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.

Written by Lacey and Luisma Benítez of Ancient City Lagotto, an AKC Breeder of Merit in Saint Augustine, FL.

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, an annual eye certification (CERF/ACVO), and DNA screening for breed-specific conditions: Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD), Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE), and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Ask to see the actual certificates, not just a verbal assurance — OFA results for health-tested dogs are published in OFA's public database, so a breeder who tests has nothing to hide.

AKC Registration and Titles

AKC registration confirms a dog's pedigree is documented and verifiable — it is not, by itself, a health or quality guarantee. Titles earned in conformation, obedience, or performance events are a stronger signal: they mean the breeder is actively showing and being evaluated against the breed standard by independent judges, not just producing puppies for sale. A prefix like "GCH" (Grand Champion) or "CH" (Champion) in front of a dog's name means that dog has been assessed and recognized, repeatedly, outside of its own breeder's opinion.

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
• No involvement in AKC events, breed clubs, or the wider Lagotto community
• Reluctance to discuss which specific health tests were run, or why

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 the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America (LRCA), the AKC parent club for the breed, means a breeder has agreed to a code of ethics around health testing and buyer support. It's not a guarantee on its own, but it's a meaningful data point — and it means the breeder answers to a community of other breeders, not just to their own customers.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

• What specific health tests were run on both parents, and can I see the results?
• Why was this particular pairing chosen?
• What titles, if any, do the parents hold, and in what events?
• What happens if my puppy develops a health issue covered by your guarantee?
• How are puppies socialized before they go home?
• What support do you offer after I bring my puppy home?
• Are you a member of the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy cost?

Prices vary widely depending on health testing, lineage, and how the puppies are raised, and responsible breeders typically discuss pricing individually as part of an application rather than posting a fixed number. A price far below what health-tested, well-socialized litters typically cost is itself a red flag worth asking about.

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo hypoallergenic?

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a dense, curly, low-shedding coat that many people with mild allergies tolerate well. No breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic, so if allergies are a concern, spend time with an adult Lagotto before committing to a puppy.

How long is a typical waitlist?

It varies by breeder and by how litters are timed, but a multi-month wait for a well-planned litter is normal and not a reason to look elsewhere.

What is the AKC Breeder of Merit program?

Breeder of Merit is an AKC recognition for breeders who health test their dogs, are actively involved in AKC events, and have a track record of responsible breeding practices — it sits above basic AKC registration, which only documents pedigree.

What is "Puppy Culture" and why does it matter?

Puppy Culture is a structured early-socialization program covering a puppy's first weeks of life, including handling exercises and controlled exposure to new sounds, surfaces, and experiences. It's designed to build confident, well-adjusted adult temperaments rather than leaving socialization to chance.

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.