The Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian breed with ancient marshland origins, is renowned for its skill in truffle hunting, its balanced and affectionate nature, and its unmistakable curly, woolly coat. Among the many qualities that make it unique, besides being hypoallergenic, coat color plays an important role, both aesthetically and genetically.

Colors Recognized by the Standard

The official ENCI/FCI standard recognizes the following colors for the Lagotto Romagnolo:

• Solid white
• White with brown or orange markings
• Brown in various shades
• Brown roan
• Orange roan
• Solid orange

Black is not permitted by the standard, nor are black pigmentation on the nose or eyes. Eyes that are too light or too dark compared to the coat color can also be considered faults.

Most Common Colors

Among the most common colors are:

White: Often very bright and elegant, it is particularly popular, both in solid colors and with spots.

Brown: In its lightest and darkest shades, it is one of the most typical and sought-after colors, especially for its intensity and visual warmth.

Rarest and Most Valuable Colors

Some colors are less common and, therefore, more sought-after by enthusiasts and connoisseurs:

Brown roan: Characterized by a uniform blend of brown and white, creating a very refined "salt and pepper" effect.

Orange roan: Even rarer than brown roan, it is delicate and particularly harmonious, also due to the visual effect of the light pigmentation.

White with orange spots: Rarer than the brown-spotted variant, it has a sunny and sweet appearance, highly prized, especially by truffle hunters.

Tan: This is the rarest color of all Lagotto Romagnolos. These are subjects with tan markings (lighter spots, usually honey or fawn) in specific areas such as the eyebrows, muzzle, chest, and limbs, similar to those seen in breeds such as the Rottweiler or Doberman.
Although extremely rare, tan markings conform to the breed standard and represent a particular genetic expression linked to the at (agouti) gene. Its rarity makes it highly prized among breed enthusiasts, although it remains difficult to obtain consistently in litters.

It should be noted that truffle hunters generally prefer lighter colors in Lagotto Romagnolos, such as off-white, white with brown or orange markings, because they are easier to spot in the woods.

Genetics and Selection: More Than Color

At our kennel, we select puppies in full compliance with the breed's morphological and character standards. Color is only one aspect to consider: what really matters is the health, emotional stability, docility, and typicality of the Lagotto Romagnolo.
Only careful and responsible selection can guarantee high-quality specimens, both for work and family life.