Lagotto Romagnolo vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed ComparisonLagotto Romagnolo is originated from Italy but Australian Red Heeler is originated from Australia. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Australian Red Heeler are having almost same height. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Australian Red Heeler are of same weight. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Australian Red Heeler has almost same life span. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Australian Red Heeler has almost same litter size. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Australian Red Heeler requires Moderate maintenance.

History

lagotto romagnolo - historyThe Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Water Dog of Romagna, and falling into the sporting dog category, is a pure breed dog which comes from the Romagna region of Italy.

The dog’s role was that of gun dog and to retrieve water birds. Today he is more used as a truffle hunter in Italy as well as being used for a therapy dog.

In 2015 the Lagotto Romagnolo was accepted by the American Kennel Club into the sporting dog category.

australian red heeler - historyWhen George Hall arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802 he set about ‘creating’ a tough working- or herding dog. By crossing Australia’s native Dingoes with Collies as well as with other herding dogs, the robust Red Heeler, also known as the Australian Cattle Dog came into being. Today he is a thick-set dog, ideally suited to working livestock.

Ranchers, particularly, were impressed with the breed’s toughness and they were sought after on cattle stations. The name actually comes from them when the dogs are herding animals, they nip at their heels to get them moving.

The Blue Heeler and the Red Heeler breed are the exact same dog, but just different colors. These Australian cattle dogs originated in Australia in the mid-1800s and adapted well to the harsh desert environment of the outback.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Italy
Australia
Height Male:
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
15 - 16 kg
33 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 17 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Water Dog of Romagna
Australian Cattle dog, Queensland Heelers
Colors Available:
grey, apricot, Cream, white, brown or tan.
Red and blue mostly. Other varieties include chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings
Coat:
Waterproof, curly double coat with a woolly texture
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

lagotto romagnolo puppy - descriptionThe Lagotto Ramagnolo is a medium sized dog where both males and females stand anything between 41 and 48cm and weigh 11 to 16kg.

He is well proportioned and muscled, he has large yellow or brown eyes with a black or brown/pinkish nose, floppy, rounded ears and a tail which is left long these days.

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a waterproof double coat with a woolly texture and which hardly sheds, putting him as being hypoallergenic.

The coat can be in a number of different colors such as cream, grey, white, apricot, brown or tan. The face of the dog has a bit of a beard as well as noticeable bushy eyebrows.

Temperament:

  • Jaunty and feisty
  • Cheerful, lively and alert
  • Intelligent and easily trainable
  • Loving and loyal
  • Undemanding

Because the Lagotto is a sporting breed, he has had to call on all his senses to retrieve water birds. Good eyesight, sharp listening skills and an excellent sense of smell makes him the ideal gun dog but he also makes a loyal family pet.

He makes a good playmate for children and he happily gets on well with other pets in the home. Being an intelligent dog, he is easy to train too.

The sporting past of his has made it that he isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he will require mental- and physical stimulation. His role as gun dog meant that he was required to retrieve birds in water, and he is an excellent swimmer and will happily plunge into water to join you in a swim.

Have him trained and socialized and you’ll find him tuned in to obeying your commands. Because of his smallish size, the Lagotto can adjust well to life in the city or in the countryside, just so long as he still receives his full quota of exercise.

The Muscular Body

australian red heeler puppy - descriptionThe Red Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog is a sturdy, muscular dog with ears that are pricked and with dark, alert eyes. The tail is long. The neck, shoulders and legs of the Red Heeler are strong and muscular. The dog is longer than tall – the length of the body is greater than the height at the withers. A well fed, well exercised, well cared for Red Heeler will weight roughly 15–22 kilograms.

The Coat

There are 2 coat colours of the Reeler – red and blue, but there are are lesser varieties such as chocolate, cream, blue mottled, brindle and some with white markings. It is interesting to note that with both the Red- and the Blue Heeler, puppies are generally born white, with the coat turning to red as they mature.

These Australian Cattle Dogs display patches of solid colour, and you might well find masks over one or both eyes and a white tip to the tail. Both the Red and Blue Heeler can have a white star on the forehead which is referred to as the Bentley Mark. The Heelers have a double coat - short, straight outer hairs while the undercoat is short, fine and dense. Despite their short coat, they shed a lot.

Characteristics

lagotto romagnolo dog - characteristicsMany dog lovers appreciate that the Lagotto Romagnolos is looked upon as an allergy-friendly dog with his non-shedding coat.

Being a medium sized dog, he is manageable too. Add to that excellent characteristics such as being amicable, friendly and loving. Training him some important, basic commands won’t be difficult either and you can add in intelligence to his list of good qualities.

As loving dogs, they are dedicated to their families, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. He is a social dog and just longs to be a treasured member of the family like anybody else.

