Gundogs Group - Italian Spinone

The Italian Spinone is an ancient gundog breed. It has also recently become a contender in the international show ring and in field trials. Opinions about the dog's origins vary, as to whether it is of setter descent, a relative of the coarse-haired Italian Scgugio, or a Griffon cross. Yet others believe this powerful, versatile hunter originated in France, later finding its way to Piedmont in Italy, and that its evolution is attributable to the French Griffon, German Pointers, the Porcclainc, the Barbet, and the Korthals Griffon.

Coat: Rough, thick, fairly wiry with a dense undercoat.

Color: White, white with orange markings, solid white peppered orange, white with brown markings, white speckled with brown (brown roan), with or without brown markings.

Features: Expressivc eyes, varying in color from yellow to ochcr; long, triangular ears; sturdy back, body length equal to height at withers; tail thick at base and carried horizontally.

Size: Height at shoulders: dogs 23-27 in, bitches 23-25 in. Weight: dogs 70-82 lb, bitches 62-70 1b.

Care: Needs plenty of vigorous exercise, is a fine swimmer, and is best suited to the freedom of country life.

Character: Affectionate, agreeable, and of loyal temperament. Will point and has a soft mouth for retrieving game undamaged.