The Spinone is sociable, robust and docile and an equally excellent hunter and retriever. The dog can hunt in any kind of terrain due to his thick skin and dense coat that enable him to endure cold water and go underbrush.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Italy
Used for: Hunting, retrieving, companion
Average Life Span: About 12 years
Color: Solid white, white and orange, orange roan, brown roan with markings
Coat: Wiry, coarse and thick
Average Height: 22-27 inches
Average Weight: 61-85 pounds
Group: Sporting
History and Domestication
Also known as Italian Pointer, the Spinone Italiano is an all purpose hunting dog. This is an old-school pointer meaning it is a slow-footed dog like the ones used before wing shooting came into picture. It is believed to be a cross of coarse-haired Italian setters bred with dogs left by Greek traders and others from Adriatic Coast. White Mastiff and French Griffons are also known to have contributed.
Standard Physical Characteristics
This is a large, rugged looking dog with a big head. When viewed from side, the muzzle appears to be square and about the same length as the skull. The stop is light. The nose has wide and open nostrils and can be flesh colored or darker depending on the coat color. The triangular ears hang down. The broad and deep chest expands to the elbows.
Care, Grooming and Health
The breed requires very less grooming. A small amount of stripping or pulling the dead hair out is needed from time to time. Brush the coat weekly to keep it clean. Bathe or dry shampoo as required. Some say that the breed is like cats when it comes to self-grooming.
This breed is not very active indoors but highly active outdoors. The dog isn’t all keen on racing but he would love jogging and walking with you. Daily walks and play sessions will take care of his exercise requirements. Little is known about their health problems. Some of them are prone to hip dysplasia and sometimes bloating may occur, which is not a huge problem.
Living Conditions
This breed can live in apartments if exercised well. The dogs are content to live in fenced in yards but make sure that the fence is high enough as these dogs are capable of jumping very high. Occasionally, some of them may turn out to like tunneling.
Temperament
The Spinone Italiano is a hunting dog with great strength and stamina. This is an easy-going and pleasant breed. The dog is very intelligent, upbeat, enthusiastic and happy. He doesn’t have any problem if he is being treated as a low-ranking member of the family. He is very serious worker while in the field but can be equally clownish and entertaining when off the field. He is very gentle and has great patience and hence children must be taught not to rough handle him. The dog loves being with his people and family and would gladly travel with you. He also enjoys the company of other dogs. Though quiet, he may occasionally howl.
