Buyer's Guide

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a rare breed, and demand for well-bred puppies is high — which unfortunately also attracts breeders who cut corners. Here's what actually separates a responsible breeder from the rest.

Health Testing

A responsible breeder health tests every dog in their breeding program before pairing them, generation after generation. For the Lagotto Romagnolo, that means OFA hip and elbow evaluations, eye certification, and DNA screening for breed-specific conditions like Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD) and PRA. Ask to see the actual certificates, not just a verbal assurance.

AKC Registration and Titles

AKC registration confirms a dog's pedigree is documented and verifiable. Titles earned in conformation, obedience, or performance events are a strong signal the breeder is actively involved in the breed community, not just producing puppies for sale.

Meet the Parents

A responsible breeder should be able to show you at least the mother, ideally both parents, with health and title documentation for each — through photos, video calls, or in person at a show. This doesn't have to mean visiting the breeder's home; many responsible breeders limit in-person visits for the health and safety of their dogs and puppies. Ask about the pedigree and why that pairing was chosen. Vague or evasive answers, or a refusal to show any proof at all, are the real warning sign.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Puppies always available, with no waitlist at all
• No health testing documentation, or only "vet checked"
• Won't show you the parents — in photos, video, or in person — or provide any health and pedigree documentation
• Cash-only, no written contract or health guarantee
• Multiple breeds or litters constantly available at once
• Pressure to decide or pay a deposit immediately

Why a Waitlist Is a Good Sign

It can feel counterintuitive, but a breeder with a waitlist is usually doing things right: breeding fewer litters, spacing them for the health of the parents, and matching puppies to the right homes. Treat "available now, no wait" with more suspicion than a multi-month list.

Breed Club Membership

Membership in a recognized breed club means a breeder has agreed to a code of ethics around health testing and buyer support. Not a guarantee on its own, but a meaningful data point.

Taking the time to vet a breeder properly is the single best thing you can do for the health and temperament of the puppy you eventually bring home.