The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed of dog. It originated in the marshlands of the Delta del Po in the eastern part of the Romagna sub-region of Italy. The name derives from Romagnol can lagòt, meaning "water dog". Its traditional function was as a gun dog, specifically a water retriever; since the drainage of large areas of wetland habitat in its area of origin, it is now more often used to hunt for truffles.

The Lagotto originated in the lowlands of Comacchio and marshlands of Ravenna in the Delta del Po, in the eastern part of the Romagna sub-region of Italy. The name derives from Romagnol can lagòt, meaning "water dog". It is reputed to be the worlds first water retriever. Its traditional function was as a gun dog, specifically a water retriever; since the drainage of large areas of wetland habitat in its area of origin, it is now more often used to hunt for truffles. It has been known since the sixteenth century, but did not become widespread until the nineteenth. 

The Lagotto is of small to medium size, rarely over 50 cm (19 Inches) at the withers, powerfully built and of rustic appearance. The weight of males is betwen 13-16 Kg (28-35 lbs) and females is 11-14 kg (24-30 lbs(. It is roughly square in outline, the body length more or less equal to the height. The coat is thick, wool-like and tightly curled into ringlets. It may be completely off-white, or off-white with orange or brown patches or roaning, or solid orange or brown either with or without white markings.

 A Lagotto usually lives for about fifteen years. Neurological disorders that have been identified in the breed include cerebellar abiotrophy and idiopathic epilepsy.

It was provisionally accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1995 and received full acceptance in 2005. 

Source - modified from Wikipedia