|
|
| LAGOTTO |
|
Dogs which work for man - the truffle hunting Lagotto
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, developed to perform various functions for man, but one of the strangest jobs for any canine is the task set for the Lagotto.
Lagotto were originally used for hunting wildfowl in Romagna in north-east Italy but with the draining of the marshes at the end of the 19th century the Lagotto was out of a job. Instead of hunting wildfowl, the dogs were switched to searching for truffles.
The breed came close to extinction by the 1970s when it was estimated that only twelve pure bred Lagotto remained in Romagna. Fortunately a group of fanciers started a conservation program and today Lagotto are found in small numbers in many countries throughout the world.
The Lagotto is reported to be the only breed which specialises in finding truffles which are, weight for weight, one of the most expensive foods on the planet. The white is the finest and tartufi bianchi can cost well over $3000 a kilo. Truffles are a fungi that grows underground and is located by scent. Obviously a good truffle dog is highly prized. While working it displays passion and efficiency, using its excellent sense of smell. The instinct for the chase has been bred out of the breed so that it is not distracted from its truffle searching by chasing game. |
|
|
The Lagotto is medium to small in size, measuring between 41-49 cms and weighing 11-16 kgs and its general appearance is rustic. It has an attentive, intelligent and lively expression. It is affectionate and strongly attached to its owner, making it an excellent companion dog and it is highly trainable. The water-proof coat has a woolly texture, forming very thick, ring-shaped curls with visible undercoat. Curls are distributed all over the body, except on the head, where the curls are more loose, forming abundant eyebrows, whiskers and beard. The continuously growing hair tends to become felted, and it is important to groom regularly for the dog's comfort If not groomed the hair tends to become very matted, therefore pet dogs require reqular clipping. If the dog is a show dog clipping is limited. |
|
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a sweet-tempered and intelligent dog, characterized by an open, sociable, compliant and obedient disposition. Their adaptability is great. Lagotti are watchful and alert, but not in an exagerrated way. They have a social attitude, with fellow-dogs as well as other pets they can live together perfectly. They also mix very good with childeren, with regard to strangers they are a bit reserved, but in general they are open and friendly, though visitors are announced.. They are eager to learn and therefore easy to raise. They have the will to please their master.
Lagotti are manoevrable and quick and have great endurance. They like to go walking, are always in the mood for ball-games, retrieving and swimming, for search-games they also to leave their sleeping-place..When you are not able to go out with him, he adjusts quite easily to the situation. At home he is a quiet dog. Because of their intelligence, ability to work and manoevrability the Lagotto excells in various kinds of dogsports, such as obedience, agility, fly-ball and of course tracing. The Lagotto is a pleasant dog; besides he can reach a great age: an average of 15 years! |
|
People with allergies or asthmatic problems caused by dogs tend to have little or no problems with the Lagotto Romagnolo.
The colours of the Lagotto are solid white colour, white with liver-brown or orange markings, liver-brown roan, liver-brown solid colour (in different shades) orange solid colour. Some dogs have a brown or dark brown mask. This unusual breed is adaptable to country or city living but requires regular exercise and thrives on companionship.
The first Lagotti litter was registered in Australia in 2000 and there are only a handful of very selective breeders at the time of this article (2004).
Size: 41-48 cm (weight 25-35 lbs)
Price: AU$1500-AU$2500
|
|
|
|
| Val Peters, Narelle Goold, Sandra Bishop & Keith Robinson, Greydove Kennels |
|
|
|
| Last Update: 25/03/07 07:59 |
Views: 8491 |
|
|
