Lagotto Romagnolo

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a wide-toothed comb or specialized curly coat rake, working through the dense, woolly, curly coat in sections. Never use a slicker brush, which breaks the curls and creates frizz. Mist the coat with water or detangling spray before combing to prevent breakage. The coat should form tight, ring-shaped curls.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 3-4 weeks with a moisturizing, curl-enhancing shampoo. Apply a rich conditioner and leave it in for 5 minutes to hydrate the woolly curls. Scrunch the coat with a towel rather than rubbing, which disrupts curl pattern. Diffuse-dry on low heat or air-dry for the best curl definition.

Common Issues

• Matting deep in the woolly undercoat if not combed regularly
• Ear hair growth blocking ear canals and trapping moisture
• Coat becoming too long and heavy between clips
• Loss of curl definition from improper brushing or products
• Eye staining hidden under curly facial hair

Extend Your Grooming Results

Trim the coat every 2-3 months to maintain a workable length of 1-2 inches -- longer coat mats more readily. Pluck ear hair monthly to maintain airflow. Keep facial hair trimmed to allow visibility and prevent eye irritation. Apply a leave-in curl cream after bathing to define and protect the curls.

Seasonal Care

Lagottos do not shed seasonally since their coat grows continuously like human hair. In Houston's humid summers, the dense woolly coat can trap heat -- keep it clipped shorter (about 1 inch). In winter, the coat can be kept slightly longer for warmth. Humidity actually helps their curls maintain definition.

Maintenance Schedule

Comb 2-3 times weekly with wide-toothed comb, ear hair plucking monthly, facial hair trimming as needed, full body clip every 2-3 months, bath every 3-4 weeks, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.