Spinone Italiano Dog Breed Information Tendency toward a tolerance for cats and a lower prey drive. 3 stars Child Friendly Dogs that tend to be more sturdy, playful and easygoing around children and more tolerant of children's behavior. 5 stars Tendency to enjoy or tolerate other dogs. 5 stars Level of daily activity needed. 4 stars Amount of bathing, brushing, even professional grooming needed. 2 stars Level of health issues a breed tends to have. 3 stars A dog's thinking and problem-solving ability (not trainability). 5 stars How lighthearted and spirited a dog tends to be. 3 stars Amount and frequency of dog hair shedding. 3 stars Preferred amount of interaction with other pets and humans. 4 stars Tendency to be welcoming to new people. 5 stars A dog's inclination to be protective of his home, yard or even car. 3 stars Level of ease in learning something new and a willingness to try new things. 4 stars A breed that is likely to alert you to the presence of strangers. 3 stars Overview Did You Know? The Spinone is a versatile Italian pointing breed with stamina and patience. He excels at hunting on any terrain, including being an excellent retriever, but given enough exercise can be perfectly happy as a companion dog.

We’re not talking an Italian dessert here. The Italian Spinone is a pointing breed with versatile hunting skills and a calm, easygoing temperament. He works slowly and methodically and is noted for his wiry, bramble-repelling “spino” coat, from which he takes his name. This is a large dog , weighing 60 to 85 pounds. The breed is sometimes called Italian Spinone in English, but the AKC calls him Spinone Italiano (Spinoni Italiani is plural). An easygoing type, this Italian wirehaired pointer can be an endearing clown at home but takes his hunting very seriously. He is smart enough to know the difference between a real hunt and a field trial, and doesn't show much enthusiasm for training dummies. The Spinone is a great family dog or companion for people who have the time and motivation to give him daily exercise and channel his energy and intelligence into dog sports such as agility, flyball, rally and obedience. Overall health permitting, he can also be a great hiking or camping buddy.

Italian Spinoni can be great companions for families with kids who are at least 6 years old, and they tend to get along well with other dogs and cats if they are raised with them. The Spinone doesn't need to live on a farm or an acreage, as he's less active than most sporting dogs, but he does need daily exercise. This breed likes to jump and dig, so he needs a securely fenced yard with an area he can call his own. The Spinone wants to be with his people and would be miserable without them. However, if you don't act like a leader, he may become stubborn, and he may resist certain training if he thinks there isn't a point to it, like working with field dummies. The Spinone isn't the fastest dog to housetrain, either. He's a bit cautious sometimes; a good word for him is sensible. The Spinone is an adequate watchdog, but not a guard dog. He barks only once in a while. This is an active, enthusiastic dog that needs an owner capable of matching his intelligence and activity level. He learns quickly but has a mind of his own. Keep training interesting, though, and he will be fascinated with whatever you are teaching.

Use positive reinforcement techniques for best results with this sensitive dog, and give him plenty of praise and encouragement. Grooming the Spinone isn’t difficult. Brush his coat once or twice a week to remove dirt, and pluck out dead hairs occasionally, called “stripping” the coat, to keep the face and feet looking neat. Other grooming needs are regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and frequent tooth brushing. Like most dogs, Spinoni become bored when left to their own devices. They can become noisy or destructive if they don’t have other dogs to keep them company and don’t receive much attention from their people. But when they live with a family committed to giving them plenty of training, exercise and attention, they thrive. Other Quick Facts The Spinone is a muscular dog with a squarish body, solid and powerful. He has a unique profile with a long head; yellowish-brown or darker eyes depending on his coat color; a bulbous and spongy looking nose with large, open nostrils; triangular ears that hang down; and a gentle, intelligent expression. His docked tail is carried horizontally or down, flicking from side to side while he works.

