• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Spinone Italiano Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Spinone Italiano so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Gun Dog
Popularity Rank111
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Spinone Italiano With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Spinone Italiano dog profile picture
OriginItaly flagItaly
Other Names
What other names does the Spinone Italiano have?
Italian Coarsehaired PointerItalian GriffonItalian Wire-Haired PointerSpinoneItalian Spinone
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Photo Gallery of the Spinone Italiano Breed

Spinone Italiano Size and Weight

Size
Is a Spinone Italiano small, medium or large dog?

How big do Spinone Italiano get?

What is the average size of a Spinone Italiano?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Spinone Italiano weigh? How much should a Spinone Italiano weight? What is the normal weight of a Spinone Italiano? How much does a full-grown Spinone Italiano weight?
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 50-70 pounds (22-31 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Spinone Italiano?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (26.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Spinone Italiano? Spinone Italiano height:
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Spinone Italiano?
23 - 28 inches (58 - 70 cm)

Spinone Italiano Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Spinone Italiano puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Spinone Italiano in the United States? How much money is a Spinone Italiano?

Where to buy a Spinone Italiano with a good pedigree?

$1500-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Spinone Italiano, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Spinone Italiano for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Spinone Italiano gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Spinone Italiano? How many Spinone Italiano are there in the world?
Frequent: The Spinone Italiano is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Spinone Italiano Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Spinone Italiano? Is the Spinone Italiano breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Spinone Italiano obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Spinone Italiano ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Spinone Italiano dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Spinone Italiano?
Spinone Italiano dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Spinone Italiano good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Spinone Italiano dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Spinone Italiano dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Spinone Italiano dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Spinone Italiano Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Spinone Italiano have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
FriendlyDocileAffectionatePatientLoyalGentle
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Spinone Italiano sensitivity:
Sensitive: Spinone Italiano dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Spinone Italiano a good family dog?
Average to High: Spinone Italiano dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Italian Coarsehaired Pointer need? Spinone Italiano social needs:
Spinone Italiano dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Spinone Italiano to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Spinone Italiano roam?
Spinone Italiano dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Spinone Italiano have high prey drive?
Spinone Italiano dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Spinone Italiano Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Spinone Italianos, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Spinone Italiano dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Italian Coarsehaired Pointer bark?
Low to Average: The Spinone Italiano rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Spinone Italiano good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Spinone Italiano in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Spinone Italiano indoors.

Spinone Italiano Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Spinone Italiano dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Spinone Italiano be left alone? How long can you leave a Spinone Italiano alone?
Spinone Italiano dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Spinone Italiano Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Spinone Italiano has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Spinone Italiano? How much bite force does a Spinone Italiano have? How strong is a Spinone Italiano bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Spinone Italiano bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Spinone Italiano measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Spinone Italiano is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Spinone Italiano bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Spinone Italiano bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Spinone Italiano puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Spinone Italiano, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Spinone Italiano bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Spinone Italiano can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Spinone Italiano bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Italian Coarsehaired Pointer? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Spinone Italiano? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Spinone Italiano has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Spinone Italiano do?
Spinone Italiano dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Spinone Italiano dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Spinone Italiano Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Spinone Italiano dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Spinone Italiano is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Spinone Italiano breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Spinone Italiano breed? Most common health risks of Spinone Italiano:
BloatCerebellar Ataxia
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Spinone Italiano breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Spinone Italiano see the vet?
Average
The Spinone Italiano should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Spinone Italiano dogs live? How old can a Spinone Italiano be? What is the age limit of the Spinone Italiano? How many years can the oldest Spinone Italiano live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Spinone Italiano?

How long is the lifespan of a Spinone Italiano?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Spinone Italiano: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Spinone Italiano Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Spinone Italiano have? What is the activity level of the Spinone Italiano?
Spinone Italiano dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Spinone Italiano need? How much exercise do Spinone Italiano dogs require per day?

Do Spinone Italiano dogs need a lot of exercises?

Spinone Italiano dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Spinone Italiano breed need?
Spinone Italiano dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Spinone Italiano Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Spinone Italiano need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Spinone Italiano breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Spinone Italiano? How much food should I feed my Spinone Italiano?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Spinone Italiano risk for obesity:
Average: The Spinone Italiano has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Spinone Italiano weight regularly.

Spinone Italiano Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Spinone Italiano have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Wiry
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Spinone Italiano coats?
White BrownOrangeRoan
Grooming
How to groom the Spinone Italiano and how often? How often should I take my Spinone Italiano to the groomer?
Average: The Spinone Italiano requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Spinone Italiano, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Spinone Italiano dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Italian Coarsehaired Pointer? Do Spinone Italiano dogs shed a lot?
Spinone Italiano dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Spinone Italiano dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Spinone Italiano need a bath? How often should you give a Spinone Italiano a bath? Can I bathe my Spinone Italiano every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Spinone Italiano breed hypoallergenic?
No
Spinone Italiano dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Spinone Italiano has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Spinone Italiano drool?
The Spinone Italiano is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Spinone Italiano.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Spinone Italiano Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Spinone Italiano dogs get along with other pets? Are Spinone Italiano dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Spinone Italiano dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Spinone Italiano temperament with other people:
Spinone Italiano dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Spinone Italiano dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Spinone Italiano temperament with children:
Spinone Italiano dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Spinone Italiano dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Spinone Italiano breed live with a cat?
Spinone Italiano dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Spinone Italiano good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Spinone Italiano dogs get along with other dogs?
Spinone Italiano dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Spinone Italiano can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Spinone Italiano breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Spinone Italiano breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Spinone Italiano dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Spinone Italiano dogs good office canines? Do Spinone Italiano dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Spinone Italiano is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Spinone Italiano dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Italian Coarsehaired Pointer temperament with senior people? Are Spinone Italiano dogs good for elderly owners?
Spinone Italianos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Spinone Italiano As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Spinone Italiano be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Spinone Italiano is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Spinone Italiano be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Spinone Italiano be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Spinone Italiano is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Spinone Italiano be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Spinone Italiano is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Spinone Italiano be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Spinone Italiano is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Spinone Italiano be a boat dog?

