Learn how to groom your Lagotto Romagnolo with tips on brushing, trimming, and styling their unique curly coat. Discover popular cuts and hear personal experiences.
I'll never forget the first time I attempted to groom my Lagotto Romagnolo, Leo. As a new owner, I naively thought I could handle his thick, curly coat on my own. Armed with a slicker brush and boundless optimism, I dove in...only to find myself tangled in a matted mess an hour later! That experience taught me the importance of regular grooming for this unique breed.
Why Proper Grooming is Crucial for Lagottos
The Lagotto Romagnolo, originally bred as a truffle-hunting dog in Italy, has a very distinctive coat. According to the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America, their curly, wooly hair forms "rings or cords" and should never be brushed to a "fluff."
While this rustic coat enabled them to work in thorny underbrush, it requires diligent care to prevent painful matting. In my opinion, committing to a consistent grooming routine is absolutely essential for any Lagotto owner. Not only does it keep your dog comfortable, but it also allows their natural beauty to shine through.
Brushing and Trimming Basics
The foundation of any good Lagotto grooming regimen is regular brushing and trimming. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing a Lagotto at least twice a week, using a pin brush or metal comb. I've found that line brushing, where you part the hair and brush it in layers, works best to detangle curls and remove shed hair.
Trimming is also necessary to maintain a Lagotto's shape and prevent overgrowth. How often you need to trim depends on factors like your dog's age, coat texture, and your preferred style. Personally, I aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks.
Many owners opt to have a professional groomer handle trims. If you go the DIY route, invest in quality shears and clippers, and take your time. The key is to enhance your Lagotto's natural outline without cutting the coat too short.
Popular Lagotto Grooming Styles
One of the fun parts of grooming a Lagotto is choosing a style that suits your dog's look and lifestyle. Here are three popular cuts:
1. The Puppy Cut
This is a great low-maintenance option, especially for active dogs. The coat is clipped short (about 1-2 inches) all over the body. While this style requires more frequent trims, it minimizes matting and debris caught in the coat.
2. The Teddy Bear Cut
For a cute and cuddly look, consider the teddy bear cut. The body is kept relatively short, but the hair on the head and face is left longer and rounded. I love this style on Leo - it really highlights his expressive eyes. Just be prepared for more upkeep to prevent matting around the face.
3. The Show Cut
If you plan to show your Lagotto, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the breed standard cut. This involves leaving the coat longer overall (about 2.5 inches) while still maintaining a neat, rustic appearance. It's a challenging style that requires careful scissoring to achieve the right shape and texture.
Bathing and Drying Tips
Lagottos don't need frequent baths - once a month is usually sufficient unless they get into something messy. When you do bathe, use a gentle shampoo formulated for curly coats.
The drying process is crucial for preserving the coat's texture. Avoid rubbing with a towel, which can cause frizz and matting. Instead, squeeze out excess water and let your Lagotto air dry if possible. You can also use a blow dryer on a cool setting, but be careful not to brush or fluff the curls too much.
Dealing with Mats and Tangles
Even with regular grooming, mats and tangles can happen. If you encounter a stubborn knot, resist the urge to yank it out with a brush or comb. This can be painful for your dog and damage the hair.
Instead, gently work through the tangle with your fingers, using a detangling spray if needed. If the mat is too tight, you may need to carefully cut it out with scissors. Prevention is key, so focus on keeping up with brushing and trimming to minimize matting.
The Importance of Ear and Paw Care
In addition to coat care, don't forget about your Lagotto's ears and paws. Their floppy ears can trap moisture and wax, leading to infections. Check and clean the ears weekly using a veterinarian-approved cleaner. You may also need to pluck excess hair from the ear canal.
Paw hair should be trimmed regularly to prevent matting and debris buildup between the toes. Use blunt-tipped scissors and take care not to nick the skin. Keeping the hair short will also help your Lagotto get better traction on slippery surfaces.
Conclusion
Grooming a Lagotto Romagnolo is an art that requires patience, practice, and a lot of love. While it can be challenging at times (as my early experience with Leo taught me!), the rewards are worth it. Not only will your Lagotto look and feel their best, but regular grooming also provides valuable bonding time.
Whether you prefer a practical puppy cut or a more stylized teddy bear trim, the key is to work with your Lagotto's natural coat texture and enhance their unique qualities. With the right tools, techniques, and a consistent routine, you can keep your curly companion happy, healthy, and looking fabulous.