The Spinone’s skin is protected by a dense, wiry, weather-resistant coat. The same coat protects his face, with stiff hair forming eyebrows, a mustache and beard to help prevent lacerations from briars and bushes. The coat comes in solid white, white and orange, orange roan, with or without orange markings, white with brown markings, and brown roan, with or without brown markings. The brown color should be a chestnut shade, described as “monk’s habit.” This breed likes to jump and dig, so he needs a securely fenced yard with an area he can call his own. After he eats or drinks, the Spinone’s beard is a mess. Be prepared to spend time wiping his face to keep it clean. History The History of the Spinone Italiano Pointing breeds were developed in Europe some 300 years ago, and most countries or regions having pointing breeds that are developed for their specific terrain or game. In Italy, that breed is the Spinone Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointer .

Developed primarily in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, probably from coarsehaired Italian setter breeds, white Mastiffs and French Griffons , he is a do-it-all dog, perfect for the hunter on foot because he moves at a slow pace. The American Kennel Club recognized the Spinone in 2000. It ranks 118th among the breeds registered by the AKC. Personality Spinone Italiano Temperament and Personality The Spinone Italiano is a social, sturdy retriever, known for his distinctive appearance and joyful zest for life. As a hunting dog, he has the stamina and endurance to work all day, though he is a slower-moving dog than some of the newer pointing breeds. The Spinone is happiest when he is doing something with his family, be it hiking, kayaking or training for dog sports, with his favorite activity of course being hunting! The Spinone is a social dog, and enjoys group activities, especially a good romp around the yard. He is a natural retriever, and will bring you toys or other small objects such as shoes, especially when he wants to initiate play. While robust and persevering, he also tends to be docile and patient when interacting with his family.

This patience combined with his physical sturdiness can make him a good companion for children, as long as they treat him with respect. The Spinone enjoys learning, and can be a good partner for dog sports such as field trials, hunting tests, obedience, agility, or tracking. He is eager to please and responds well to fair and consistent training. Begin the training process as soon as you bring your puppy home, as he can begin learning at 8 weeks old. An early start will help to foster his love of learning and build a solid foundation of good manners and behavior that should hold through his adult life. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus ) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

When introducing your puppy to new dogs, first check that the other dog is good with puppies. You want your Spinone to be comfortable with strange dogs, not afraid of them. The socialization process should continue throughout your Spinone’s life. The Spinone can be good with cats and other small animals if he is raised with them, but remember that he is a good-sized hunting dog. Even if he is just playing and jumping around, his paws could do damage to small household pets. When looking for a Spinone puppy, talk with your breeder and try to meet both parents of the litter. Breeders are very knowledgeable about both the traits of their breed in general and their own lines in particular, and do their best to match each puppy with the best home. Discuss what you are looking for in a puppy and what your goals for it are, and she will help you to find the right one for you. When meeting the parents and any other relatives, pay attention to their temperaments and personalities, as your puppy will probably be very similar. All of the dogs at the breeder’s house should be well cared for and show signs of proper socialization.

Health What You Need To Know About Spinone Italiano Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. While Spinoni are reasonably healthy, problems that have been seen in the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia , hypothyroidism , and entropion. The Spinone Club of America participates in the Canine Health Information Center , a health database. Before individual Spinoni can be issued a CHIC number, breeders must submit hip evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and eye test results from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). PennHIP certification of hips is also accepted. Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database.

A dog need not receive good or even passing scores on the evaluations to obtain a CHIC number, so CHIC registration alone is not proof of soundness or absence of disease, but all test results are posted on the CHIC website and can be accessed by anyone who wants to check the health of a puppy’s parents. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing. Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Spinone at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Grooming The Basics of Spinone Italiano Grooming The Spinone has a dense, wiry coat that resists weather and protects him from brush and debris. As he has no undercoat, he needs only occasional brushing and hand stripping to remove dead hair.

For stripping your Spinone’s coat, you can use either a stripping knife (don’t worry – it won’t cut your dog) or your bare hands. Your breeder can show you proper technique, and how to tell how much hair needs to be stripped. Because of his harsh coat, he will only need a bath if he gets into something really gross. You may want to keep a hand towel close by when your Spinone gets a drink, because afterward his beard will drip water all over the place. Keep your Spinone’s ears clean and dry, and trim his nails and brush his teeth regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste. Good dental hygiene promotes general health and will also give your Spinone good breath. Start grooming him at an early age so he becomes used to the process and accepts it willingly. Finding Finding a Spinone Italiano Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Spinone Italiano Breeder Finding a good breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible.

