Gundog Breeds

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Italian Spinone

The arrival of the Italian Spinone in the UK showrings in the 1980s caused quite a stir; at that time new breeds were quite a novelty and he certainly took the eye.  Belonging to the Gundog group the Italian Spinone has something of the hound about him with his unusual topline which slopes from the withers to the loin and then rises from the loin to the croup.  He is known to have existed as a breed in the early 1800s, and dogs of similar type are seen in many frescoes from the Middle Ages.  He and the Bracco Italiano are the only two Italian gundogs in the UK.

A member of the Hunt, Point, Retrieve group of gundogs the Italian Spinone is a good worker in water and heavy cover; he is a solid, strongly built dog standing square with a relatively short muscular neck.  In height he is between 60 - 70cm with the bitches slightly smaller and the dogs weigh from 70 - 82lbs.  His expression is described as being kind and earnest, and he does convey the impression of being very sincere.  Which he probably is, as he does make a very good family dog; he is sociable and adaptable and being easily trained is happy to join in with whatever outdoor pursuits his particular family chooses. It's fair to describe the Spinone as being a happy dog.

The coat is tough, thick and slightly wiry, about 2" long on the body with semi-erect eyebrows and softer hair forming a moustache and eyebrows. The Italian Spinone is easy enough to keep groomed with a slicker brush, but a little judicious stripping is necessary to retain a clean outline, particularly to prevent him looking stuffy in the neck.  The base colour of the coat is always white; he can be pure white, with orange marking or peppering, with brown markings with or without brown roaning.

A nice, big, adaptable dog, biddable with an easily cared for coat and a fondness for his family, it is not surprising that he has grown so rapidly in popularity.

To read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Italian Spinone click here.

Selected Books

The time to make sure that this is the right breed for you is before you bring him home; if you and Spinone are to be happy together there is plenty of research to be done.  Even if you do not intend to work him, having an appreciation of Gundog Training will help you understand why he behaves as he does. 

In addition to learning what kind of behaviour is specific to Gundogs, understanding your dog, and what his motivations are on a more general level can save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

Italian Spinone Breed Clubs

ITALIAN SPINONE CLUB OF GB
THE SOUTHERN ITALIAN SPINONE SOCIETY (proposed)
ITALIAN SPINONE SOCIETY OF SCOTLAND (proposed)

Italian Spinone Rescue and Rehoming

Contact a Breed Club. They should be able to give you information about Spinoni requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own dog, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

Italian Spinone Breeders

• Boxlock Lydiate, Merseyside Contact 0151 5311375 Email
• Aspenwood
• Bannonbrig
• Javal
• Kevardhu 
• Wynsett
• Hollutrix

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.