The standard quotes a rustic appearance. The coat must not be blow dryed, brushed or combed in any way to look like a bichon or a poodle. The coat should be curly all over except on the head and ears where the hairs are more wavy (but not brushed). The coat length for showing should be about 4 cm thick (evenly) all over and somewahat longer on the head. The only shaping allowed is around the paws, which should appear a bit like cat paws and the tuft at the end of the tail is cut off and the tail itself narrowing towards the tip. The eyebrows must be prominent but neat and cut so that the eyes are visible. 

The headshape must appear rounded so also the cheeks should be covered in thick hair. Males have a longer beard than females. Cutting quite short around the genetalia and just below the tail is allowed. The hair on the ears is cut to follow the shape of the ear flap and inside it can be thinned out to make the ear lie flat instead of sticking out. 

Absolutely no sculpting. Leaving the hair in for example the middle of the back longer to make the backline appear quite straight even if it is not should be a cause for disqualification in the show ring. 

A coat that is taken down completely at least once a year and then trimmed a bit each month when it has grown out and kept shower clean should be in such condition that the dog can be showed. Matted areas (behind the ears and around the joints) can and should be teased out or cut away. Shampooing too often will destroy the coat's water and dirt resistant properties and make it too soft. The coat should feel somewhat coarse to the touch. It takes time for the coat to develop properly and it is not necessarily ready before 2 years of age.


An excellent article was written by Cheryl Le Court of Plush Puppy about the breed:

http://www.plushpuppy.com.au/gaLAGOTTO.html

There are two kennels in Europe who have website with fantastic examples of the breed and
very well groomed.  Please take a look.  The first step to owning a lagotto is to have
a comb pictured below at all times !

Kennel Lapinlumon

Kennel Foogel