Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is an Italian dog breed. Its original purpose was as a hunting dog, which the breed is still a master of today. The Spinone is a loyal, friendly and alert dog with a close lying, tough, wiry coat that is hard to the touch. more...

It is an ancient breed that can be traced back to approximately 500 BC.

It is often used for hunting, pointing, and retrieving game (HPR), but the intelligent and strong Spinone can be used for practically anything ranging from companion pet to seeing eye dog for the blind. The name of the breed is pronounced spin-own-ay (singular) and spin-own-ee for plural.

Appearance

The Spinone has a square build (the length of the body is approximately equal to the height at the withers). It is a solidly built dog with a strong, well-muscled body and limbs that are suited to almost any kind of terrain. The Spinone can sometimes be confused with a German Wirehaired Pointer by someone not familiar with the breeds. He has an expression that shows intelligence and understanding and is often described as having human-like eyes. The tail of the Spinone is customarily docked at half its length (approx 5.5 to 8 inches or 140 to 200 mm from the base of the tail), and it sports dewclaws on all four feet, giving its hind legs an overly large appearance.

Coat

The coat is tough, slightly wiry, and close fitting. The preferred length is 1½–2½ inches (4–6 cm) on the body; however, the ears, head, muzzle, and parts of the legs and feet are covered with shorter hair. Eyebrows have longer and stiffer hair; longer but softer hair covers cheeks and muzzle, creating a moustache and beard.

The Spinone should not have an undercoat. A long, soft or silky coat is undesired and is a sign of excessive grooming.

Colour

Acceptable variants (UK and US) are solid white, white with orange markings, orange roan with or without orange markings, white with brown markings, and brown roan with or without brown markings. Pigment of skin, nose, lips, and the pads on their feet should be a fleshy red-orange in white dogs, slightly darker in orange and brown roan dogs.

Height and weight

Height at withers:

• Dogs: 60–70 cm (23.5–27.5 in)
• Bitches: 59–65 cm (22.5–25.5 in)

Weight should be in the correct proportion to size and structure:

• Dogs: 34–39 kg (75–86 lb);
• Bitches: 29–34 kg (64–75 lb).

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 doesn't. The breed is not known for any aggression and is therefore not a wise choice for somebody looking for an aggressive guard dog, although it will protect its family when under direct threat.

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