He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. Be wary of breeders who only tell you the good things about the breed or who promote the dogs as being “good with kids” without any context as to what that means or how it comes about. Good breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances and what the dogs are like to live with and come right back at you with questions of their own about what you’re looking for in a dog and what kind of life you can provide for him. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes take to avoid those problems. A breeder should want to be a resource for you throughout your dog’s life. Look for more information about the Spinone Italiano and start your search for a good breeder at the website of the Spinone Club of America . Choose a breeder who has agreed to abide by the SCA’s code of ethics , which prohibits the sale of puppies to or through pet stores and calls for the breeder to obtain recommended health clearances on dogs before breeding them.

Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Breeders who offer puppies at one price “with papers” and at a lower price “without papers” are unethical. You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from websites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that old adage “let the buyer beware”. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations.

There’s no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the breed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy puppies. The cost of a Spinone Italiano puppy varies depending on the breeder’s locale, whether the pup is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation (show) and, ideally, working titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Spinone Italiano might better suit your needs and lifestyle.

Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog from Spinone Italiano Rescue or a Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. 1. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com can have you searching for a Spinone Italiano in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Spinone Italianos available on Petfinder across the country).

AnimalShelter.org can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Also some local newspapers have “pets looking for homes” sections you can review. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. 2. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Spinone Italiano. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. 3. Talk to Breed Rescue Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. Most people who love Spinoni love all Spinoni. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. The Spinone Italiano Club of America’s rescue network can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Spinone Italiano rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice.

They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Spinone Italiano home with you to see what the experience is like. 4. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Spinone Italiano Dog Breed Information and Pictures Italian Griffon Description The Spinone Italiano, also known as the Spinone, Italian Spinone or Italian Griffon, is a large, rugged looking dog with a long head. The muzzle is square when viewed from the side and is the same length as the backside of the skull. The stop is very slight. The nose has large, wide open nostrils and is flesh colored in white dogs, darker in white and orange dogs and brown in brown or brown roan dogs. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The ears are triangular in shape and hang. The chest is broad and deep, extending at least to the elbow.

The topline slopes slighty from the front of the back to the rump. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The wiry coat is dense and thick and comes in solid white, white and orange, orange roan with or without orange markings, white with brown markings and brown roan with or without brown markings. Temperament The Spinone has great strength and stamina, suited for hunting in all climates and on all terrains. Extremely intelligent, happy, upbeat and enthusiastic, the Spinone Italiano is a pleasant, easy-going breed. He is easily satisfied when treated as a lower-ranking member of his human pack family . Although serious when at work in the field, he definitely has a clownish side that is often quite entertaining. Never bossy or whiny, unless he does not see humans as pack leader , this gentle soul loves children, those he knows, and those he does not. Children must be taught how to display leadership skills . His great patience should never be taken for granted, for abuse is abuse, whether intentional or not. This breed gets along well with other animals, particularly enjoying the company of another dog. He wants to be with his people, whether that means at home or traveling.

He is a quiet breed in general, but may occasionally howl along with a siren. The Spinone is not a protection breed. He is either unlikely to attack under any circumstance or would only do so if he or his family is directly threatened. He learns fast. If the dog does not see humans as ranking over him in the pack order, he can become stubborn. An intelligent hunter, the Spinone is aware of the difference between a real hunt and an exercise. For example, one breeder mentioned that his dog is perfectly willing to pick up downed birds, but he is reluctant to retrieve a training dummy. Nor does the breed perform in flashy style; instead being a slow, steady worker on the hunt or in the ring. Sadly, many judges penalize this, expecting all dogs to work like a pointer (field) or a Border Collie (ring). The Spinone can be timid if not properly socialized . It responds well to motivational training. The coat protects it from the water and freezing temperatures of the swamp, casually going into cold, deep water. It is an excellent swimmer and a model retriever.

