Italian spinnaker

Breed Description

The Italian Spinone is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds, with roots tracing back to ancient Italy. This breed, known for its outstanding working abilities and unique appearance, was developed for versatile hunting in a variety of conditions, from mountainous terrain to marshes. The ancestors of the Spinone lived in the Piedmont region, and their lineage is linked to local wire-haired dogs, as well as breeds brought by traders and conquerors, including ancient Greek Molossers and Celtic hounds. The name “Spinone” comes from the Italian word “spino,” which means “thorn bush” or “shrub,” as these dogs were recognized for their ability to work in dense underbrush.

The Spinone was created as a versatile breed capable of tracking, pointing, and retrieving game. Its thick, coarse coat and sturdy build made it ideal for challenging hunting conditions. These dogs could work for hours in cold water, dense vegetation, and difficult terrain without losing effectiveness. Their soft mouths allowed them to retrieve game without damage, which was especially valued by hunters.

The first mentions of dogs resembling the Spinone appear in Renaissance works, where they are described as reliable and versatile companions for hunters. The Italian aristocracy highly valued these dogs for their intelligence and obedience. Over time, the Spinone gained popularity not only in Italy but also beyond its borders, particularly in neighboring European countries. It was especially sought after where a dog with high endurance and the ability to work in harsh conditions was needed.

In the 19th century, the popularity of the Italian Spinone began to decline due to the emergence of new breeds such as pointers and setters. However, thanks to enthusiasts who preserved the breed, the Spinone experienced a revival in the 20th century. Italian canine specialists played a significant role in restoring the breed by working on standardizing its appearance and enhancing its working qualities.

Today, the Italian Spinone is not only an exceptional hunting dog but also a loyal companion. Its balanced temperament, high intelligence, and ability to work in teams make it a versatile partner for those who value an active lifestyle. The history of the Spinone exemplifies the resilience and dedication to a breed that retains its unique qualities and cultural significance over the centuries.

The price for a puppy ranges from 56,000 to 74,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Italian Spinone is a robust, powerful dog of medium to large size with a harmonious build that highlights its endurance and versatility. Its body is covered with dense, coarse fur, ideally suited to protect against harsh weather conditions and thick vegetation, making it indispensable for hunting in a variety of environments. The Spinone has an expressive, slightly rugged head with a beard and whiskers, adding a distinctive and serious character to the breed. Its large eyes are warm amber or chestnut in color, with a soft and friendly expression that reflects a calm demeanor.

The average height of the Italian Spinone ranges from 60 to 70 cm for males and 58 to 65 cm for females. Weights vary from 28 to 37 kg, providing the dog with power and stability while allowing it to remain agile and maneuverable. The body proportions are balanced, featuring a wide chest, strong back, and powerful limbs that ensure ease and smoothness of movement.

The lifespan of the Italian Spinone typically ranges from 12 to 14 years. This is a breed known for its strong health, which, with proper care and a balanced diet, maintains its activity and hunting enthusiasm well into old age. The appearance of the Spinone reflects its natural purpose-to be a reliable, strong, and hardworking partner, ready to tackle the most challenging tasks.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Italian Spinone is large, proportionate to the body, with an elongated shape and noticeable yet soft lines. The skull is slightly domed, wide, and smoothly transitions into the muzzle. The overall appearance of the head gives the dog an intelligent and friendly expression characteristic of the breed.

Морда

The muzzle is long and wide at the base, with a straight or slightly curved upper line. The lips are fleshy and slightly drooping, covering the strong jaws. The nose is large, with open nostrils, and its color corresponds to the main coat color of the dog.

Уши

The ears are long, thin, set low, and tightly fitted to the head. They are covered with soft fur and slightly curl at the tips, highlighting the breed's elegance. The ears are highly mobile, which gives the dog a lively expression.

Глаза

The eyes are large and round, set deep and wide. Their color ranges from light hazel to dark brown, matching the coat color. The expression of the eyes is always soft, intelligent, and friendly, reflecting the balanced nature of the breed.

Зубы

The teeth are strong and even, with a correct scissors bite. The jaws are powerful yet harmonious in size, which perfectly matches the proportions of the head and the overall physical strength of the dog.

