Frequently asked questions – FAQ

 

Delivery & Pickup

Most families pick up their puppy at our home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, which is about 20 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). We love having families come here because it gives you the chance to meet us, see where your puppy was raised, and meet the puppy’s parents when available.

Can I fly in to pick up my puppy?

Yes. Many families choose to fly into Chicago O’Hare (ORD), then take an Uber or Lyft to our home for puppy pickup. Since we are so close to the airport, this is often the simplest option for families traveling from out of state.

Do you offer delivery?

Delivery may be available in some situations, depending on timing, distance, and our availability. If you need help coordinating pickup, please reach out and we can discuss what may be possible.

Do you use puppy couriers or third-party delivery services?

No. We do not use third-party puppy couriers, delivery companies, or transport services. Your puppy’s safety, comfort, and transition into your home are very important to us, so pickup and any possible delivery arrangements are handled directly with us.

Can someone else pick up my puppy for me?

In most cases, we prefer that the puppy’s new family pick up the puppy themselves. This allows us to meet you in person, go over important care information, and make sure your puppy’s transition is as smooth as possible. If there is a unique situation, please contact us ahead of time to discuss it.

Do you offer breeding rights?

Yes, breeding rights may be available on select puppies to approved breeding or show homes for an additional fee. These placements are considered carefully and are not available for every puppy or every program. We want to make sure each puppy is placed responsibly and that our Lagotto Romagnolo lines are protected long term. If you are an established or aspiring breeder, we are happy to talk with you about your goals, your program, and whether one of our puppies may be a good fit.

Do you offer AKC registration?

Yes. All of our puppies are sold with limited AKC registration by default, which means they are registered with AKC but do not include breeding rights. Breeding rights may be available to approved breeding or show homes for an additional fee.

Do you take dogs back?

Yes. We will take back any dog we have bred, at any age and in any condition. There is no reason for one of our dogs to end up in a shelter or rescue. They always have a place with us. We will not judge or ask unnecessary questions about the situation, but we may ask about the dog’s personality, preferences, routines, and needs so we can care for them well and, if appropriate, find the best next home.

Are your puppies microchipped?

Yes. All of our puppies are microchipped with AKC Reunite before they go home. You will be able to register your puppy’s microchip with a one-time fee, and that registration is good for life.

Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are 50% refundable, no questions asked, up until puppy selection. Once a puppy has been selected for you, the deposit is no longer refundable.

How do you accept payment?

We accept payment by cash, cashier’s check, credit card, Zelle, or Venmo. Final payment details and timing will be provided before your puppy goes home.

Do you crate train your puppies?

Yes. We begin introducing crates around 4 weeks of age using gentle, positive methods so the puppies learn that the crate is a safe and comfortable place. We gradually increase their time in the crate, and by the time they go home, most puppies are comfortable resting in the crate and can usually hold it for about 3–4 hours. We highly recommend continuing crate training at home. Lagotto puppies are smart, curious, and can be mischievous chewers, so the crate is a helpful way to keep your puppy safe when you are not able to watch them closely.

What colors do Lagotti come in?

Lagotti can come in several beautiful colors and patterns, including brown, brown with white markings, orange, white with orange markings, white with brown markings, roan, and tri-color.

What size are Lagotto Romagnolo?

Lagotto Romagnolo are medium-small dogs. Females are typically 15–18 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 22–35 pounds. Males are typically 16–20 inches at the shoulder and weigh about 25–40 pounds.

Do you have a health guarantee?

Yes. We do our best to select healthy breeding dogs, make thoughtful pairings, and raise healthy puppies. Our health guarantee covers specific genetic health conditions included in the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America’s recommended health testing. This includes Lagotto Storage Disease, Juvenile Epilepsy, ophthalmologic issues, hips, and patellas. If a covered genetic defect is identified by 2 years of age, we will review the diagnosis and, when appropriate, offer a replacement puppy or refund. Refunds will not exceed the original purchase price or the related vet bills, whichever is less. To qualify, we must be notified before any major treatment or expense is started, all diagnostic paperwork must be provided, and our veterinarian must be allowed to confirm the diagnosis. Dogs must also not be spayed or neutered before 12 months of age, as early altering may affect proper growth and will void the guarantee. This guarantee does not cover routine pet care, such as vaccines, deworming, regular vet visits, or common puppy issues. However, we are always happy to help guide our families through questions about stool, worms, or puppy care whenever we can.

Do you vaccinate puppies?

Yes. Our puppies receive their first set of vaccinations before going home. We use the standard 5-way puppy vaccine. After that, it is the new owner’s responsibility to continue the puppy’s vaccination schedule with their veterinarian.

Are Lagotti good with kids?

Yes, Lagotti can be wonderful with kids, but the individual puppy’s temperament matters. Some Lagotti are more sensitive and may find the busyness of young children overwhelming. Others are confident, outgoing, and naturally enjoy the energy of family life. When placing puppies in homes with children, we look for a puppy with the right temperament, usually one who is confident, social, and comfortable with activity, so they can truly thrive with your family.

Can we choose our puppy?

We carefully match each puppy to the right family based on temperament, lifestyle, and what each home needs in a dog. While we know many families have color preferences, color is not the most important factor in a successful long-term match. Lagotti can vary in confidence, sensitivity, energy level, and social style, and the right temperament fit matters much more than coat color. When you join our waitlist, you may choose whether you prefer a male or female. Once the puppies are born, we review our waitlist and let families know which puppies they are being considered for, such as the available males or females in that litter. As the puppies grow, we evaluate their personalities and development so we can select the puppy we believe is the best fit for your family. This means you may not always receive your first color preference, but our goal is to place the puppy who will thrive in your home and be the best companion for your lifestyle. If you are not comfortable with the puppies available in a particular litter, you are welcome to wait for a future litter. However, once a puppy has been selected for your family, if you decline that puppy, you may be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.

How do I get on the waitlist?

The first step is to submit a puppy application. After we receive your application, we will contact you to learn more about your family, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a Lagotto. If it seems like a good fit, you are welcome to come meet us and the parents at our home outside of Chicago. When you are ready to move forward, we will send you our contract to review and sign. Once the contract is signed and your deposit is placed, you will be officially added to our waitlist.

What comes in the puppy pack?

Each puppy goes home with a thoughtfully prepared puppy pack to help make the transition into your home smoother. Your puppy pack includes a Snuggle Puppy, a scent blanket with familiar smells from home, an additional blanket, treats, toys, a slip lead, a collapsible water bowl, and poop bags. These items are chosen to help your puppy feel more secure, give you a few essentials for the trip home, and support an easier first few days together.