GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Small to medium-sized, well-proportioned, powerfully built dog of rustic appearance with dense, curly hair of woolly texture.

BEHAVIOR/CHARACTER (TEMPERAMENT):
His natural talent for searching and his excellent sense of smell have facilitated his transformation into an outstanding truffle dog.

His hunting instinct has been modified through genetic selection, meaning he is not distracted from his work by the scent of game. The Lagotto Romagnolo is obedient, undemanding, alert, affectionate, fiercely loyal to his owner, and easy to train. He is also an excellent companion and guard dog.
History: Lagotto Romagnolo

A long-established water retriever in the marshy valleys of Comacchio and the lagoons around Ravenna. Over the years, the marshes were drained and converted into farmland; since this reclamation, the Lagotto Romagnolo has been used for truffle hunting in the plains and hills of Romagna.
Coat: Lagotto Romagnolo

Hair:
Woolly texture, never twisted to form thin cords, somewhat rough on the surface, with tight, ring-shaped curls and visible undercoat. The curls should be evenly distributed over the entire body and tail, except on the head, where they are not quite as tightly curled, forming abundant eyebrows and a rich mustache and beard. Even the cheeks are densely haired. The topcoat and especially the undercoat are water-repellent. If the hair is not trimmed, it tends to mat (as it continues to grow); therefore, the coat must be completely sheared at least once a year.
Matted topcoat and matted undercoat must be removed regularly.

The clipped hair should be no thicker than 4 cm and should conform to the dog's silhouette. Only on the head may the hair be longer, but not so long as to cover the eyes. The hair around the genitals and anus should be clipped short. The hair should not be styled or brushed as with Poodle and Bichon Frise breeds.

Hair cut too short prevents it from curling properly and makes it difficult to assess its texture. Any excessive trimming will disqualify the dog from being judged. The correct cut is not ostentatious and helps to emphasize the natural, rustic appearance that is typical of the breed.

COLOR:
Solid off-white, white with brown or orange spots, brown roan, solid brown (in various shades) with or without white, orange with or without white. Some dogs have a brown to dark brown mask. Tan markings (in various shades) are permissible.