Height, Weight Height: 22½ - 27½ inches Weight: 61 - 85 pounds Health Problems Little data has been accumulated for the Spinone breed in general. Hip dysplasia does exist, as in other comparably sized dogs. Sometimes bloating does occur, though it is not a huge problem. Some are prone to an inherited disease, which manifests itself as a Cerebellar Ataxia, or abnormal gait originating from a problem in a part of the brain. For more information, go to the Spinone Club of America. Living Conditions Content within a fenced yard, this large dog is nevertheless capable of jumping very high. The occasional one is a tunneler. Talk to breeders about secure fencing. Exercise Their activity level is low to medium indoors and medium to high outdoors. A good breed to jog with, the Spinone Italiano is not a "racy" type dog, moving more slowly and methodically than many other gun dog breeds. As such, he can do well with a small yard combined with daily walks and play. Life Expectancy About 12 or more years.

Grooming This breed requires just a small amount of stripping—pulling dead hair—as opposed to cutting, to neaten the coat. Other than that, just a weekly brushing will suffice. Bathe as necessary. Some say this breed grooms himself like a cat. Origin Although not common in the U.S., this breed has a long history of service to man. The breed is known as Italy's all-purpose hunting dog. Some say it is a cross between White Mastiff, French Griffon and the coarse-haired Italian Setter, bred with the dogs that were left by Greek traders and others from the Adriatic coast. However this is not proven and the dog's rather uncertain heritage centers around Europe and its gun dogs of long ago. Whether he was the basis for bringing forth other gun breeds, or whether they simply sprang from common stock is not known. Like all Italian breeds it is ancient. In Renaissance Italy a pointer with wiry hair was already present. After 1950 the breed was reconstructed by a few great breeders. The dogs have a great sense of smell, setting, retrieving, recovering, and very close ties with the hunter. The breed has excelled as a pointer and retriever for centuries.

Today he is still a popular hunting dog in other countries, as well as a pet. The AKC recognized the Spinone Italiano in 2000. Group ITALIAN SPINONE BREEDERS THE SPINONE Origins The Spinone, also known as the Spinone Italiano, Spinone or Italian Griffon (Spinone is preferred as the breed is unique and indivisible) is an ancient breed dating back to as early as 500 B.C. In Italian, Spinone roughly translates as "very prickly" referring possibly to the wiry coat or the breedï¿½s ability to hunt and bust through thickets in search of game. During World War II, the breed was almost lost but save for the efforts of enthusiasts in Italy who reconstructed and brought the breed back from the edge of extinction. A popular gun dog in Europe, the Spinone is a relative new comer to the United States. Attempts to establish the breed in the mid 20th century resulted in failure. During the early 1980ï¿½s another more successful importation of the breed was accomplished and this wonderful dog is now firmly entrenched in the U.S. having become AKC recognized in 2000.

General Description The Spinone Club of America (SCOA) is the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized parent club. Breed standard is set forth and recognized by the AKC and can be accessed by going to the following AKC web address link: AKC Breed Standard The Spinone is a dog of rugged, solid construction being powerfully built with well developed muscular proportions and rough wiry coat which is useful for brush busting as well as water work. The eyes are described as "human like" and give the Spinone a startlingly intelligent look. An intelligent breed, easy to train and eager to please. The face is framed in longer hair that forms arched eyebrow, moustache and beard giving a "gentlemanly" look. Spinone come in brown roan with brown patches, orange roan with orange patches, white with brown and solid white. Grooming is made easy by the occasional stripping of hair from the body. The Spinone is a happy and enthusiastic breed. Very easy going he is always eager to please his people. Some would say you donï¿½t own a Spinone, they own you! Spinone do require inclusion to the family and thrive on being with their people.

