PLEASE DON’T BE ‘SOLD A PUP’
With the after-effects of Crufts and the increasing popularity of our lovely breed it is inevitable that less than scrupulous breeders (often referred to as greeders) may jump on the bandwagon to produce Lagotto litters. Our Rescue & Rehome has also been busy since COVID with dogs that were bought in haste and are no longer wanted due to health, behavioural and social difficulties. Some of these Lagotti were imported from outside the UK, or bred from dogs acquired easily in Europe and had not been reared with the necessary care.
Trying to adjust to living within a busy family home was just too much for some of them and they were rehoused by our Rescue & Rehome where they were able to live a quieter life. Others were lucky to find themselves with owners that were prepared to work hard to help them to learn to cope with our hectic lifestyles, but there is no doubt that the hours spent training and gaining help were time-consuming and challenging for all concerned.
For the average person, it is very difficult to tell a Lagotto puppy from a cross-bred Doodle, bred by a puppy farmer (who could seem to be a very plausible breeder). These pups might not be true to their written pedigree, KC registered, or even pure-bred at all! A cross-bred puppy may not have a non-moulting coat or show the traits and behaviour you have come to understand as typical of the breed. The worst scenario is that a poorly bred 'so-called' Lagotto puppy may still inherit a breed-related health condition.
You may see a breeder asking for exorbitant prices due to the “rarity” of the breed. Well-bred Lagotto puppies are unlikely to cost as much as those bred by the online 'greeders', even from responsible breeders who may go to great lengths to use the most suitable dog for their precious bitch by travelling to gain new bloodlines abroad, carrying out all the health testing, rearing/socialising the puppies well and positively vetting all potential new owners. Price is not necessarily an indication of high quality in dog breeding circles, sadly.
Be particularly careful of adverts you find on puppy sales websites. Responsible UK breeders usually have waiting lists. The best place to look for responsible Lagotto breeders and/or puppies is via the LRA website (http://www.lagottoromagnoloassociation.co.uk/breeder-list.html) or the Assured Breeders List. (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/acbr/Default.aspx?breed=Lagotto+Romagnolo) or as a last possible search to find your puppy, on the Kennel Club puppy list (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findapuppy/Default.aspx?id=Lagotto+Romagnolo), but be cautious, as this list is not a guarantee that all areas of health and care have been met.
If you do find Lagotto puppies listed anywhere else, but sure to ask all the questions, ask to see the original certificates of health testing and be sure to see the mother with the puppies in acceptable housing conditions and, if you have any doubts whatsoever, please feel free to contact the LRA (http://www.lagottoromagnoloassociation.co.uk/contact.html) for help and advice.
With the after-effects of Crufts and the increasing popularity of our lovely breed it is inevitable that less than scrupulous breeders (often referred to as greeders) may jump on the bandwagon to produce Lagotto litters. Our Rescue & Rehome has also been busy since COVID with dogs that were bought in haste and are no longer wanted due to health, behavioural and social difficulties. Some of these Lagotti were imported from outside the UK, or bred from dogs acquired easily in Europe and had not been reared with the necessary care.
Trying to adjust to living within a busy family home was just too much for some of them and they were rehoused by our Rescue & Rehome where they were able to live a quieter life. Others were lucky to find themselves with owners that were prepared to work hard to help them to learn to cope with our hectic lifestyles, but there is no doubt that the hours spent training and gaining help were time-consuming and challenging for all concerned.
For the average person, it is very difficult to tell a Lagotto puppy from a cross-bred Doodle, bred by a puppy farmer (who could seem to be a very plausible breeder). These pups might not be true to their written pedigree, KC registered, or even pure-bred at all! A cross-bred puppy may not have a non-moulting coat or show the traits and behaviour you have come to understand as typical of the breed. The worst scenario is that a poorly bred 'so-called' Lagotto puppy may still inherit a breed-related health condition.
You may see a breeder asking for exorbitant prices due to the “rarity” of the breed. Well-bred Lagotto puppies are unlikely to cost as much as those bred by the online 'greeders', even from responsible breeders who may go to great lengths to use the most suitable dog for their precious bitch by travelling to gain new bloodlines abroad, carrying out all the health testing, rearing/socialising the puppies well and positively vetting all potential new owners. Price is not necessarily an indication of high quality in dog breeding circles, sadly.
Be particularly careful of adverts you find on puppy sales websites. Responsible UK breeders usually have waiting lists. The best place to look for responsible Lagotto breeders and/or puppies is via the LRA website (http://www.lagottoromagnoloassociation.co.uk/breeder-list.html) or the Assured Breeders List. (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/acbr/Default.aspx?breed=Lagotto+Romagnolo) or as a last possible search to find your puppy, on the Kennel Club puppy list (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findapuppy/Default.aspx?id=Lagotto+Romagnolo), but be cautious, as this list is not a guarantee that all areas of health and care have been met.
If you do find Lagotto puppies listed anywhere else, but sure to ask all the questions, ask to see the original certificates of health testing and be sure to see the mother with the puppies in acceptable housing conditions and, if you have any doubts whatsoever, please feel free to contact the LRA (http://www.lagottoromagnoloassociation.co.uk/contact.html) for help and advice.