Italian Water Dog and 9 Other Water Dog Breeds: Complete Guide
Explore the Italian Water Dog (Lagotto Romagnolo) alongside 9 other top water dog breeds.
What Qualifies a Breed as a True Water Dog?
Selection Criteria for This List: Every breed below was evaluated against five mandatory benchmarks:
- Historical water-working lineage — bred specifically for retrieving from water, fishing assistance, or aquatic rescue (minimum 100+ years of documented water work)
- Physical water adaptations — water-resistant coat, webbed toes, otter-like tail, or insulating undercoat confirmed by AKC or FCI breed standards
- Verifiable swimming instinct — breed clubs or veterinary behaviorists document natural swimming drive without forced training
- Current availability — at least 100 AKC/UKC registrations annually or established breed club presence in the US (as of 2025–2026 data)
- Temperament suitability — stable family temperament documented by AKC temperament standards, not solely working-drive aggression
Breeds failing any single criterion were excluded. This eliminates popular "water-loving" breeds like Labrador Retrievers that, while excellent swimmers, were primarily bred as land retrievers with water capability as a secondary trait.
Water dogs represent one of the oldest functional breed categories in canine history. Portuguese fishermen relied on them to retrieve nets and carry messages between boats in the 1500s. Italian marsh hunters used them to locate waterfowl in the Romagna wetlands centuries before that. Today, these breeds retain the same physical adaptations and instincts — even if their "work" is fetching a tennis ball from your backyard pool.
If you've been researching the Italian Water Dog — properly known as the Lagotto Romagnolo — you've likely noticed it sits at a unique crossroads: it's the only breed on this list that transitioned from water retrieving to truffle hunting. That pivot tells you something important about canine adaptability, and it's one reason this breed deserves a closer look alongside its more traditionally aquatic cousins.
The Italian Water Dog (Lagotto Romagnolo): Breed Spotlight
1. Lagotto Romagnolo (Italian Water Dog)
Size Class: Medium (24–35 lb / 11–16 kg; 16–19 in / 41–48 cm at shoulder)
Key Water Trait: Dense, woolly, waterproof curl coat that insulates in frigid marsh water; historically used in the wetlands of Italy's Romagna sub-region since at least the 1500s
Profile: The Lagotto Romagnolo is the original Italian Water Dog — a breed whose name literally translates to "lake dog" in the Romagna dialect. While modern Lagotti are better known as the world's only specialized truffle-hunting breed, their water-retrieving heritage remains visible in their love of swimming, their webbed feet, and their nearly waterproof coat. According to the AKC Lagotto Romagnolo breed standard, these dogs should display an "undulating" gait and a keen, alert expression that reflects their dual heritage as both water workers and scent specialists.
Why It Made This List: The Lagotto is the rarest breed here and the only one that successfully retrained from water work to land-based scent detection. This demonstrates extraordinary cognitive flexibility — a trait that makes them exceptional problem-solvers in a home environment. They're also the only hypoallergenic water dog breed on this list, making them the default choice for allergy-prone households that still want an aquatic companion.
| Attribute | Lagotto Romagnolo Data |
|---|---|
| Weight Range | 24–35 lb (11–16 kg) |
| Height Range | 16–19 in (41–48 cm) |
| Lifespan | 15–17 years |
| Coat Type | Dense, woolly curls; low-shedding |
| Energy Level | High (60–90 min/day exercise) |
| Grooming Needs | High — professional clip every 6–8 weeks ($65–$95 per session) |
| Family Fit | Excellent with children 6+; may be reserved with strangers |
| Purchase Price (2025–2026) | $3,500–$7,000 from health-tested breeder |
9 More Water Dog Breeds Worth Considering
2. Portuguese Water Dog
Size Class: Medium-Large (35–60 lb / 16–27 kg; 17–23 in / 43–58 cm)
Key Water Trait: Two accepted coat clips — the "lion clip" (rear shaved for swimming efficiency) and the "retriever clip" (uniform length) — both designed by Portuguese fishermen to reduce drag while maintaining organ insulation
Profile: The Portuguese Water Dog, or "Portie," served as a fisherman's right hand along the Algarve coast for centuries. They retrieved torn nets, herded fish into traps, and carried messages between boats. Today, they're best known as the Obama family's choice for a hypoallergenic First Dog, but their working drive remains intense. Expect 90+ minutes of daily exercise and a dog that will attempt to "herd" your children if not given appropriate outlets.
Why It Made This List: The Portie is the most readily available water breed in the US (approximately 2,500–3,000 AKC registrations annually) and the best choice for families wanting a proven, well-documented hypoallergenic water dog with established health screening protocols.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
Size Class: Large (45–68 lb / 20–31 kg; 21–24 in / 53–61 cm)
Key Water Trait: The "rat tail" — a thick, tapering, nearly hairless tail that functions as a rudder in strong currents, unique among spaniel breeds
Profile: The tallest spaniel breed and one of the oldest, the Irish Water Spaniel dates to at least the 1830s in Dublin. Their liver-colored, tight-curl coat is virtually waterproof, and their webbed feet make them powerful swimmers. They're known for a clownish personality but require firm, consistent positive reinforcement training — they're intelligent enough to test boundaries constantly.
Why It Made This List: The Irish Water Spaniel offers the most distinctive physical adaptation on this list (the rudder tail) and remains the best choice for experienced owners wanting a large, athletic water dog with spaniel-typical enthusiasm and bird-drive.
4. Spanish Water Dog (Perro de Agua Español)
Size Class: Medium (30–50 lb / 14–23 kg; 16–20 in / 41–51 cm)
Key Water Trait: Corded fleece coat that naturally forms waterproof ropes — similar to a Puli but adapted for aquatic work in the marshes of Andalusia
Profile: This versatile Iberian breed worked as both a water retriever and a herding dog, a dual-purpose heritage that makes them more adaptable than single-purpose breeds. Their coat is never clipped traditionally — it's allowed to cord naturally, then sheared once annually (usually in spring). They bond intensely with one person and can be aloof with strangers, making early socialization critical.
Why It Made This List: The Spanish Water Dog is the best "dual-purpose" breed on this list — equally capable in water and on land herding tasks. For active rural owners who want one dog for multiple working roles, this breed is unmatched.
5. American Water Spaniel
Size Class: Medium (25–45 lb / 11–20 kg; 15–18 in / 38–46 cm)
Key Water Trait: Liver or chocolate-colored tight curls or waves with a naturally water-shedding outer coat and insulating undercoat developed in the Great Lakes region for cold-water retrieval
Profile: Developed in Wisconsin's Fox River Valley in the late 1800s, the American Water Spaniel is the only water breed created entirely in the United States. They're compact enough for small boats and duck blinds but powerful enough to retrieve Canada geese. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, their cold-water tolerance exceeds most other spaniel breeds due to selective breeding in sub-freezing Great Lakes conditions.
Why It Made This List: The AWS is the most practical choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in cold-water climates (Upper Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest). They're also the most affordable water breed on this list, with puppies typically $1,200–$2,500.
6. Barbet (French Water Dog)
Size Class: Medium-Large (35–65 lb / 16–29 kg; 19–24 in / 48–61 cm)
Key Water Trait: Long, curly, woolly coat historically left untrimmed to provide full-body insulation in the marshes and rivers of France; the breed name derives from the French word "barbe" (beard), referencing their distinctive facial furnishings
Profile: The Barbet is one of the oldest European water dogs, documented in 16th-century French hunting texts. They're considered an ancestral breed — Poodles, Bichons, and Griffons all share Barbet lineage. Despite their rarity (fewer than 200 AKC registrations annually), they're known for an exceptionally calm, steady temperament that makes them more suitable for apartment living than higher-drive water breeds.
Why It Made This List: The Barbet is the best water breed for urban or apartment dwellers. Their lower exercise threshold (45–60 min/day) and calmer indoor demeanor set them apart from the higher-energy breeds on this list.