Count him in with all your activities and you’re going to have a one-in-a-million undemanding and contented canine friend.

australian red heeler dog - characteristicsYour Australian Red Heeler needs plenty of exercise but also plenty of companionship too from his human family. He is an affectionate, playful pet but is reserved with people he doesn’t know. When socialized he is patient with children in the home but he does still have the tendency to herd them and nip at their heels. The dog builds up a strong bond with his human family, and is protective toward them, being happy to be close to his owner’s side.

Take Time out to Play

Red Heelers need activities and lots of room to play, and they therefore won’t adapt to apartment living. If you don’t live on a farm, don’t neglect your working dog as he will need lots of rough and tumble games and activities to keep him from boredom. Treat your Australian Red Heeler with the love, patience and kindness and you’ll bring out the very best from this active, loyal fur-friend of yours.

Health Problems

lagotto romagnolo puppies - health problemsLagotto live roughly 16 years with the best food, exercise and loving environment. Some health issues may well crop up, though unlikely, but it is good to be aware of them.

Hip Dysplasia:

You hear the words ‘Hip dysplasia’ being bandied about a lot in the world of dogs because it is such a common dog ailment. Your dog can’t be cured but there are a range of management options that will ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

It is such a common joint disease where the hips partially dislocate. Without veterinary intervention, it can be debilitating and painful. It is essentially a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors can come into play too.

You don’t want your pet putting on too much weight as this puts extra strain on the joints.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy:

Your dog has loss of function because of the degeneration of cells or tissues. The illness affects different parts of the brain in dogs. You’ll notice a mild tremor of the head and uncoordinated movements. Your vet will want a history of your pet’s health as well as lab tests.

Eye Problems

australian red heeler puppies - health problemsThe Australian Cattle Dog is quite often affected by progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition where the rods and cones in the retina of the eye deteriorate later in life, and it could lead to blindness. This eye illness is an autosomal recessive trait, and even if the dog doesn’t develop the condition himself, he can be a carrier of the affected gene.

Fractures

The Heeler is just bursting with personality and energy and a study of dogs diagnosed at veterinary colleges described fractures and ligament tears as one of the most common conditions treated with the Australian Red Heeler.

General Health

You love your Australian Red Heeler and you want to take good care of him. Check with your vet because at 8 weeks he should be starting with his first puppy vaccinations.

To keep your best friend healthy and happy, watch his diet, ensure he gets plenty of exercise, brush his teeth regularly to remove plaque build-up, and always call your veterinarian when you see he is ill and isn’t his usual boisterous self.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

lagotto romagnolo dogs - caringNot everyone agrees with how to take care of the Lagotto’s rough, waterproof coat of thick curls. The coat doesn’t shed much but it can pick up grass and small twigs easily. Unless brushed out at least 2 or 3 times a week, the coat can become matted and unruly. For many the coat needs to be trimmed regularly.

Exercise:

The Lagotto needs plenty of exercise. His hunting and retrieving past has given him a natural urge to retrieve and he loves going after every ball you throw him. He will also love to join you on your daily walks and it gives him the chance to sniff around. With swimming being added in, this dog is your true sporting buddy.

Diet:

Make sure you feed your Lagotto the very best quality food there is to ensure his well-being and longevity. If you're unsure about whether he is getting in all the necessary vitamins and minerals with his food, speak to a dog expert as good food is key to a happy, healthy dog.

Grooming

australian red heeler dogs - caringThe Australian Red Heeler is a low maintenance dog. He does shed quite a bit so you’ll need to brush his coat at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and to keep his coat lustrous. When your dog has been in a particularly dusty area, you you wipe his coat down with a damp cloth. As with all dogs, you’ll want to check his teeth, ears, eyes and nails regularly to avoid health problems.

Training

If you care for your working- and herding dog you’ll train him to that he becomes a good family dog and companion. The Red Heeler has plenty of energy and stamina and if he grows up untrained and un-socialized, you could see him becoming aggressive towards other animals and even your own children. He certainly becomes over-protective of his territory if not socialized. Train him as he is an intelligent breed and responds well to training.

Diet

Any vet will tell you of the critical importance of a proper diet and exercise routine for your dog. He’s an active, smart dog with loads of energy and you want to keep his diet consistent with this energy. Speak to your vet about what food would suit your pet best, because a high quality diet appropriate to his age, his body size and his energy levels will be important. Along with high quality foods which include a good intake of raw meat, your dog must always have access to a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Bearded Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Collie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  27. Lagotto Romagnolo vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  28. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  31. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  32. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  33. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  34. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  39. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  41. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  42. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  43. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  44. Slovakian Hound vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  45. Small Munsterlander vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  46. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds