The lagotto romagnolo is related to the old european waterdogs, once used to hunt water fowl. This type of dog was known in Italy even back during the 1400s, and the lagotto was first mentioned in literature in the 1600s. The breed is related to the barbet and therefore also the poodle, and while originally used as a gundog, the breed is most famous for its use as a truffle finder. After the second world war, however, the lagotto breeders tried to cross their dogs with setters and pointers to get faster trackers, which almost ruined the last remaining stock. A breeding project was started and the breed could be reconstructed. It was recognized by the Italian kennel club in 1993.

The lagotto should be almost square in shape, with long legs and a robust build. The head is of medium size with a broad muzzle which is shorter than the skull. The ears are triangular with rounded tips. The neck is powerful without being coarse, the body robust and compact with a level back. The tail is carried in the form of a sable, sometimes high but never curled over the back. The coat is wooly with a somewhat coarse structure, and tightly curled. It is trimmed down short at least once a year to avoid forming cords, and should be shown in a fairly short condition.