Interesting Facts About the Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is Italy's all-purpose hunting dog and is also known as the Italian Pointer, Italian Griffon, or Italian Wire-haired Pointing Dog - though Spinone is preferred because the breed is unique and indivisible. This breed is a retriever by nature and is an experienced hunter.

Its exact origin is up for debate and his heritage isn't quite certain, but it's generally thought to a cross between the coarse-haired Italian Setters, the White Mastiff, and possibly the French Griffon.

What does the Spinone Italiano look like?

The Spinone Italiano has a wiry, dense coat and thick skin that allows him to negotiate underbrush and endure cold water. They have webbed feet and a keene sense of smell.

Coat colors include orange, orange roan with or without orange markings; white with brown markings, and brown roan with or without brown markings.

The Spinone Italiano has a broad, deep chest that extends to the elbow.

They have a long head, squared muzzle when viewed from the side and the same length as the backside of the skull. They have large, wide open nostrils.

Their hanging ears are triangular in shape.

Does the Spinone Italiano require a lot of grooming?

This breed should remain in its natural state and requires minimal brushing and hand-stripping to remove old hair, twigs, burrs, or whatever may get caught in their hair.

What is the Spinone Italiano's purpose?

This dog's purpose is as a hardworking gun dog and this is very evident. They are experienced hunting dogs and are resistent to fatigue. They have a tendency toward an extended, fast trotting gait.

What is the Spinone Italiano's activity level?

The Spinone Italiano requires a lot of exercise and makes an excellent jogging companion. They do well with a small yard so long as you give it daily walks and play time.

How big does the Spinone Italiano get?

At the withers, the male Spinoni Italiani stands from 23-27 inches, females stand 22-25 inches. Their weight ranges from 61 to 85 pounds.

Are the Spinone Italiano hard to train?

This is one smart breed. They respond very well to motivational training and adapts easily to their master's routines. However, because they are a headstrong dog, he may ignore your calls or commands when his mind or nose is on to something that has caught his interest. Housebreaking may also progress slowly.

Does the Spinone Italiano have any health problems?

Hip dysplasia does exist in this breed, as it does in other breeds. Some of them are prone to inherited disease that manifests as a Cerebellar Ataxia or an abnormal gait that originates from a problem in a part of the brain.

Other information about the Spinone Italiano:

1. When referring to this breed in plural form, the correct name is Spinoni Italiani.

2. They love having an ongoing interaction with their family.

3. Their dewclaws are usually removed.

4. The Spinone Italiano is not a protection breed or guard dog, though they may attack if their family were in danger.

5. They get along well with other animals, particularly other dogs.

6. They are highly intelligent and know the difference between a real hunt and an exercise.

Who should not own an Italiano Spinone?

If you live an inactive lifestyle, this is the wrong breed for you. This dog loves being outdoors, vigorous exercise, long walks, and other athletic activities.

If you are away from the house for more than a few hours or work all day outside of the home, don't get this dog. The Spinone Italiano may suffer from separation anxiety and if left alone for too long, he may become destructive in order to show their unhappiness.

So what do puppies cost?

There are fewer than 200 Spinone Italiano puppies registered in the U.S. each year. The price for a puppy generally starts at $1,000.00.

Where can I find a Certified Spinone Italiano breeder?

Bella Luce Kennels - Tualatin, Oregon.

Risky Business Kennels - Warsaw, Virginia

Spin's of Dell Creek - Southcentral Wisconsin

The Spinone Italiano is a beautiful, loyal dog breed who is cautious by nature, therefore, socialization and training should begin while he is still a puppy. They live upwards of 12 years or more, so you will have a lifelong companion. Treat him right, and you will never regret having this cutie as a member of the family.

Sources:
American Kennel Club
Your Purebred Puppy
Mals-About