Корпус

The body of the Italian Spinone is strong and powerful, with a wide and deep chest that provides ample space for the lungs. The back is straight, with a slight slope toward the lower back, emphasizing endurance and flexibility. The abdomen is moderately toned, creating a balanced overall silhouette.

Конечности

The limbs are long, muscular, and strong, perfectly suited for prolonged work in challenging conditions. The front legs are straight and stable, with strong shoulders, while the hind legs have pronounced joint angles, providing the dog with powerful propulsion when moving. The paws are round, with thick pads adapted for working on various types of terrain.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and gradually tapering towards the end. When at rest, it is lowered, but in movement or excitement, it is held horizontally or slightly above the line of the back. The tail is covered with stiff hair, emphasizing the breed's overall appearance.

Шерсть

The fur of the Italian Spinone is thick, coarse, and has a dense texture that protects the dog from wind, water, and thorns. It is slightly shorter on the head, ears, and front legs, but longer and denser on the rest of the body.

Окрас

The color can be white, white with orange spots or markings, white with chestnut spots, or entirely chestnut. The distribution of colors is always harmonious, highlighting the elegant lines and noble appearance of the breed.

Character

The Italian Spinone has a balanced, good-natured, and patient character, making it an excellent companion for families and a reliable partner for hunters. This breed is known for its friendliness and affection towards people. The Spinone easily establishes a close bond with its owner, eager to be helpful and pleasing, while still maintaining some independence that allows it to make decisions on its own during work. Its calmness and composure make it suitable for families with children, as it demonstrates patience and gentleness in interactions.

This breed is characterized by high intelligence and curiosity. The Spinone loves to explore the world around it, so it enjoys walks where it can sniff out something new or investigate the surroundings. Hunting instincts are strong in this breed, and it gladly performs tasks related to tracking or searching. The Spinone loves active games but does not require exhausting training sessions, preferring moderate activity interspersed with quiet rest.

The Italian Spinone does not cope well with loneliness. It is important for it to feel part of the family and to be close to people. If the dog is left alone for long periods, it can lead to boredom or even undesirable behavior. Another characteristic trait is its softness and sensitivity to tone of voice. Roughness or aggression in training is ineffective, as the Spinone responds better to a friendly and respectful approach.

This breed prefers a stable and calm atmosphere. It is not prone to hyperactivity or aggression and adapts well to different living conditions. The Italian Spinone values attention and involvement in its family’s daily life, remaining a loyal and devoted friend always ready for shared adventures.

Care and Maintenance

The Italian Spinone requires moderate care that takes into account the characteristics of its coat, active lifestyle, and emotional needs. Its coarse, dense fur hardly sheds but needs to be brushed regularly, about once a week, to remove dirt and dead hair. During the seasonal shedding period, grooming may need to be more intensive. Bathing the Spinone is recommended only when necessary, as frequent use of shampoo can damage the skin’s natural protective layer. Regular ear checks are also important, as their floppy shape can predispose them to infections, especially if the dog often spends time outdoors or in water.

This breed is very active and needs regular physical exercise. Long walks, outdoor play, or training sessions that involve searching for and retrieving items bring joy to the dog and help maintain its physical and mental activity. The Spinone particularly enjoys tasks that allow it to use its sense of smell, so it happily engages in tracking tasks.

The Italian Spinone does not like being alone. It is sensitive to a lack of attention and can become bored or depressed if left alone for long periods. It is important for the dog to be part of the family and to feel an emotional connection with its owner. This breed does not tolerate roughness or harsh treatment-it responds better to a gentle yet consistent approach. Respect and kindness in interactions allow the Spinone to better express its abilities and personality.

The diet of the Italian Spinone should be balanced and suitable for active dogs. It is prone to weight gain if overfed, so it’s crucial to monitor portion sizes and food quality. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention will help maintain the dog’s health. The Italian Spinone appreciates attention, regular activities, and a calm home environment where it can showcase its best qualities and become a true friend and companion.

Training and Education

The Italian Spinone is an intelligent yet sometimes stubborn breed that requires patient and kind training. This dog learns best when the training process is based on positive reinforcement, including praise, treats, and playful interaction. Spinoni are very sensitive to their owner’s tone of voice and mood, so harsh methods or shouting are categorically unsuitable. A gentle yet confident approach, consistency, and respect for the dog make training successful and enjoyable for both parties.