7. Cantabrian Water Dog
Size Class: Small-Medium (26–44 lb / 12–20 kg; 15–19 in / 38–48 cm)
Key Water Trait: Compact size specifically selected for working from small fishing boats along the rocky Cantabrian coast of northern Spain — small enough to not destabilize a vessel but strong enough to haul nets
Profile: Recognized by Spain's Royal Canine Society but not yet fully AKC-registered (currently in the Foundation Stock Service), the Cantabrian Water Dog is a close relative of the Barbet and Portuguese Water Dog. They're the smallest dedicated water breed and were historically used as assistants to fishermen along Spain's northern coast, retrieving fish that escaped nets and carrying lines between boats.
Why It Made This List: For owners wanting the smallest possible true water dog — smaller than a Lagotto but with genuine water-working heritage — the Cantabrian is the only option. They're also well-suited to boat life due to their compact build.
8. Wetterhoun (Frisian Water Dog)
Size Class: Medium-Large (48–77 lb / 22–35 kg; 21–23 in / 53–58 cm)
Key Water Trait: Thick, curly coat with a distinctive "otter tail" — thick at the base, tapering, and carried in a curve — providing powerful propulsion in the lakes and canals of Friesland, Netherlands
Profile: The Wetterhoun is a rare Dutch breed historically used to hunt otters and waterfowl in the Frisian waterways. They're powerfully built, independent thinkers with a strong prey drive. Not recommended for first-time owners — their independence and wariness of strangers require experienced handling and early, extensive socialization.
Why It Made This List: The Wetterhoun is included for experienced owners seeking a powerful, independent water dog for serious field work. They're the most physically robust breed on this list and the best choice for demanding aquatic environments (strong currents, cold water, heavy retrieval work).
9. Poodle (Standard)
Size Class: Large (40–70 lb / 18–32 kg; over 15 in / 38+ cm)
Key Water Trait: The traditional "continental clip" — pom-poms left on joints and chest to protect vital organs and joints in cold water while the rear was shaved to reduce drag — was a functional working clip, not a show-ring invention
Profile: Often overlooked as a water breed due to their modern show-ring image, Standard Poodles were originally German water retrievers (the name derives from the German "Pudel," meaning "to splash"). They remain exceptional swimmers with one of the highest trainability scores of any breed. Their intelligence and versatility make them the most adaptable breed on this list.
Why It Made This List: The Standard Poodle is the most accessible, most trainable, and most versatile water breed. They excel in obedience, agility, dock diving, and hunting tests. For owners wanting a water dog that can also compete in multiple performance sports, the Poodle is unmatched.
10. Curly-Coated Retriever
Size Class: Large (60–95 lb / 27–43 kg; 23–27 in / 58–69 cm)
Key Water Trait: Distinctive crisp, tight curls lying close to the body — each curl individually waterproof — providing insulation without the bulk of a double coat, allowing faster swimming and easier debris removal
Profile: The oldest of the retriever breeds (dating to the late 1700s in England), the Curly-Coated Retriever was the preferred waterfowl dog of British gamekeepers before the Flat-Coated Retriever and Labrador gained popularity. They're larger and more independent than other retrievers, with a confident, steady temperament. They mature slowly — often not reaching full mental maturity until age 3–4.
Why It Made This List: The Curly-Coated Retriever is the best choice for owners wanting a large, substantial water dog with retriever-typical friendliness but more independence and less neediness than a Labrador or Golden. They're also the most cold-tolerant breed on this list.
Breed Comparison: How Do These Water Dogs Stack Up?
