Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 13 to 17 years, the Romagnol Water Dog is one of the rather long-lived dog breeds. Its longevity depends a lot on the quality of the breeding, veterinary follow-up, weight control and regular activity.
Build
A robust breed?
The breed has an interesting rustic base and copes well with an active life when its needs are met. It is not considered fragile, but the quality of genetic and orthopedic screenings remains important to limit certain risks known in the breed.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to genetic history, unusual neurological signs, gait, and the condition of the ears. Preventive monitoring and appropriate screening in breeding dogs are preferable to late management.
Lysosomal storage disease : Progressive genetic disorder that can lead to coordination problems, abnormal behaviors and neurological signs, with possible DNA screening.
Hip dysplasia : An orthopedic condition that can disrupt locomotion and promote joint discomfort, especially if the selection of breeding dogs is not rigorous.
Benign juvenile epilepsy : A neurological condition known in the breed, appearing at a young age, which requires prompt veterinary advice even if some forms progress favorably.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Romagnol Water Dog tolerates the cold rather well thanks to its dense, curly coat, but it copes less well with high heat and must always have shade, fresh water and an activity pace adapted in summer.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Chien d'eau romagnol can be greedy, which requires monitoring the quantities given and body condition. A well-adjusted ration and sufficient daily activity help prevent weight gain and preserve its mobility over time.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Ask for the parents' genetic and orthopedic screening tests before purchase.
- Regularly check the ears and the hair in the ear canal.
- Consult promptly in case of neurological or coordination disorders.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve mobility.
Vaccination
Lagotto Romagnolo vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Lagotto Romagnolo? Like all cats, the Lagotto Romagnolo receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Lagotto Romagnolo is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Lagotto Romagnolo vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Lagotto Romagnolo?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Lagotto Romagnolo
Useful screenings in the breed include in particular DNA tests for certain hereditary conditions, as well as an orthopedic evaluation depending on the lines. In practice, a serious breeder must be able to present screening results and a veterinarian must monitor the dog's growth, weight and locomotion.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
