Description written by: Cecilia Dettloff
The Spinone Italiano (i for singular)
is a very old and rare breed of bird dog out of northern Italy. The
breed has been characterized as a dog "...that does not hunt for themselves but
for their master" and is "not too fast in their speed while searching out
game". They are excellent family dogs with their gentle disposition and docile
temperaments. They seem to love everyone they meet.
The Spinone is a large and rugged dog with a distinctive
appearance. The average height at the shoulders should be 24 to 28 inches and weighting in
between 62 to 82 pounds. He has a distinctive head, with hanging ears, dark eyes and
a yellow or orange colored nose. He is a very strong boned dog with a square build.
The Spinone comes in white and orange either spotted or roaned or white and brown
which is called monks brown and once again either spotted or roaned. You NEVER
want to see black. This breed has strength as well as stamina. The Spinone is suited
for hunting in all climates and on all terrain. Its coat texture is hard and thick with
thick skin that protects it in the field, water and freezing temperatures. The
Spinone is an excellent swimmer and retriever.
They can never be a guard dog but they make great
alarms. The Spinone seems to live to please you. The one downside all
Spinone people will tell you once you have one you will want another. Always do your
homework and go to the breeders home and see the kennel. Heath problems are HD, ear
infections, CA and bloat.