| Breed | Weight (lb) | Exercise (min/day) | Grooming Cost/Year | Hypoallergenic | Puppy Price (2025–2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagotto Romagnolo | 24–35 | 60–90 | $520–$760 | Yes | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Portuguese Water Dog | 35–60 | 90–120 | $480–$720 | Yes | $2,500–$4,500 |
| Irish Water Spaniel | 45–68 | 60–90 | $360–$600 | Mostly | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Spanish Water Dog | 30–50 | 60–90 | $150–$300 (annual shear) | Yes | $2,000–$3,500 |
| American Water Spaniel | 25–45 | 60–90 | $240–$480 | No | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Barbet | 35–65 | 45–60 | $480–$720 | Yes | $2,500–$4,000 |
| Cantabrian Water Dog | 26–44 | 45–60 | $300–$500 | Yes | $1,500–$3,000 (import) |
| Wetterhoun | 48–77 | 60–90 | $240–$480 | No | $2,000–$3,500 (import) |
| Standard Poodle | 40–70 | 60–90 | $600–$960 | Yes | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Curly-Coated Retriever | 60–95 | 60–90 | $120–$240 | No | $1,500–$2,500 |
How to Choose: A Decision Framework for Your Lifestyle
Step 1: Assess your allergy situation.
- If anyone in your household has dog allergies → choose from: Lagotto Romagnolo, Portuguese Water Dog, Spanish Water Dog, Barbet, Cantabrian Water Dog, or Standard Poodle
- If allergies are not a concern → all 10 breeds are options; proceed to Step 2
Step 2: Define your daily exercise capacity.
- If you can commit 90–120 min/day of vigorous activity → Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel
- If you can commit 60–90 min/day → Lagotto Romagnolo, Spanish Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, Wetterhoun, Standard Poodle, Curly-Coated Retriever
- If you can commit 45–60 min/day → Barbet, Cantabrian Water Dog
Step 3: Consider your living space.
- Apartment/condo → Barbet, Cantabrian Water Dog (smallest footprint, lower indoor energy)
- House with yard → Lagotto Romagnolo, Spanish Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, Standard Poodle
- Rural property with acreage → Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Wetterhoun, Curly-Coated Retriever
Step 4: Define your primary activity with the dog.
- Hunting/field work → American Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Wetterhoun
- Dog sports (agility, obedience, dock diving) → Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog
- Companion/family pet → Lagotto Romagnolo, Barbet, Spanish Water Dog
- Boat companion → Cantabrian Water Dog, Portuguese Water Dog (both historically worked from small vessels)
Step 5: Set your budget.
- Under $2,500 total first-year cost (puppy + supplies + vet) → American Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever
- $2,500–$5,000 → Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, Spanish Water Dog, Barbet, Standard Poodle
- $5,000+ → Lagotto Romagnolo (highest purchase price + highest grooming costs)
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Approach With Caution
Honorable Mentions — breeds with strong water affinity that didn't meet all five criteria:
- Newfoundland — extraordinary water rescue ability and webbed feet, but classified as a working/guardian breed rather than a dedicated water retriever. Their massive size (100–150 lb) also limits practicality for most households.
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever — exceptional cold-water tolerance and a genuine water-retrieving heritage, but their protective temperament and high drive make them better categorized as hunting retrievers than "water dogs" in the traditional European sense.
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — the smallest retriever and a strong swimmer, but their primary function was "tolling" (luring waterfowl from shore) rather than water retrieval. They lack the specialized coat adaptations of true water breeds.
Breeds to Avoid If You Want a True Water Dog:
- Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever — while both love water and swim well, they were bred primarily as land-based retrievers with water capability. Their coats lack the specialized waterproofing of true water breeds, and they shed heavily. If your primary goal is a low-shedding or hypoallergenic water dog, neither qualifies.
- Flat-Coated Retriever — excellent swimmers with a water-retrieving heritage, but their coat is flat and single-layered, lacking the insulating undercoat or waterproof curls of dedicated water breeds. They're better classified as gundogs.
Health Considerations Across Water Dog Breeds
Water breeds share some common health vulnerabilities due to their shared adaptations and, in some cases, small gene pools:
- Hip dysplasia — prevalent in Portuguese Water Dogs (estimated 12–15% per OFA data), Standard Poodles, and Curly-Coated Retrievers. Always request OFA or PennHIP certification from breeders.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — documented in Lagotto Romagnolo, Portuguese Water Dog, and Curly-Coated Retriever. DNA testing is available for most breeds; responsible breeders test both parents.