A very low key breed not prone to barking unless a stranger shows up, nonetheless, exercise and room to run is essential to their health and well being. Spinone have a personality that is clownish and a vocalization that is unmatched in its uniqueness. A series of low, guttural growls, ooh-ohhs and other indescribable sounds mark this breeds ability to communicate. Friendly to all the Spinone especially loves children and will play for hours on end. Like any animal, the Spinone needs to be treated with respect and love. Abuse will be remembered by the Spinone. From a hunting perspective, the Spinone is a versatile hunter utilized in both upland and waterfowl hunting. At home in the field as well as a powerful swimmer, the breed is an excellent pointer/retriever. Do not expect a Spinone to hunt in a fast flashy manner as some field breeds do. The Spinone is slower and methodical, working a field with great seriousness, detail and concentration.

This can be misconstrued as a lack of ability due to the slower and sometimes seemingly non-chalant pace, but once hunted over, you will find the Spinone can rarely be matched for game finding ability and dedication to the hunt. Even though the Spinone sounds like a perfect breed, he is not for everyone. Things to take into consideration: ï¿½ Size: males run between 60-85 pounds with females 55-70 pounds. ï¿½ Energy: Though relatively laid back and considered a couch potato at times, Spinone still require a large area to run and play. Hunting or field trialing is highly recommended to maintain the vigor and desire of the breed to hunt; he is bred to hunt and some type of field work is essential. ï¿½ Attention: Spinone are constantly looking for your attention. If you donï¿½t have the time or energy to devote to your buddy, then this breed is not for you. They require human interaction to maintain their health and vigor. ï¿½ Scarcity: Due to being relatively new (mid 1980's) to the U.S, finding a Spinone pup can be a challenge.

ï¿½ Intelligence: They are exceptional in their ability to open things they shouldnï¿½t; refrigerators, doors, cupboards, etc. Their innate curiosity can cause problems at times. ï¿½ Slime: Famous for their "Spinone Slime". Particularly after drinking, a slime towel kept handy is a normal part of a Spinone owners dï¿½cor!! For more information on the Spinone please click on the Spinone Club of America link below which will take you to their overview: Answers to Your Questions. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Spinoni Italiano, also known as the Spinone, Italian Spinone, or Italian Griffon is a large, rugged dog of distinctive appearance. He has a long head, with hanging ears and eyes described as "human like." In body he is a substantial, strong boned dog of square build. This deep-chested breed has a topline that slopes slightly up from below the withers to the muscular hindquarters. Everything about this breed indicates great strength as well as stamina. Suited for hunting in all climates and on all terrain. Its coat in fact protects it from the water and freezing temperatures of the swamp.

It goes nonchalantly into cold, deep water, being an excellent swimmer and a model retriever. Although not common in the U.S., this breed has a long history of service to man. His rather uncertain heritage centers around Europe and it's gun dogs of long ago. Whether he was the basis for bringing forth other gun breeds, or whether they simply sprang from common stock is not known. Like all Italian breeds it is ancient. In Renaissance Italy a pointer with wiry hair was already present and reached us with much difficulty, due to extraneous crossbreedings performed heedlessly. After 1950 the breed was reconstructed by a few great breeders. Its innate merits are its sense of smell, setting, retrieving, recovering, and the close ties it has with the hunter. The breed has excelled as a pointer and retriever for centuries. Today he is still a popular hunting dog in other countries, as well as pet. The United States seem to be at last discovering this versatile dog. The Spinone's grumpy appearance contrasts with its gentle and affectionate disposition. It has a great capacity for learning and the desire to satisfy its master most completely. Very sociable, courageous, loyal and an excellent companion.

Today the breed is popular not only in Italy but is also raised in England and Scandinavia. The Spinone has a marked tendency to trot broadly and swiftly. CONFORMATION Below is a brief discription of the Conformation/ Apperarance of the Spinone. HEIGHT: No, a quiet breed in general. May occasionally howl along with a siren. CONFINEMENT: Content within a fenced yard, this large dog is nevertheless capable of jumping very high. The occasional one is a tunneler. Talk to breeders about secure fencing. PROTECTIVENESS: Not a protection breed, he is either unlikely to attack under any circumstance or would only do so if he or his family is directly threatened. ACTIVITY LEVEL: Low to medium indoors, medium to high outdoors EXERCISE ACTIVITY: A good breed to jog with, the Spinoni Italiano is not a "racy" type dog, moving more slowly and methodically than many other gun dog breeds. As such, he can do well with a small yard combined with frequent walks and play. WEATHER PREFERENCE: Extremely high. TRAINABILITY: He learns fast, but is sometimes a bit stubborn about performing.

