I first heard about the Lagotto Romagnolo breed when watching a Burkes Backyard episode many years ago, and this was followed up when I found a Breed Magazine featuring Dr Margaret Giles and her Lagotto Romagnolo dogs she imported into Australia. Having previously owned a Border Collie, Miniature Poodle and Schipperkes I was keen on the non-shedding quality of the Lagotto and the prospect of being a performance dog for my sporting interests.

On the 30th August, 2008 after previously visiting a few breeders in NSW I ended up purchasing Occhi in Victoria, collecting him on a significant birthday for me. Occhi got on well with my other dogs but his boisterous nature was certainly highlighted as the others aged which was sad. Occhi became my trialling dog and we competed in Rally, Agility, Jumping, Obedience, Tracking, and Track & Search. My passion is certainly anything a Lagotto can put their nose to, and this started our journey into truffle hunting where we have worked a local farm for over 10 years and we now have our own truffle playground. When trialling Occhi, he obtained a couple of firsts in Australia for the Breed, being the first Tracking Champion in 2011, and Track & Search Grand Champion in 2014. Occhi also obtained his Conformation title of Aust Champion, Rally Excellent in 2015, Jumping Dog in 2013, and his Community Companion Dog titles. Occhi taught me a lot about the breed, and they are certainly not all the same; Occhi was independent and he only warmed to a few people and his family; no strangers could touch him, which ended his Obedience career early but Tracking and Track & Search was different and he happily greeted tracklayers when he located them.

Lola was born in 2012, and I picked her up from the airport the day I returned from a trip overseas to attend the Club Italian Lagotto Romagnolo Raduno held in Bagnara Italy with a few friends. The show was fantastic and the truffle hunting on the Sunday and following dinner with all the competitors and judges was fabulous. Lola also ventured into the Show Ring having a few successful years at the Royal Melbourne Show as Best of Breed. She also loved Tracking and Track & Search, obtaining Champion and Grand Champion titles, along with her Rally Advanced, Community Companion Dog, and at the ripe age of 12 she finished her Scent Work Novice title.

Belle, Lola’s daughter, has obtained Tracking, Track & Search, Tricks and Scent titles and she truffle hunts with so much enthusiasm. Belle loves everyone, and she always tries to make sure people notice and talk to her.

Cecco, Belle’s son, was a COVID puppy so he is a little reserved compared to the others, but he is the sweetest boy whose eyes look right into your soul. We haven’t made it to the show ring yet with Cecco but it is a plan. Cecco has gained his Track & Search Grand Champion title and is currently campaigning through his tracking tests having gained his Tracking Dog Excellent title along with his Scent Work Novice title. Cecco is a keen truffle hunter as well having learnt from his mother and Nonna Lola.

Bruno, the youngest, is Cecco’s son; he has so much enthusiasm for life and he loves to meet people and is social with other dogs. Bruno is currently trialling in Scent Work, Tracking and Track & Search and he also has his Conformation Australian Champion title.

My experience with the breed is they are not for everyone, they can be all different and not all couch cuddlers; they are a working dog and they need to use their nose and do what a dog needs to do. Having owned 5 Lagottos I am hooked, and could not see myself without one; it will be a very sad day when this happens in the future.