Lagotto Romagnolo vs Portuguese Water Dog

What can you expect when you share your life with a Lagotto Romagnolo? This renowned truffle-hunter is bright and spirited with a high energy level and zest for life. They get along well with other dogs and kids as long as they have been socialized from a young age.

Lagotti aren’t typically excessive barkers, but they will let you know when the mail arrives or when someone’s at the door, so prepare your guests for a noisy welcome. On the other paw, they can be a little aloof with strangers or get anxious in unfamiliar situations, so start their socialization early by introducing them to new people and places like the park and family gatherings. And teach kids how to interact with dogs. Doing so will help prepare Lagotti for the new situations and unfamiliar faces they will meet on their many adventures with you.

This sensitive dog breed will be very in-tune with their beloved pet parents’ feelings. If you are having an off day, they may well have one too, so take time for a cuddle to cheer you both up. The Lagotto Romagnolo is definitely a pet parent pleaser, so lavish them with love and cuddles and praise them eagerly when they do well in training sessions or dog sports. And you’ll always have company, because this breed is a “velcro dog” type who’ll be stuck to your side day and night.

Bred to be truffle hunters, the Lagotti breed rarely runs out of steam. Think of them as the dog version of the Energizer Bunny.

Portuguese Water Dogs are quintessential working dogs who have successfully transitioned to family pets over the centuries. These proud seafarers hail from the southern coast of Portugal, where they swam out to nets to help Portuguese fishermen retrieve their catch. You don’t need a boat, however, to befriend a Portie.

Porties typically have a friendly and kind temperament and are very loyal to their families. Meaning, they’ll likely shoot a suspicious glance or growl in the new deliveryman’s direction, but that’s as far as it goes. They have low biting tendencies and are generally good around strangers.

They also tend to get along great with other dogs and fairly well with cats and kids they grew up with. Still, they benefit from proper socialization early on (great excuse for a “Meet My Puppy” party with all your friends).

On the flip side, Porties are so smart and energetic, they crave constant mental stimulation and can get bored if left to their own devices. Pet parents can keep their dog from going to town on favorite footwear by engaging Porties in vigorous activity, indoors or out. Prepare to play fetch for hours on end with your tireless pet and keep them away from your belongings with an army of chew toys at their disposal. At the end of the day, as active and independent-minded as they can be, Porties are happiest when exercising with the family they love—all the better if that involves swimming in a lake, beach or pool.