Lagotto Romagnolo vs Murray River Curly Coated Retriever

Choosing between Lagotto Romagnolo and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: full comparison

TraitLagotto RomagnoloMurray River Curly Coated Retriever
SizeMediumMedium
Energy levelHighHigh
TrainabilityHighHigh
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsVery HighVery High
SheddingVery LowLow
BarkingMediumLow
ProtectivenessMediumLow
AdaptabilityMediumMedium
Typical lifespan15 years12 years
HypoallergenicYesNo

Size and living space

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Lagotto Romagnolo needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Lagotto Romagnolo is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and drops very little hair. The Lagotto Romagnolo is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Lagotto Romagnolo is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Lagotto Romagnolo announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Murray River Curly Coated Retriever shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Lagotto Romagnolo if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a longer-lived breed, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever if you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever better for families with children?
Both the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?
The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever sheds more than the Lagotto Romagnolo. If shedding is a concern, the Lagotto Romagnolo is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?
Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Lagotto Romagnolo or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever bigger?
Lagotto Romagnolo and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Lagotto Romagnolo or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?
Lagotto Romagnolo tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Murray River Curly Coated Retriever is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?
For apartment or apartment living, Murray River Curly Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

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