Temperament

Centuries of working with man as a hunting companion has created a loyal, intelligent dog that is easily trained, although some can be stubborn about performing a learned task if they see no point in it. Because they are sensitive, motivational training works best for this breed, as this gentle creature's feelings can easily be hurt when handled incorrectly.

The Spinone can be a very active breed, but it is not a racy dog like most other hunting breeds. The Spinone typically moves at the relaxed trot that is characteristic of the breed. It has often been called the perfect dog to run or jog with, because it will not run off in front and leave its human companion struggling to keep up as it prefers the slower pace itself. It can be more than happy in a small yard and does not necessarily need acres of land. The small garden combined with regular walks would suit a Spinone well.

Though the Spinone has an amazing temperament it can have a tendency to slobber a lot!

History and Origins

The breed is believed to have been developed in the Piedmont region of Italy. As the Spinone is a very ancient breed (it is believed to be one of the oldest gundogs in existence), it is not known exactly what the origins of the breed are; there are many different theories. Some of these claim that the Spinone could have originated in Italy, France, Spain, Russia, Greece, or Celtic Ireland.

Some people familiar with the history of the breed claim that the Spinone descended from the now-extinct Spanish Pointer, whilst others claim that it was the ancient Russian Setter that is responsible for the breed we know today. An even more popular theory is that Greek traders brought coarse-haired setters to Italy during the height of the Roman empire, where the dogs were then crossed with various others and the modern Spinone eventually emerged.

The French claim that the Spinone has descended from crosses of several French pointing breeds, whilst the Italians believe the Spinone is the ancestor of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, the German Wirehaired Pointer, and the Pudelpointer. Any one of these claims could be true; perhaps several of them are correct.

During the Second World War, the Spinone became close to extinct. Both the war and the fact that Italian hunters had begun using other breeds (such as setters, pointers, and spaniels) in the hunt, whereas before it was primarily the Spinone. Many breeders had to resort to crossing the Spinone with other wire-haired breeds, such as the Boulet, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and German Wirehaired Pointer.

The breed was not officially known as "Spinone" until the early nineteenth century. Before then, some areas knew the breed as the "Spinoso". The breed was named after an Italian thorn bush, the pino, which was a favorite hiding place for small game because for larger animals it was practically impenetrable. Only thick-skinned, coarse-haired animals could fight through the branches unharmed to locate the game. The Spinone was the breed most capable of doing so, and therefore the name was formed.

Today the Bracco Italiano is the most popular hunting dog in Italy, although the Spinone is still common. The Bracco is a racier, higher energy dog, while the Spinone excels at hunting close or in dense cover, and in retrieving from water.

Size & Weight

Males: 23 to 27 inches Females: 22 to 25 inches Weight: Approx. 60 to 85 lbs.

*The weight is in direct proportion to size and structure of dog.

Grooming Requirements

This breed requires just a small amount of stripping, pulling dead hair as opposed to cutting, to neaten the coat. Other than that, just a weekly brushing will suffice. Bathe as necessary. Some say this breed grooms himself like a cat.

Exercise Needs

Spinoni need lots of exercise when out doors but are generally fairly calm indoors if they have had their daily walk or run. The Italian Griffon is a hunting dog that needs lots of outdoor space and is generally unsuited to apartment life. The Spinone loves to go swimming even on cold and rainy days. This breed doesn’t need a lot of fast exercise chasing a speedy bike but once he is mature enough (over 2 years old) will love to go jogging or running beside a bike. Remember a Spinone will follow its nose and should be kept on a leash or in a large fenced yard. The Spinone can accommodate a smaller fenced yard if he is taken for frequent walks and play sessions.

Health Issues

The Spinoni italiano is prone to several health problems including hip dysplacia, bloat, Cerebellar Ataxia, or abnormal gait originating from a problem in a part of the brain.

Trivia

The Spinone flourished in the eighteenth century. He became the favorite dog of noblemen and commoners alike because of his strength, his endurance in the woods and marshes, his leathery skin, which permitted him to remain in the water for many hours, and also for the gentleness that is expressed in his affectionate, imploring eyes. Until the French Revolution, he was used in every way possible. Then came the wars, and the Spinone Italiano declined into almost total extinction. But toward the end of the nineteenth century the hunters began complaining, so breeders made use of the few acceptable dogs that remained and brought the breed slowly back into existence.