The Spinoni has a mind of his own, feeling there should be a good reason for doing the task asked of him. For example, one breeder mentioned that his dog is perfectly willing to pick up downed birds, but he is reluctant to retrieve a training dummy. Nor does the breed perform in flashy style, instead being a slow, steady worker on the hunt or in the ring. Sadly, many judges penalize this, expecting all dogs to work like a pointer (field) or a Border Collie (ring). Motivational training is the only way to go with this sensitive breed. APTITUDES: Very high: obedience; lure coursing (not eligible); tracking; agility; search and rescue; hunting; backpacking; therapy dog; assistance dog; retrieving; carting; flyball; watchdog. Others are quite possible, though not as likely. Spinone Italiano | Temperament & Personality Temperament & Personality Pictures Personality As puppies, Spinone Italianos are rowdy, rambunctious and full of energy. As adults, they mature into quiet, dignified companions who generally make themselves seen and not heard. They are reserved around strangers, but come to life in the outdoors.

Spinones are sturdy hunting companions and make excellent hiking and jogging buddies. They get alone well with children, when raised alongside the little ones and don't mind other family dogs. For families who have experience with dogs and love the outdoors, Spinone Italianos make excellent pets. Activity Requirements Spinone Italianos need a lot of vigorous exercise to remain healthy, happy and even-tempered. They are built for hunting and can withstand harsh terrain, hours in the sun and sopping wet conditions. Couch potatoes should not consider this breed, as they are much better suited for hunters and people who enjoy the outdoors. In the hunting field Spinones are versatile, tracking pointing and retrieving on land and water. When not hunting, Spinones enjoy walking, jogging and long hikes. Spinones are far to large and need too much exercise to be cooped up in an apartment. These are country dogs who need plenty of room to run, roam, romp and whenever possible, to swim. Trainability For experienced trainers, Spinones are fairly easy to train. They are not dominant or overbearing, but can be quite stubborn. Novice trainers may grow frustrated or be inclined to resort to harsh treatment or discipline – which is the wrong approach to training this breed.

Spinones need strong, consistent leadership but should never be punished or physically corrected, as this will cause them to shut down and become even more resistant to training and boundaries. Spinones are reserved dogs who need extensive socialization as puppies to help them come out of their shells. If not properly introduced to new people, new situations and other animals, a Spinone can be very difficult to live with. When properly socialized, he may still be cautious around strangers, but will always be polite and dignified. Behavioral Traits Spinones were designed to be hunting companions and they enjoy working alongside their master in the field. This desire to bond makes them incredibly attached to people, especially those who exercise with him. Separation anxiety can develop if a Spinone is left alone for long periods of time, and they express this anxiety through excessive barking and destructive chewing. Exercising your Spinone before you leave the house can help, but these dogs are best suited for families with a stay at home parent, or with someone who works a flexible work schedule. Spinones mellow out as adults, but puppies can be difficult to handle.

They are rowdy and tend to bound and bounce about the house with little regard for furniture, knick knacks, drinks, or people who may be in his path. Proper exercise is important in limiting their bounciness, but it takes 2-3 years for a Spinone to be well behaved indoors. This breed gets along fine with other dogs, but they are hunters who have a strong desire to chase cats, squirrels, rabbits and birds. When not in the hunting field, Spinones should be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area. Italian Spinone Rescue and Adoption - Adopt an Italian Spinone Near You Adopt an Italian Spinone Near You Find a Dog... or by city (ex: Miami, FL) Distance If you would like us to e-mail you when new pets are added that match your search criteria, please enter your e-mail address here! Email Re-type Email to Confirm I would like to receive the latest special deals, inspiring stories, great advice, and awesome videos via email and other marketing communications from Purina and its brands.* * I certify I am 18 years of age or older and agree that Purina may use my information as described in the Privacy Policy and About Our Ads .

