The Spinone Italiano is a large wire-haired continental dog. Almost universal gun dog, calm, hardy, and strong. By nature, obedient, friendly, sociable, absolutely devoid of aggression.

History of the Breed

There are few reliable facts in the history of these dogs. In the literature, there are many descriptions of wire-haired dogs of Italian origin, possibly the direct ancestors of modern dogs. The most famous depictions of hunting Griffon’s date from the 15th century and belong to the brush of Andrea Mantegna. The breed is believed to have originated in the Piedmont region of Italy. Who made up its genetic core remains a mystery. One theory says that it was the now-extinct Italian Segujio, Griffons from Central and Western Europe. Others attribute the Spinone to an affinity with ancient Roman hunting dogs.

After the Second World War, the breed almost completely disappeared. The reason lay not only in the post-war devastation. Italian hunters began to use other breeds: Setters, Pointers, Spaniels. The preservation and revival of Spinone were taken up by Dr. A. Cresolli. The breed standard of the Spinone Italiano under number 165 was approved by the International Cynological Association in 1955.

Appearance

The Italian Spinone is a sturdy dog ​​with well-developed muscles, strong bones, and a hard coat.

• The height at the withers of males is 60-70 cm; weight – 32-37 kg.;
• The height at the withers of females is 58-65 cm; weight – 28-30 kg.

The longitudinal axes of the muzzle and the skull diverge. The skull is oval with a well-defined occipital protuberance and parietal crest. The stop is scheduled. The longitudinal groove is clearly visible. Seen from the side, the muzzle is straight or slightly arched (Roman nose). The sides are parallel, so the muzzle appears square from the front. The lobe is voluminous, spongy, with a rounded upper edge, the nostrils are large, protruding, the color is from pinkish to reddish-brown, depending on the color. The eyes are large, widely spaced, open, rounded, brownish-yellowish in color. The ears are almost triangular in shape, dropping 5 cm below the throat, with the front edge adjacent to the cheekbones. The ear tissue is thin.

The neck is muscular and accounts for 2/3 of the total length of the head. There is a developed double dewlap on the throat. The case is almost square in format. The topline is straight from the withers to the 11th thoracic vertebra, then convex, well curved in the lumbar region. The chest is deep, well-rounded, and spacious. The ribs are curved. The tail is thick at the base, carried horizontally or directed downward.  The forelegs, viewed from the front, are absolutely parallel and perpendicular to the ground. Hindquarters are well angulated and perpendicular to the ground. Seen from the rear, they are parallel and perpendicular to the ground. Paws are compact, rounded, toes are arched. The claws are curved towards the ground.

The Spinone Italiano has a dense, coarse, fairly tight coat. Hair length 4-6 cm. On the head, bridge of the nose, ears, paws, and front of the limbs, it is short. On the back of the limb, it resembles a brush. On the head, the hair forms a thick mustache, beard, and eyebrows. No undercoat. The skin is thick and dry, tightly attached to the body, forms two folds that start from the lower jaw, and disappear in the first half of the neck. If the dog lowers its head, folds are noticeable that go from the eyes to the cheekbones and end in a tuft of fur. Color:

• White;
• White with orange markings;
• Red-roan;
• White with brown spots;
• Roan brown.

Personality

The Spinone Italiano has a balanced temperament and vivid hunting instincts. Naturally endowed with a keen sense of smell and a passion for persecution. At the same time, he is very devoted to his family, surprisingly smart and obedient. Attentive to everything that happens. A sensitive and gentle friend. Companion and the affectionate family dog. Easily adapts to different situations, the society of other people and animals. Patient and absolutely not aggressive.

Spinone Italiano is contact, sociable, playful, gets along well with children, but feels more comfortable with school-age children. It will bark if strangers approach the house, and immediately greets them with a joyful wagging of its tail. According to Italian breeders, the Spinone has never bitten anyone before. Spinone Italiano is also known to get along well with other dogs, especially if they have been well socialized from a young age and get along with other pets, including cats if raised in the same house with them.

Care

Spinone Italiano care includes:

• Combing 2-3 times a month;
• Trimming 2-3 times a year. Rare bathing;
• Ear examination weekly, cleaning as needed;
• Clipping claws (normally they grind off on their own);
• Weekly teeth brushing is recommended;
• The eyes should remain clean and clear. It is important to ensure that tough hairs do not irritate the cornea;
• Regular vaccination and treatment against parasites.

Health

The breed belongs to the prosperous. Most dogs are in good health, hardy, and rarely get sick. Life expectancy is 10-13 years. The average life expectancy according to the AKC is 8.7 years. Some dogs may be susceptible to:

• Dysplasia of the hip joint;
• Elbow dysplasia;
• Cerebellar ataxia.

Other rare issues include:

• Ophthalmic diseases (cataract, progressive retinal atrophy, ectropion, entropion);
• Allergy;
• Otitis externa;
• Volvulus of the stomach;
• Idiopathic epilepsy;
• Various heart problems (later in life);
• Panosteitis;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Osteochondrosis (leads to lameness in young dogs);
• Various types of cancer (usually in old age).