Last month, King Charles welcomed an adorable new addition to the royal household—his Lagotto Romagnolo puppy, Snuff. The arrival of the rare breed has led to a surge in public interest, prompting a noticeable shift in the dog world.
According to The Times, inquiries about Lagotto Romagnolos, a breed famed for its truffle-hunting skills, have skyrocketed. At Crufts, the Discover Dogs stand has been flooded with questions from curious dog lovers eager to learn more about the breed.
Lucy Lilicrap, a committee member of The Lagotto Romagnolo Club of Great Britain, acknowledged the growing popularity of the breed but noted its rarity. She explained: “They’re increasing in popularity, but there aren’t many breeders, so they won’t become as common as Labradors.”
She also speculated on the King’s reason for choosing this particular dog, adding: “I suspect the King got his for truffling, as Prince Philip planted a truffle orchard at Sandringham years ago.”
Snuff’s breed hails from the Ravenna region of Northern Italy, which coincidentally is a destination King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit in the coming weeks.
News of Snuff’s arrival emerged on 1 March, just days after Queen Camilla welcomed her own new furry companion—a rescue puppy named Moley. The Queen shared the news during a visit to Canterbury, where she chatted with a museum group and stroked a guide dog.
Revealing details about her new pet, Camilla said: “She’s just eight weeks old and looks just like a mole.” When asked about the breed, she replied: “You may well ask—a bit of everything. It’s a rescue dog.” Moley’s mother is part Jack Russell, while her father’s breed remains unknown.
The arrival of Snuff and Moley follows the sad passing of the royal couple’s beloved rescue dog, Beth, in November. At the time, the palace released a heartfelt statement: “A sad farewell to Beth, The Queen’s much-loved companion from @Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire.”