- Ear infections — floppy-eared water breeds (all spaniels on this list, Portuguese Water Dog, Barbet) are prone to otitis externa from trapped moisture. Budget $20–$40 for veterinary ear cleaner and plan to clean ears after every swim session.
- Lagotto-specific: Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy — a hereditary condition in Lagotti causing seizures in puppies aged 5–9 weeks. Puppies typically outgrow it by 13 weeks, but DNA testing of parents is essential. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides detailed information on hereditary epilepsy in dogs.
- Storage disease (Lagotto Romagnolo) — a lysosomal storage disorder specific to the breed. DNA testing available; breeders should provide clear results.
Before purchasing any water breed puppy, request health clearances from the breeder for all breed-relevant conditions. Reputable breeders will provide OFA, PennHIP, or DNA test results without hesitation. If a breeder cannot or will not provide these, walk away.
Post-Swim Health Warning: If your water dog shows signs of aspiration after swimming — coughing, gagging, lethargy, labored breathing, or blue-tinged gums — seek veterinary care immediately. "Dry drowning" (secondary drowning from inhaled water) can develop 1–24 hours after a swimming session and is a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Italian Water Dog the same as the Lagotto Romagnolo?
Yes. "Italian Water Dog" is the English translation commonly used for the Lagotto Romagnolo. The breed originated in the Romagna sub-region of Italy, and "Lagotto" derives from the Romagna dialect word for "lake." The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) officially classifies them in Group 8, Section 3 — Water Dogs.
Can water dog breeds live in apartments?
Some can, with significant caveats. The Barbet and Cantabrian Water Dog are the most apartment-suitable due to their lower exercise requirements (45–60 min/day) and calmer indoor demeanor. However, all water breeds need access to water for swimming — even if it's a dog-friendly pool or lake visited 2–3 times weekly. Without aquatic exercise, these breeds often develop frustration-based behavioral issues like destructive chewing or excessive barking.
How much does it cost to own a Lagotto Romagnolo annually?
Based on 2025–2026 pricing, expect $3,200–$5,500 annually for a Lagotto Romagnolo. This includes: food ($600–$900), grooming ($520–$760), routine veterinary care ($400–$700), pet insurance ($600–$1,200), toys and enrichment ($300–$500), and miscellaneous supplies ($200–$400). This does not include the initial purchase price of $3,500–$7,000.
Are water dog breeds good with children?
Most water breeds are excellent with children when properly socialized. The Lagotto Romagnolo, Portuguese Water Dog, and Standard Poodle are particularly known for gentle, patient temperaments with kids. However, the Irish Water Spaniel and Wetterhoun can be more reserved or mouthy, making them better suited to homes with children aged 8+. Always supervise interactions between any dog and children under 12.
Do water dogs need to swim, or is regular exercise enough?
While water dogs can thrive without swimming if given sufficient land-based exercise, most display noticeably improved behavior and mental health when given regular aquatic access. Aim for swimming sessions 1–3 times per week during warm months. Dock diving facilities, dog-friendly beaches, and backyard pools (with proper exit ramps) all work well. In winter, indoor canine swim facilities are available in most metropolitan areas for $25–$50 per 30-minute session.
Which water dog breed is the easiest to train?
The Standard Poodle ranks highest in trainability among water breeds, consistently placing in the top 3 most trainable breeds across all categories according to veterinary behaviorist assessments. The Portuguese Water Dog and Lagotto Romagnolo follow closely. The Wetterhoun and Irish Water Spaniel are the most independent and may require more patience and creative motivation during training. All water breeds respond best to positive reinforcement methods — never use aversive tools like shock collars or prong collars, which damage the trust these sensitive breeds require.
Where can I find a responsible Lagotto Romagnolo breeder?
Start with the AKC Lagotto Romagnolo page to find registered breeders. The Lagotto Club of America maintains a breeder referral list and requires member breeders to health-test for hip dysplasia, PRA, storage disease, and juvenile epilepsy. Expect waitlists of 6–18 months for a well-bred Lagotto puppy. Also consider breed-specific rescue organizations — adult Lagotti occasionally become available through no fault of their own (owner health issues, lifestyle changes).
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
