About Lagottino Kennel's Breeding Program
I am very fussy about my breeding program. I plan my couplings with the future of the breed in mind. Before I make the decision to breed a dog, they must go through extensive health testing; this includes genetic testing as well as hip x-rays and eye exams. The testing itself is not inexpensive and there is always the possibility that the reports will indicate the dog is not up to my standards for breeding. I also monitor the temperament of the dog and will not breed if they exhibit any hint of undesirable traits.
I regularly work with other Lagotto Romagnolo breeders in order to increase genetic diversity and further the breed. I take breeding very seriously and only work with professionals I know and trust. The dogs they breed with mine and vice versa must meet or exceed all the criteria I have set out for my breeding program. This includes my quest for the ever elusive perfect scissor bite.
I go beyond the industry standard for prenatal care; I do both x-ray and ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and ensure the health of the mom. I am present for the whelping of the puppies and do not hesitate to provide emergency veterinary care as needed. For the mothers that end up requiring a cesarean for situations out of my control, I do not breed them again no matter how much I have invested in her. Additionally, while the mother is nursing, I feed 5+ times a day and provide fresh food (wild salmon, free range eggs, etc.) to supplement her nutrition.
As the puppies grow, I make sure they receive ample amounts of enrichment and stimulation to ensure a well-adjusted pup. This includes individual handling to give the necessary building blocks required to have a dog you can groom and touch. I am also mindful of providing access to different surfaces and strange objects to jumpstart their socialization period. My dogs are kitchen raised and therefore come already exposed to many household noises.
After puppies go home, I am always available to offer any support needed. Puppies are sent home with a customized booklet specifying how to care for them. This includes detailed grooming instructions, vital socialization periods, dangerous foods, and much more. All my puppies are dewormed, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and either AKC or CKC registered.
I regularly work with other Lagotto Romagnolo breeders in order to increase genetic diversity and further the breed. I take breeding very seriously and only work with professionals I know and trust. The dogs they breed with mine and vice versa must meet or exceed all the criteria I have set out for my breeding program. This includes my quest for the ever elusive perfect scissor bite.
I go beyond the industry standard for prenatal care; I do both x-ray and ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and ensure the health of the mom. I am present for the whelping of the puppies and do not hesitate to provide emergency veterinary care as needed. For the mothers that end up requiring a cesarean for situations out of my control, I do not breed them again no matter how much I have invested in her. Additionally, while the mother is nursing, I feed 5+ times a day and provide fresh food (wild salmon, free range eggs, etc.) to supplement her nutrition.
As the puppies grow, I make sure they receive ample amounts of enrichment and stimulation to ensure a well-adjusted pup. This includes individual handling to give the necessary building blocks required to have a dog you can groom and touch. I am also mindful of providing access to different surfaces and strange objects to jumpstart their socialization period. My dogs are kitchen raised and therefore come already exposed to many household noises.
After puppies go home, I am always available to offer any support needed. Puppies are sent home with a customized booklet specifying how to care for them. This includes detailed grooming instructions, vital socialization periods, dangerous foods, and much more. All my puppies are dewormed, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and either AKC or CKC registered.