Yes, I would like to receive communications from the Petco Foundation on their lifesaving work. Yes, I would like to receive useful information about flea and tick prevention from Bayer , special offers, and coupons via email. Find an Italian Spinone or mix near you to adopt. Why find an Italian Spinone for sale when you can adopt? See photos of cute Italian Spinones to rescue in your area. Search Italian Spinones by size, color, gender and age. Italian Spinones' personality traits, and favorite things to do. This pet-saving service is funded by the passionate pet lovers at Rescue & Adoption: Why Adult Italian Spinones Make Better Pets By By Adopt-a-Pet.com's Pia Salk trong>So, you want to adopt an Italian Spinone, huh? Great idea! Want to hear an even better idea? Rescue an adult Italian Spinone. No pooch is too old for puppy love and puppies are only puppies for a few months after all, right? Oh, you have your heart set on a cute little Italian Spinone puppy? Have you been looking at Italian Spinone puppies for sale, checking out Italian Spinone puppy breeders?

OK, here's some food for thought if you have your heart set on a puppy, and a few reasons why adopting an adult might be your better option: What It Takes to Housebreak a Puppy Before you adopt an Italian Spinone, consider how much time your new family member will spend alone. Remember, a puppy requires constant attention. The key to successful housebreaking is consistency; preventing "accidents" is key. Once a puppy soils the carpeting, it becomes much more difficult to train them out of that behavior. Here's a good rule of thumb to consider: a puppy can hold his bladder just one hour for every month they've been alive. For instance, a 3-month-old puppy will need to empty his bladder every three hours! Before you adopt an Italian Spinone puppy, ask yourself if you are available to walk your dog several times throughout the day, and if you have the patience and commitment to wake up and take him out first thing every morning at the same time, and stick to a strict schedule. Of course, before you can walk him at all, you will need to train him to walk on a leash, which is a project in itself. On the other hand, an adult dog's bladder is already fully developed.

Shelter dogs are often already housetrained and Italian Spinone rescue groups can tell you if their adult dogs for adoption are housebroken before they go into your home. You also have the advantage of knowing that your dog is physically able to "hold it" for several hours at a stretch. In most cases, adult dogs are by far easier to housebreak than puppies. You can teach an old dog new tricks! Puppy Behavior Sometimes Isn’t Pleasant Sure, Italian Spinone puppies are super-cute, but simply put, puppies can be adorable, relentless machines of destruction. Even the most well-behaved puppy will destroy shoes, clothing, paper, remote controls, telephones, leashes, dog beds, carpeting…anything and everything. More rambunctious pups have been known to obliterate sofas, car seats, Venetian blinds, electrical cords, door frames…you name it, they can eat it or shred it. And when they're teething, look out! Cute puppies have very sharp teeth, and they are happy to use your hands, feet, nose, hair, etc, as a chew toy. Ouch!

Needless to say, a teething Italian Spinone puppy and a small child do NOT make good companions! To keep the puppy from hurting himself, and to prevent the destructive behavior from becoming a bad habit, you will need to spend every waking moment supervising his every move. Do you have that kind of time? Many Italian Spinone dogs in shelters or with rescue groups are already trained and ready to go! Adults have a much longer attention span than puppies, too, which means they're easier and faster to teach. Adult dogs already have recognizable personality traits, so you'll be able to select one who is great with children. Many Italian Spinone rescue groups use foster homes to make sure each Italian Spinones for adoption is trained to be well-behaved indoors. Although all dogs need attention and playtime, an adult dog's needs are far less demanding than a puppy's. You Won’t Know a Puppy’s Personality for Sometime With an adult Italian Spinone, what you see is what you get. Their personality is already developed, and you'll be able to spot the characteristics you're looking for much more easily than with a puppy Italian Spinone.

