Finding the right dog breeder is one of the most important steps when bringing a new puppy into your home. This is especially true if you’re looking for a Lagotto Romagnolo. Lagottos are also loving family pets, but they need a good start in life.
A responsible breeder will make sure the puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and raised in a caring environment. Choosing the right breeder takes time and research, but it’s worth the effort to ensure you bring home a happy and healthy pup.
Start with Research
Before contacting anyone, it’s important to learn about the Lagotto breed. Read about their personality, size, health needs, and energy levels. This will help you understand what kind of breeder you should look for.
Good lagotto breeders will have deep knowledge about the breed and will gladly answer your questions. You can look for breeders through trusted websites like the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America or other kennel clubs.
Visit the Breeder in Person
Once you find a potential breeder, try to visit them in person. Seeing the place where the puppies are raised can tell you a lot. A good breeder will welcome your visit and show you the living conditions of their dogs.
You should see clean spaces, playful puppies, and healthy parent dogs. If a breeder refuses to let you visit or avoids your questions, that’s a red flag. Meeting the breeder also gives you a chance to see how they treat their dogs and how the dogs behave around people.
Ask About Health Testing
Lagottos are generally healthy, but like all purebred dogs, they can have certain health issues. A responsible breeder will test their breeding dogs for common genetic problems like hip dysplasia or eye diseases.
Ask the breeder if they can show you health test results. These should come from official labs or veterinarians. Good breeders care about the long-term health of their puppies and want to improve the breed.
Make Sure Puppies Are Well Socialized
Puppies need to be exposed to different sights, sounds, and people at a young age. A good breeder will make sure their puppies get used to everyday life. They might introduce the puppies to children, other pets, and household noises.
This early socialization helps puppies grow into confident and friendly adult dogs. When you visit, watch how the puppies act. Are they playful and curious? Do they seem scared or shy? These things can give you clues about how the breeder raised them.
Look for a Breeder Who Asks You Questions
A good breeder won’t just try to sell you a puppy. They will ask you questions too. They want to make sure their puppies go to loving and responsible homes. You might be asked about your lifestyle, home environment, or experience with dogs.
This is a good sign. It shows that the breeder truly cares about their puppies and doesn’t just treat them like products. A trustworthy breeder will also offer advice, give you a contract, and stay in touch even after you take the puppy home.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Lagotto breeder is not something to rush. It takes time, effort, and careful attention to detail. By doing research, visiting the breeder, checking health records, and paying attention to how the puppies are raised, you can find someone who truly cares about dogs.
With the right start, your Lagotto will grow into a happy and loving companion for many years to come.
