Italian Spinone
Group 3: Gun dogs
Height: 58 – 70 cm
Energy Level: Moderate – Low
Original Function: Pointing, retrieving
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Most people Families
Note: Not many in Australia
About This Breed
The Italian Spinone (pronounced Spin-on-ay) is from the north west of Italy and almost died out until some breeders worked hard to help the breed back to good numbers. Suited for hunting in all climates and on all terrain. Its coat in fact protects it from the water and freezing temperatures of the swamp. It goes nonchalantly into cold, deep water, being an excellent swimmer and a model retriever. Its innate merits are its sense of smell, setting, retrieving, recovering, and the close ties it has with the hunter.
They are a new breed to Australia arriving here in 1987. They are known for their loving temperament and reliable personality. Their grumpy appearance contrasts with its gentle and affectionate disposition.
They are very sociable, courageous, loyal and excellent companion. They are a docile and patient dog, they love children and are loyal to their families. They have a great capacity for learning and the desire to satisfy their master most completely.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Robust & powerfully boned with well developed muscles and rough hair. The head is long with a wide skull, bushy eyebrows & moustache. Eyes are large & vary in yellows in colour. Ears are long & hang down. Kind and earnest expression.
Temperament: Faithful, intelligent, patient and affectionate.
Characteristics: Italian Spinone are intelligent and easy going. Highly patient, this breed loves all children and likes the company of other dogs as well. Spinone are somewhat stubborn and like to do things in a slow and steady kind of way.
Colour: White, or with brown or orange markings. Flesh colour pigmentation.
Coat: Wiry & harsh
Grooming: A good brush each week. Despite their shaggy appearance the stiff wiry hair is claimed not to collect dirt. However some dogs have a softer thicker coat that may require more grooming to prevent knots and matting. They will need extra attention around the mouth to clear away food and dribble caught in the beard.
Exercise: They are an active breed that must have good regular daily exercise such as walking and playing. They also need the occasional jog.
Health: This breed is new in Australia and care has been taken with breeding, there are no outstanding health issues with the Spinone in Australia. While there are reports of some problems found in the breed overseas, the two main problems to look for are entropion of the eye (where the eyelid turns in) and hip dysplasia.