What could be better than a Labradoodle?….. a Labragotto! Read on to find out more.
While poodles are known for their hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat, and for being a kind and goofy family dog they are also known for their “nervy” or high energy levels. When this is bred to make a dog smaller (ie. mini-labradoodles, mini-goldendoodles, etc) it can take the energy from the larger dog and amplify it, causing a dog to be hyper-active and yappy. They also suffer from loneliness and separation anxiety if left alone too much. Poodles learn “patterns” so quickly that they tend to anticipate everything you’re going to do next, which can be disconcerting. They expect their routines to always be the same, and they can get flustered if you change things.
The Poodle is a descendant of the Lagotto Romagnolo. Translated from Italian, Lagotto Romagnolo means “lake dog from Romagna,” which is a good name for this breed, considering these dogs originally helped hunt waterfowl through the wet marshlands of Romagna in Italy. Currently they are known as the Italian truffle hunting dog. They have been specially bred to find truffles on all kinds of terrain; it is the only breed in the world specialized in tracking down this expensive and precious tuber.
The temperament of the Lagotto Romagnolo is: loving, active, loyal, keen, companionable and trainable. They have curly coats, which are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. They have a calm nature, are easy to train and eager to please. They are perfect for a family pet, or a companion dog.
The Labrador is a dog who needs no introduction. It’s one of the most iconic breeds of America, I have met so many people who love to tell me stories of the Lab they had growing up. They are so sweet, kind and love to fetch! Sadly the Lab has been so overbred that there are now 22 genetic mutations that can show up in your Lab from exercise induced collapse to Lou Gehrig’s, called Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs.
With this cross we feel we can handle the few short comings that each breed brings to the table. All puppies will inherit 1 copy of the curly hair gene from the Lagotto which will give them a beautiful low to non shedding coat. They will get the sweet and loving temperament from the Lab. Some Labs are known to have obesity issues, especially the stockier English Lab. Our Bella is an American Lab, she is lean and almost 80 lbs of muscle. The Lagotto does not have an obesity issue it also has very few genetic issues thus crossing these two will create “Hybrid Vigor” ( Definition: increased vigor or superior qualities arising from the crossbreeding of genetically different animals.) We feel that taking the predecessor of the poodle will create stronger healthier lines for our puppies…
Pros of the Labrador:
Sweet
Friendly
Attentive
Easy to Train
Stable
Patient
Eager to please
Cuddly
Soft Mouth
Loves to play in water
Cons:
Can get overweight
Sheds a lot
22 genetic variants
Pros of the Lagotto:
Non-Shedding
Quick to learn new things
Can be trained to find Truffles
Good family Dogs
Few genetic issues
Cons:
Can be shy around new people
Can be vocal
Expensive!