Should You Get a Spinone Italiano?
The Spinone Italiano, aka Italian Griffon, is known for its gentle and friendly temperament. They are patient, affectionate, and get along well with children and other animals. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Overall, the Spinone Italiano makes a loyal and loving companion.
The Spinone Italiano is a very ancient
breed that is believed to have originated in Italy more than 2000 years ago. The breed was developed by crossing local Italian dogs with various other breeds, such as the French Griffon, the Barbet, and the Italian Pointer. The Spinone was initially used for hunting a wide variety of game, including birds, rabbits, and wild boar.
One of the unique features
of the Spinone Italiano is its coat, which is long, thick, and wiry, and provides excellent protection against harsh weather and rough terrain. This coat also helped the breed to become a popular hunting dog in Italy, where it was used to track and retrieve game in all types of weather conditions. In fact, the Spinone was so highly regarded as a hunting dog that it was even used by Italian nobility, including the House of Savoy, who ruled Italy from 1861 to 1946.
The first standard for the Spinone Italiano
breed was established in 1949, which officially recognized the breed’s distinct physical characteristics and established guidelines for breeding and showing. Today, the Spinone Italiano is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Sporting Group, and is still used for hunting, as well as for various other activities, such as therapy and assistance work. Additionally, the Spinone has a friendly, easy-going nature that makes it a popular companion for families and individuals.
The breed is relatively popular in Europe
but has not caught on in America, According to the American Kennel Club , there were 14 total dogs that were registered with the AKC in 2013.
The Spinone is a vocal breed
large size, this dog is still able to get through dense underbrush and loves to run and is a strong swimmer. They are a high endurance breed that are able to remain on task for long periods of time. They are also known to open refrigerators and turn on sinks. They will find ANY goodies left on the kitchen counter!
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Spinone Italiano can reach up to 27 inches in height and up to 90 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
” Solid white, white and orange; orange roan with or without
orange markings; white with brown markings, and brown roan with or without brown markings Any black markings or tri-color coats are not permitted.”
Despite the Spinone Italiano’s
large size, this dog is still able to get through dense underbrush and loves to run and is a strong swimmer. They are also known to open refrigerators and turn on sinks. They will find ANY goodies left on the kitchen counter!
How Fast Can a Spinone Italiano Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Spinone Italiano is about 20 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Spinone Italiano was by a dog named Snowmagnolia Angus Gq Bjerke at 24.49 mph!
The Spinone Italiano dog breed
has been used for hunting pheasants, quails, roe deer, wild boars and foxes. The Spinone is a serious hunter but tends to be rather fun loving and clownish about everything else!
The Spinone Italiano is a very
loyal breed. In fact, they have been known as a symbol of loyalty in Italy. This dog will follow you wherever you go. They want to be by your side.
Spinone Italiano Humor!
Spinone Italiano Have an Average
lifespan of 10-12 years. They are a relatively healthy dog breed. Some of the reported health issues are Hip and Elbow dysplasia, bloat and Cerebellar Ataxia, which is a brain disorder that effects a dogs balance and coordination.
In Landmark Research
on modern dog breed development, the Spinone Italiano has been shown to share the most common DNA with an ancestor of the following 3 dog breeds:
Brittany
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
German Shorthaired Pointer
Check You Spinone Italiano Facts and Take a Fun Spinone Quiz!
Facts About the Spinone Italiano-Final Thoughts
The Spinone Italiano is a fascinating breed of dog that originates from the Piedmont region of Italy. With its medium length, wiry coat, the Spinone Italiano has a unique and distinctive appearance. One of the most notable features of this breed is its long beard, which adds to its charm and character. The Spinone Italiano is known for its high prey drive and instinctive desire to please its human companions. This breed requires enough exercise to keep it happy and healthy, making it an excellent choice for an active family. Daily walks and engaging in dog sports are the best way to ensure that the Spinone Italiano gets the physical and mental stimulation it needs. Additionally, early socialization and obedience training are important for any Italian Spinone. Their adaptability and versatility make it suitable for various living situations, but it thrives best in an environment where it receives plenty of affection and attention from its owners. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain its wiry coat, whether done at home or by a professional groomer. So, if it’s being a couch potato or engaging in a solid hour of hiking or outdoor activities, a Spinone is always up to the task!