Not really

Spinone Italiano breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Spinone Italiano be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Spinone Italiano is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Spinone Italiano dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Spinone Italiano Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Spinone Italiano pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Spinone Italiano breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Spinone Italiano: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Spinone Italiano have in a litter? How many puppies can the Spinone Italiano breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Spinone Italiano have? How many puppies can a Spinone Italiano give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Spinone Italiano Recognition

AKC Group
Is Spinone Italiano recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2000 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Spinone Italiano recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Spinone Italiano breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubCanadian Canine Registry

Spinone Italiano Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Shedding Level: Spinone Italiano dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Child Friendly: Spinone Italiano dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Spinone Italiano dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Spinone Italianos are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Spinone Italiano dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Spinone Italiano dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Spinone Italiano is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Spinone Italiano dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Spinone Italiano dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Spinone Italiano is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Spinone Italiano History

The Spinone Italiano is one of the oldest breeds of gundog. The breed was developed way before written records were kept of dog breeding, so we can’t possibly know all of the breed’s history. Additionally, most of what currently touted to be fact is actually just speculation or a myth. One thing on which all researchers agree is that the breed is definitely native to Italy and is most likely developed into its current form millennia ago in the Piedmont region. Furthermore, the limited evidence, which is available for historians, also suggests that the Spinone Italiano may have been developed almost to its modern form by the early Renaissance, although some experts believe that it may have developed as long ago as 500 B.C. However, there is still an ongoing debate between dog experts as to how to best classify the breed. Usually, this breed is commonly placed in the Griffon family by many people, a group of wire-haired scent hounds and gundogs native to Europe. In fact, the breed is often suggested to be the ancestor of that entire group. On the other side, other experts claim that the breed is more closely related to giant wire-coated coursing breeds of the British Isles, the Irish Wolfhound, and the Scottish Deerhound. Until new genetic or historical evidence comes to light, this mystery will probably remain unsolved.

Moreover, the first descriptions of a wire-coated hunting dog in Italy came around 500 B.C. The Italian standard for the Spinone claims that the famous ancient historians Xenophon, Faliscus, Nemesianus, and Seneca all included the breed in their works over two thousand years ago. However, these writers were obviously not describing the modern breed, but rather its ancestors.

Apparently, the Celts were known to have a number of wire-coated hunting dogs, in Gaul, which consisted of modern-day France and Belgium, the breed was known as the Canis Segusius. As we know, the Celts were the primary inhabitants of large portions of what is now northern Italy before being conquered by the Romans, so it is possible to say that the Italians first acquired these dogs from the Celts at the time.

Furthermore, an interesting point which adds to the confusion to deciphering the true origins of the breed is that there is no further mention of this type until after the beginning of the Renaissance around 1400 A.D, leaving a huge gap in the Spinone Italiano’s historical record. However, with the beginning of 1300-1400, things began to change, for example, it was also around this time that guns were first being used in hunting. This necessitated the creation of new breeds as well as the modification of old ones to create dogs with the current canine skills necessary to work alongside now armed hunters. At the beginning of the 15th century, the Spinone Italiano reappears in the historical records in the painting of the Italian artists. The dogs shown are remarkably similar to the modern Spinone and are almost the exact same breed. Some famous painters to include the breed in their works were for example Mantenga and Vecellio. It is also very likely that the wealthy aristocracy and merchant classes of Italy used this breed while bird hunting. However, because of the gap in their history, there is debate whether the breed depicted in the Renaissance painting is the same mentioned by the ancient historians. Some researchers claim that the Spinone is descended from the now-extinct Spanish Pointer but others, especially French experts, claim that the breed is a mixture of several French Griffon breeds. Some even think that the breed comes from the rough-coated Russian Setters, but there is no evidence to back up any of these suggestions.

Actually, the first written mentions of a modern Spinone Italiano came from around the 1680s when the French author, called Selicourt wrote: “La Parfait Chasseur” (the Perfect Hunter” in which he described a breed native to the Piedmont region of Italy. Moreover, the breed gets its name from a thorn bush, the Pino which is a favorite hiding place of many species of small game. The name Spinone was not officially used until the late 1800s and before that time the breed was also known as Spinosos in most areas.

The Spinone had an important role during WWII as the Italians used the breed to track the German troops they were fighting against. However, even though this breed served heroically, WW II was just as devastating for the Spinone Italiano as for any other breed. Several events contributed to the decreasing numbers of the breed such as new breeds developing, the world wars, and also eventually its breeding ceased as people were not able to hunt and by the end of the wars, the Spinone was almost extinct. Not much later a Spinone lover called Dr. Ceresoli toured the entire country trying to find out how many fogs had survived. He discovered that a few breeders were forced to cross their dogs with other continental wire-coated gun dogs, such as the Boulet, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and the German Wirehaired Pointer. Although the breed remained uncommon, Ceresoli tried to do everything to preserve the breed’s original form.

The first type began to arrive in the United States at the end of the 10th century and eventually the Spinone Club of America was founded to protect and promote breed interests. In 1995 the UKC became the first kennel club to grant full recognition to the breed. The AKC followed after 5 years placing the breed in the sporting group.

Rate The Spinone Italiano Breed

Spinone Italiano Comments, Reviews and Questions