrees and checking for as much information about health as I could find. As I received replies, I questioned others about the credibility of the different breeders.
Is it difficult to import a Lagotto from overseas?
We decided on Kennel Kan Trace in Croatia. I wrote many letters via email to the breeder and asked many questions. The breeder asked me lots of questions as well. As we got acquainted over the internet, the breeder sent me photos of the parents and when the litter was born, she sent me photos of the maturing puppies.
Croatia is a rabies-free country so when the puppy was 8 weeks old, she was shipped from Vienna via Paris to Los Angeles cargo. She came in a crate with her litter sister that was going to Scott in California, now in Arizona. We paid the breeder using wire transfer of funds from our bank to hers. We had to quarantine the puppies for 30 days in our homes.
How old must the puppy be to be shipped?
Since Croatia is a rabies-free country, Adrina could be shipped as soon as she was old enough to have her first vaccines. Merlino was bred in Italy and the requirement there is for the puppy to have the rabies vaccine at 3 months of age and then be in quarantine for 30 days before being shipped.
What questions should I ask a breeder?
Whether overseas or in the US, you should always expect the breeder to health test their breeding stock regularly. Hips should be rated with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) in the US after age 2 or with a preliminary before that age. Penn Hip is another rating system for dogs under age 2. Ask the breeder about eye testing. In the US we use CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation). A good breeder will have blood and urine testing done on breeding stock. The following database is a good source for international pedigrees and health test scores.
I just want a pet, not a show dog. Does that make a difference?
A dog is entered into the show ring for others to judge if it has the qualities that would maintain or improve the breed. An experienced breeder can usually decide if the dog has good conformation and can do the job for which it was bred for. However, it is good to have the opinion of others well versed in proper conformation to adjudge our dogs. Show breeders place most of the litter as pets that will never be shown or bred from. Those dogs are neutered and make wonderful pets.
What is the temperament of a Lagotto like?
I have only had experience with 5 young Lagotti at this time but I find they are not as outgoing as my terriers. They are more reserved with strangers and need a lot of intense socialization early on to get them comfortable with new people. They are devoted pets and very affectionate to their family.
How do you groom a Lagotto?
The Lagotto has very curly hair that has minimal shedding. They do not need frequent bathing. The hair looks best at about 1.5" of length, slightly longer on the head. The hair under and on the edges of the ears is trimmed to the leather and the hair inside the ear canal can be plucked if they do not stay clean. The tail is trimmed to look like a slender carrot with no fluff.
The coat can be clippered down a couple times a year when it starts to mat. The show coat of a Lagotto should not be blown out or fluffed up in any way. The coat should fit the body of the dog with lots of natural curls. The coat is often scissored to keep it tidy and natural looking.
What is the cost of a Lagotto puppy?
Whether imported or born in the US, a Lagotto puppy could cost roughly $2500 and up.
How do I start my own research to find a Lagotti pup?
Well, for starters, be sure to check out this site, then go to the How to Find Puppies page for additional info. We can personally answer any questions you have, as well. Go ahead and contact us if you'd like to be a part of the exciting history of bringing this breed to North America!
