Lagotto Romagnolo vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed ComparisonLagotto Romagnolo is originated from Italy but Boykin Spaniel is originated from United States. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Boykin Spaniel are having almost same height. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Boykin Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Boykin Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Boykin Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Lagotto Romagnolo and Boykin Spaniel 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.

boykin spaniel - historyThe Boykin Spaniel was originally bred by South Carolina hunters as the perfect dog for hunting wild bird during the early 1900s. Alexander White of Spartanburg found a short, well built dog and named him Dumpy. The dog was given to a certain L. Whitaker Boykin and a similar dog in looks was found and mated with Dumpy on Boykin’s Pine Grove plantation. Whitaker Boykin was particularly looking for a special kind of hunting dog breed that could wade into swamplands and into water.

Boykin’s spaniels were popular in South Carolina before World War II and later, in 1977, the Boykin Spaniel Society was founded to ensure the breeding standards of the dog. In 1985, the Boykin Spaniel was declared the state dog of South Carolina and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.

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 Boykin’s Looks:

boykin spaniel puppy - descriptionYou can’t miss the medium-sized Boykin Spaniel with his magnificent coat in different shades of brown. When he gleams in the sun he looks like chocolate. This type of Spaniel is a bit bigger than the English Cocker Spaniel, but he is heavier, weighing between 13 to 18kg. He has large, floppy feathery ears and the tail has always been docked to give him that distinct look, but now with rules and regulations, the tail is often left so that it is long and feathery. The height of this dog at the withers is 39 to 43cm.

The length of the dog’s coat varies somewhat because of the different breeds from the past. Essentially the coat is medium length and wavy to curly with light feathering around the legs, ears, chest and stomach.

Temperament:

The Boykin Spaniel is social and he makes an excellent family pet. He is good around children and other dogs, and with training and socialization he becomes even more amicable and obedient.

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.

boykin spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Boykin Spaniel is a diverse breed. The characteristics of the dog aren’t set in stone. He is a hunting dogs with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He is an intelligent breed and responds well to training and is obedient to your commands. He is all about fun and excitement and he is guaranteed to make a splendid companion.

Active and social, he is going to need input from his owners in terms of exercise and mental stimulation. He isn’t a dog to just ignore and in exchange for love and care, he is going to be a loving, loyal and fun companion for you.

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.

boykin spaniel puppies - health problemsThe Boykin Spaniel is a healthy breed with a life span of 14 to 16 years. There are some diseases that you want to be aware of with your Boykin Spaniel.

Hip Dysplasia:

Always be aware of Hip Dysplasia as it can reduce your pet’s quality of life.. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the hip joint doesn’t to develop properly and deterioration sets in and your pet can lose function of the joint. You’ll notice your pet battling to stand up after lying down. The frightening this is that some dogs begin to show signs of hip dysplasia as early as 4 months of age.

Most Common Health Problems:

The Boykin Spaniel’s most common health problems apart from hip dysplasia are patellar luxation and juvenile cataracts.

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.

Exercise:

boykin spaniel dogs - caringThe Boykin Spaniel has been a gun dog and because he is energetic, he will need plenty of exercise and activities. Take him for walks or allow him to swim in the farm dam if you live in the country. He isn’t a dog to leave on his own in your backyard as he needs exercise as well as mental stimulation to keep him from becoming frustrated and developing destructive habits.

Grooming:

The Boykin’s hair will need to be brushed as least twice a week to prevent it from matting, particularly if he is a country-living dog, in and out of water and running through long grass. He is not a heavy shedder but his shedding is seasonal. As a long eared dog, he will need to have his ears checked to prevent infection.

Other grooming habits to get used to with your Boykin Spaniel are having his nails trimmed and brushing his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

Boykin Spaniel owners who know the breed well say that there is nothing better than feeding your dog raw meat with vegetables and rice. Of course, not everyone can afford to feed their pets raw meat every day, and that’s alright. Just make sure that every now and then you include raw meat into your pet’s diet.

The very best commercially produced dog foods can also be good for your pet. If in doubt, speak to your veterinarian about the best food for your active, energetic pet. Never, ever deprive your pet of fresh, cool water throughout the day and night.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Italy
United States
Height Male:
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
39 - 46 cm
15 - 19 inches
Height Female:
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
36 - 44 cm
14 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 17 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Water Dog of Romagna
Swamp Poodle, Little Brown Dog
Colors Available:
grey, apricot, Cream, white, brown or tan.
Chocolate Brown, Liver
Coat:
Waterproof, curly double coat with a woolly texture
Medium length, wavy or curly
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
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  2. Lagotto Romagnolo vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  3. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  4. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  6. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  7. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  8. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  9. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  14. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  16. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  17. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  18. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  19. Slovakian Hound vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  20. Small Munsterlander vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Boykin Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Boykin Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  33. Boykin Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Pudelpointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Picardy Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Braque d'Auvergne vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Ariege Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Water Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds