Is the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Puli better for families with children?

The Lagotto Romagnolo tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Puli?

The Lagotto Romagnolo and Puli shed a similar amount (very low).

Which is easier to train, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Puli?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Lagotto Romagnolo or Puli bigger?

Lagotto Romagnolo and Puli are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Lagotto Romagnolo or Puli?

Puli tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Lagotto Romagnolo is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo or Puli?

For apartment or apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Puli: Which Is Quieter?

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Puli: full comparison

Trait	Lagotto Romagnolo	Puli
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Very Low
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	15 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Puli is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. 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 a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Puli needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. 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 Puli is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

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 Puli is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Lagotto Romagnolo announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Puli is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Lagotto Romagnolo has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Lagotto Romagnolo has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Lagotto Romagnolo has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Lagotto Romagnolo and Puli are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Lagotto Romagnolo if you want a longer-lived breed, you want the more child-friendly companion, or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Puli if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Puli better for families with children?: The Lagotto Romagnolo tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Puli?: The Lagotto Romagnolo and Puli shed a similar amount (very low).
Which is easier to train, the Lagotto Romagnolo or the Puli?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Lagotto Romagnolo or Puli bigger?: Lagotto Romagnolo and Puli are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Lagotto Romagnolo or Puli?: Puli tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Lagotto Romagnolo is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo or Puli?: For apartment or apartment living, Lagotto Romagnolo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Lagotto Romagnolo vs Puli