Italian Spinone

Size
Large to Giant (27Kg +)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Weekly
Barking preference
Moderate
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

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 gun dogs 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. (1)

The breed was not officially known as "Spinone" until the early 19th century. Before then, some areas knew the breed as the "Spinoso". The breed may have been named after an Italian thorn bush, the spino, which was a favourite 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, perhaps, therefore the name was formed. (1)

Appearance

The Spinone has a square build (the length of the body is approximately equal to the height at the withers). It is a strong-boned, solidly built dog with a well-muscled body and limbs that are suited to almost any kind of terrain. A brown and white Spinone can sometimes be confused with a German Wirehaired Pointer by someone unfamiliar with the breeds. However, the long head and pronounced occipital are unique to the breed. He has an expression that shows intelligence and understanding and is often described as having human-like eyes. Even as adults, Spinoni retain disproportionate, puppy-like, webbed paws which make them powerful swimmers. (1)

Temperament

The Spinone is easy going, docile, and affectionate towards both people and dogs. It is well known for being loving and gentle with children. Its extremely patient nature also helps with this, but children should be taught not to take advantage of this trait. It is loyal to those it knows and still friendly to those it does not. The breed is not known for any aggression, but any dog breed can develop fear aggression if not properly socialised during the "window of socialisation" from ages 6 weeks to 14 weeks. (1)

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 dog's feelings can easily be hurt when handled incorrectly. (1)

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.

In part due to its long beard and lip folds, the Spinone can have a tendency to slobber. (1)

Sizes

Weight:
Dogs 34-39 kgs (70-82 lbs)
Bitches 29-34 kgs (62-71 lbs)

Height:
Dogs 59-69 cms (23.5-27.5 ins)
Bitches 58-64 cms (23-25.5 ins) (2)

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Italian Spinone, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Italian Spinone and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References

Wikipedia.org
DOGS AUSTRALIA.org.auImage: worlddogshow2018

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 16 Jul 2009)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Solid, squarely built, strong bone and well muscled. Kind and earnest expression.

Characteristics

Intrepid and untiring, very hardy, adaptable to any terrain including water. All purpose gundog.

Temperament

Faithful, intelligent, patient and affectionate.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	The head planes when seen in profile are divergent. The skull is equal in length from occiput to gently sloping stop, and from stop to end of nose, which protrudes over the lips. Width of skull not to exceed half the total length of head, preferably less. A lean skull of oval shape, sides gently sloping downwards, roof like. Well-pronounced occiput. Well defined median furrow. Muzzle of good depth, in profile straight or slightly arched, square when viewed from the front. The upper lips, slightly rounded, covering the lower lips and reaching the corner of the mouth in a visible fold. Nose large, spongy in appearance with large nostrils.
Eyes	Large, fairly round and open, eyelids close fitting. Deep yellow in white, and white orange; ochre in brown roans.
Ears	Pendulous, triangular, slightly rounded at the tip, pliable and fine. Covered with dense hair mixed with longer, scattered hairs, which become thicker at the edges. Carried low with little erectile power. Forward edge touching cheek. Set on level with corner of eye, long, but not more than 5 cms below throat line.
Mouth	Jaws powerful with a perfect regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. Upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips rather thin.
Neck	Strong, muscular, fairly short, merging into shoulder, slight dewlap.
Forequarters	Shoulders strong, muscular and well laid back. Top of shoulder blades set well apart. Upper arm well angulated, muscular and of equal length to shoulder blade. Forelegs, when viewed from front and side should be straight, with strong, oval bone and well defined tendons. Elbows turning neither in nor out. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Dewclaws should be present.
Body	Length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks equal to height at withers. Withers not too raised. Topline, which must not be exaggerated, slopes gently downwards from withers and then rises to a slightly arched, broad, strong and well muscled loin. Croup then slopes slightly to set on of tail. Chest broad and deep, reaching at least to the level of the elbows, with prominent breastbone. Ribs are open, well sprung and carried well back. Minimal tuck up.
Hindquarters	Thighs long, broad, muscular and strong. Hocks well let down. Metatarsals vertical on extension of buttock line. Tendons clearly visible.
Feet	Front compact, round. Hind feet slightly oval. Toes arched, covered with short thick hair especially between toes. Nails strong, arched. Pads hard. Pigmented according to coat colours. Never black. Dew claws on all four feet.
Tail	Docked: To half its length. Thick, particularly at the base set on as a continuation of croup and carried horizontal or down. No fringes.Undocked: Thick at the base, set on as a continuation of croup and carried horizontal or down. No fringes.
Gait/Movement	Free, relaxed and capable of fast trot.
Coat	Tough, thick, slightly wiry, close fitting, length 3.8-6 cms on body, shorter on nasal bridge, ears and head, even shorter on front of legs and feet. Eyebrows consist of longer stiff hair, even longer but softer hair covers cheeks and upper lips forming moustache and beard. Skin thick and leathery.
Colour	Only permitted colours are white, white and orange, orange roan, white and brown and brown roan. Lips, nose, eye rims, nails and pads should be pigmented according to the coat colour, ranging from flesh pink in whites, through to brown in brown roans.
Size	Weight:Dogs 34-39 kgs (70-82 lbs)Bitches 29-34 kgs (62-71 lbs)Height:Dogs 59-69 cms (23.5-27.5 ins)Bitches 58-64 cms (23-25.5 ins)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.