Spinone Italiano
An Italian gundog that works at a patient trot and crosses marsh ground other pointers refuse. Wiry, bearded, and remarkably tolerant of everything at home.
Photo by Caroline Granycome, CC BY-SA 2.0
Overview
The Spinone is one of the oldest pointing breeds, an Italian versatile gundog that works at a patient methodical trot rather than a gallop, which suits hunting on foot in heavy cover. The harsh wire coat and the heavy eyebrows and beard protect it from thorn.
It is a large dog with a famously soft expression, and it is considerably gentler than its size suggests.
Temperament
Gentle, patient and notably soft. Spinoni are affectionate with their families, good with children, and sociable with other dogs, and they are among the mildest of the gundogs.
They are sensitive and shut down under pressure, so training relies on encouragement. They are also slow to mature and slightly clownish for years. They drool, and the beard means water goes everywhere after a drink.
Care and grooming
A harsh wire coat that needs brushing weekly and hand stripping a couple of times a year. It should not be clipped. The beard needs regular attention.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur, and cerebellar ataxia has a DNA test and is specific to the breed. Bloat is a risk in a deep chested dog this size. Ten to twelve years.
Living and exercise
Ninety minutes to two hours a day with room to range.
They want to be with their families and they do badly kennelled. They are an excellent choice for someone who wants a large gentle gundog and a poor one for anyone wanting a tidy house.
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