The Spinone Italiano is one of the oldest variations of the Griffon.
Alternate Names
Bracco Spinoso (“prickly pointer”)
Italian Spinone (United Kingdom)
Italian Wire-haired Pointer
Italian Coarse-haired Pointer
Italian Griffon
Appearance:
Body: Strong and well-boned with a straight back, well laid back shoulders, broad chest, and well-sprung ribs.
Coat: Thick and wiry, dense, flat, and stiff.
Color: Solid white, white with orange markings, orange roan, brown roan.
Ears: Moderately long and somewhat triangular-shaped with slightly rounded tips.
Eyes: Large, nearly round, wide set, well open, and deep; expressively gentle.
Feet: Large, compact and round with hard pads, well-arched toes, and strong nails. Hind feet are somewhat more oval-shaped than round.
Head: Long with an oval-shaped skull, square muzzle, well-developed occiput, and large nose with wide-open nostrils.
Legs: Forelegs are straight, strong-boned and set into long, powerful shoulders. Hindquarters are strong and well-muscled, with long, wide thighs and angulated stifles.
Neck: Strong and muscular with a double dewlap.
Size:
Weight: 55 – 57 pounds
Height: 22 – 27 inches
Tail: Thick at the root, carried low, usually docked.
Behavior
Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children
Love to dig
Can be destructive if bored
May emit a strong canine-like smell
Gentle, easy-going and sociable, the Spinone Italiano adores children and enjoys being with adults. He is trustworthy, intelligent, and highly spirited with a need for vigorous daily exercise. An excellent swimmer and retriever, the Spinone is a gundog with great endurance who is well suited for harsh weather conditions and harsh terrains.
AKC Standard says, “A gentle disposition and docile temperament make them excellent companions for the right family. Tireless in the field, they are affectionate and calm in the house. They can also be clownish, stubborn, and demanding of attention, “talking” to their owners with a variety of growls, moans, and whines.”
Donned with a wiry coat, crude mustache, and beard, he is a tall, well built dog with a happy, laid back personality. He can be quite reserved with strangers but early socialization with different people and different places will help build his confidence and trust.
Though he has an independent mind and can be stubborn at times, he can be easily controlled by a novice dog handler with some guidance from and experienced trainer.
Obedience training should begin early and should be approached with positive encouragement. Gentle correction, reward-type treats, and lots of praise for a job well done, is always recommended when training any dog.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Sporting Group
Spinones are gundogs used for game retrieving both on land and in water. They can tolerate most any weather conditions, as well as very harsh terrains.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise with room to run.
Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly. Some owners prefer to have his coat stripped (plucking of the dead hairs) two to three times yearly. Ear canals should be kept clean and dry to avoid infections.
Though they are considered a non-shedding breed and considered by some as being hypo-allergenic, they will still shed skin (dander) and can still produce an allergic reaction in people with allergies.
Health
Life Expectancy: 11 – 12 Years
Possible Problems:
Bloat – twisting of the stomach
Cerebellar Ataxia – affects muscular coordination
Hip Dysplasia – degenerative joint disease
Recommended Certificates:
CERF – for the eyes
OFA – for the hips and elbows
Country of Origin
Italy