This breed has an excellent memory but may lose interest if training becomes too repetitive. It’s important to keep sessions diverse, including tasks that allow the Spinone to utilize its natural talents, such as scenting and tracking. Training is best started at an early age to establish the foundations of obedience and socialization. Puppies should learn basic commands such as “Come,” “Sit,” and “Heel” in a relaxed but structured environment.

The Spinone chooses an owner who demonstrates calmness, confidence, and care. This dog is oriented towards a close emotional bond, so it will listen to someone who pays attention, spends time engaging in activities, and maintains its interest. The Spinone intuitively senses the owner’s mood and strives to be helpful, making them an excellent team with the right interaction.

This breed is suited for people who value a gentle but consistent approach to training and are willing to invest time in activities that require the dog to use its intelligence. The Italian Spinone best realizes its potential alongside an owner who respects its character, provides attention, and offers a balanced mix of work, training, and rest. With the right approach, it becomes a devoted, obedient, and hardworking companion. Zooinika connects certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing an Italian Spinone puppy requires a responsible approach to ensure it grows up healthy and meets breed standards. Start by selecting a reliable kennel registered with an official kennel organization, such as the FCI or its national affiliates. A reputable breeder provides complete information about the parents, their achievements, and health, and showcases the conditions in which the puppies are kept, which should be clean and comfortable.

The puppy should be active, curious, and friendly. It should not show excessive fear or aggression. It’s important to assess its physical condition: the coat should be smooth and clean, the eyes bright, and the nose moist and cool. The puppy should move freely, without signs of lameness or weakness. Pay attention to its proportions-its body should be strong and harmonious, which is essential for proper growth and development.

Checking documents is a mandatory step when choosing a puppy. The puppy’s card or metric should include pedigree information, including the parents’ titles and their working qualities. The puppy’s parents should be tested for genetic diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as inherited eye problems. These results confirm that the puppy is less likely to inherit similar issues. The puppy’s veterinary passport should include records of initial vaccinations and parasite treatments.

If possible, meet the puppy’s parents. Their behavior, appearance, and character provide insight into what your pet may grow up to be. The parents should be well-balanced, sociable, and meet breed standards. It’s also important to pay attention to the conditions in the kennel: puppies should be socialized, have enough space to play, and interact with people.

A responsible choice of an Italian Spinone puppy involves careful verification of its health, documents, and pedigree. This will ensure you have a dog that grows up healthy, active, and a companion that meets all breed standards. Find out how at Zoonika and get an excellent pet.

Health and Diseases

The Italian Spinone is a strong and hardy breed, but like other breeds, it has predispositions to certain diseases that owners need to be aware of. One of the most common issues is hip and elbow dysplasia, which is typical of medium and large dogs. This hereditary condition can cause discomfort and limit mobility, especially in older age. Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and moderate physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing this issue.

The breed is also prone to eye diseases, including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids). These problems can affect vision, so regular eye exams are crucial, especially for older dogs. Responsible breeders conduct tests for hereditary eye diseases in the parents of puppies to minimize the risk of transmission.

Skin diseases such as dermatitis or allergic reactions can also occur in the Italian Spinone. The coarse coat and active lifestyle make the dog susceptible to irritations caused by external factors or parasites. Regular checks of the skin and coat help detect issues early, while proper nutrition and the use of flea and tick products minimize the risk of these problems.

The Spinone has a good appetite but is prone to gaining excess weight, especially with insufficient activity. This can increase strain on the joints and lead to other issues, such as cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring its diet and ensuring regular exercise helps maintain optimal weight and overall health.

Bloat (gastric torsion) is another concern associated with deep-chested breeds. To prevent this, it is recommended to feed the dog small portions several times a day and to avoid vigorous exercise immediately after meals.

With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, the Italian Spinone can remain healthy and active for 12-14 years. Paying close attention to the health of the joints, eyes, and skin will help prevent most potential problems and ensure the dog has a long and comfortable life. Thinking about it? There’s a huge selection of listings on the Zooinika map by city.