Spinone Italiano

Spinone Italiano Facts

Spinone Italiano Information

Spinone Italiano Description:

Spinone Italiano Care & Grooming:

Spinone Italiano Health Problems:

Group:	Sporting
Size:	Large
Life Span:	10-12 years
Height:	Male: 23-27 inches
	Female: 22-25 inches
Weight:	Male: 70-85 lbs
	Female: 60-75 lbs

Coat :	Dense, wiry and stiff
Gait :	Free and tireless
Color(s) :	White; White with orange or brown; orange roan with or without orange markings; brown roan with or without brown markings
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Medium
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration 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 (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Italy
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Hunting Dog
Other Name :	Spinone, Italian Spinone

The exact origin of Spinone Italiano is unknown. There are various theories suggesting the origins of this breed. One theory suggests that the breed originated from the now extinct Spanish Pointer. Another theory suggests that the Russian Setter is responsible for the breed, while there is still another theory which suggests that the setter brought to Italy were crossbred with the local variety to give birth to the Spinone. French Pointers are also believed to be responsible for the breed. The breed was primarily used for hunting small game and gets its name from a popular thorn in Italy named “Spino”. Spino is a favorite hiding ground for small game like hare etc. which is not easily accessible for large animals like dogs. The Spinone, with its rough coat, is specialized at hunting small games hidden in these thorns and thus the name. Although it is one of the oldest dog breeds, it was recognized by the AKC only in 2000.

The Spinone Italiano is a large sized dog with a strong, muscular frame. It has a long head; large eyes which are round in shape with color in accordance to the color of the dog; low-set, triangular shaped ears; a large nose with flared nostrils and black in color; a strong, square muzzle; tight lips with teeth which meet in scissors bite or level bite. This breed has a docked tail which is set high and is carried horizontally, either below or in line with the level of the back. It has strong medium sized legs with oval shaped feet. This breed has a dense, wiry, stiff and water resistant coat which is medium in length. The color of the coat can be Pure White; white with orange or brown; orange roan with or without orange markings; brown roan with or without brown markings.

The Spinone is an intelligent and a very friendly, quiet breed. It is great with children as well as other pets, particularly dogs. It is friendly with strangers too, and thus, it does make for a very good watchdog. It is not a protective breed too and hence, does not make for good guard dog either. However, it is an excellent companion breed. It is an obedient breed which is easy to train. It adapts very well to different situations and is an extremely intelligent breed. Thus, variety is required when training it. It is a quiet breed and adapts well to indoors as well as outdoors. Hence, it is well suited to an apartment lifestyle but is more comfortable at least in an average sized yard.

The Spinone is an average shedder. Its dense and wiry coat needs minimal grooming. A firm brush once or twice in a week is sufficient to maintain a healthy coat. Hand stripping may be required once in a while to remove the dead hair. It should be bathed regularly and must be dried properly after each bath. Its eyes and ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid any infection. Its nail and, the hair around ears, eyes and paws should be trimmed regularly. Its beard should be cleaned properly after each meal to remove any food remains.

It is generally a very quiet breed. Thus, moderate amount of exercise is sufficient for this breed. A long daily walk is sufficient to take care of proper physical and mental development of the dog. However, it should not be let off the leash in an open area as it has a tendency to chase small animals. It is ideal for the families which cannot devote enough time to the dog. This dog is prone to bloat, so small frequent meals are recommended instead of a large meal. It is sensitive to very high temperature so should be adequately protected.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Spinone Italiano is prone to some health issues like Cerebellar ataxia, hip Dysplasia, bloat etc.

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