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Spinone Italiano Puppies for Sale
Spinone Italiano
(Italian Wire-haired Pointing Dog)
Photo Courtesy of Spinone Club of America
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Description |
The Spinone 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 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. |
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Temperament |
Extremely intelligent, happy, upbeat
and enthusiastic, the Spinone Italiano is a pleasant, easy-going breed. He is
easily satisfied when treated as a member of the 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 constantly ignored), this gentle soul
loves children - those he knows and those he does not. Children must be taught
to treat this wonderful dog with the love and respect he deserves. 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, preferably in someone's lap! He is a quiet
breed in general, but may occasionally howl along with a siren. 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, but
is sometimes a bit stubborn about performing. The Spinone 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. The Spinone can be timid if not
properly socialized. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 22˝-27˝ inches
Weight: 61-85 pounds |
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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 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. His 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 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 a
pet. The United States seem to be at last discovering this versatile dog. |
| Group |
Gun Dog |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC,
SCA, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental Kennel
Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
SCA = Spinone Club of America
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Photo Courtesy of Spinone Club of America
Spud
Spud
Nunzio, the Spinone Italiano
Nunzio, the Spinone Italiano
Hunting Dogs
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