Shelters and rescue groups are able to assess the personality of each Italian Spinone for adoption, and carefully match you up with the right dog for your lifestyle. When you adopt a puppy, there is a lot more guesswork involved. Adult Italian Spinone Adoption = An Instant Friend for Life Ask anybody who has adopted an adult dog, and they'll swear their bond with their rescued pal is as deep as they come. When you open your heart and your home to a dog who needs help, they really do show their appreciation for the rest of their life! Dogs who have been uprooted from their homes, or have had difficult beginnings are likely to bond completely and deeply with their new human caretakers who they view as heroes. Italian Spinones who find themselves in the shelter or at a rescue group because of a death or other tragedy in their former human family usually go through a mourning period. Once they are adopted, however, they usually want nothing more than to please their new hero---YOU! No matter what circumstances brought them to the shelter or rescue group, most Italian Spinone dogs for adoption are exceptionally affectionate and attentive pets and extremely loyal companions. But first you have to adopt one!

Adult Italian Spinone Adoption = Truly Saving a Life When you adopt an adult dog, you are doing the ultimate good deed. Let's face it: at first a lot of people think they want to find Italian Spinone puppies for sale, but not everyone is lining up to adopt the great adults! Some people might have the misconception that Italian Spinones in shelters have something wrong with them. In fact, most Italian Spinones for adoption end up in shelters not because of any problem with pet behavior or health issues, but because they were dropped off by someone who simply didn't have the time or money to care for the animals. In some cases pets are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Did you know that every year, approximately 4 million adoptable animals are killed? A staggering 25% of those animals are purebreds, so you can bet there is an Italian Spinone in need of adoption. With such a huge overpopulation problem, looking for an Italian Spinone dog for sale, or Italian Spinone puppies breeders, sadly contributes to this tragedy. Rescue groups that specialize in adoption work very, very hard to help adult dogs find good homes.

Rescues are almost always made up of a group of volunteers. They often keep Italian Spinones for adoption in their own homes while they assess their health and personalities. If a dog needs basic training, often the rescuer will provide it. If a dog needs medical treatment, many dedicated dog rescuers pay for it out of their own pocket. These people are incredibly passionate about rescue, and they work tirelessly to make sure every dog finds a home. Nothing is as rewarding to these heroes as a successful adoption! Please help these healthy pets, before looking at an Italian Spinone puppies breeder, or an Italian Spinone puppy for sale search our Italian Spinone adoption database at this page! Adoption Means a Healthier Italian Spinone as You’re Pet Shelters have dogs of all breeds, including purebred Italian Spinones. These dogs sometimes end up in shelters because an Italian Spinone dog breeder, or someone who had Italian Spinone puppies sale was not able to find a home for all the dogs. These people are sometimes called "backyard" breeders. These are people who make some easy cash by breeding purebred Italian Spinones over and over then try to make easy cash by posting Italian Spinones puppies for sale in newspaper classified ads.

Remember that most of these backyard Italian Spinone dog breeders don't know about breeding for favorable health and temperament qualities, and they don't know how to raise a properly socialized litter. Many of the Italian Spinone dog breeders wean litters from their mothers way too soon. Sometimes, a backyard Italian Spinones puppies breeder turns into small-time puppy mill to increase their supply so you can find Italian Spinone puppies for sale all the time in order for profits to grow. What are puppy mills? A puppy mill is basically a purebred puppy factory farm where the puppies are just churned out as fast as they can in order to have, for example, as many Italian Spinone dogs for sale as possible. The dogs are kept in small cages and forced to breed at unhealthy rates… it's all about the money. Female dogs in puppy mills are made to have several litters per year, which is extremely dangerous and cruel. Usually Italian Spinone breeders pay little attention to the specific health and genetic diseases due to in-breeding, reluctantly they don’t inform whoever is looking for an Italian Spinone dog for sale about this problem. Genetic health testing is almost unheard of and mass-producing pets for profit is the bottom-line.

In the worst puppy mills, horrifying conditions are the norm. How can you stop puppy mills? There is only one way. Take away their profits. Remember before you look for an an Italian Spinone sale, or Italian Spinone dogs for sale keep in mind that adoption is the most humane option! We want to spread the word! If you have contact info for a shelter in one of these places that does not have pets posted with us, please e-mail us and we'll contact them.

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Question: A spinone is what type of animal?
Answer: Dog