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As the name suggests, the Italian Spinone -o «Grifo Italiano» – is originally from Italy, more specifically from the Piedmont region, in the north of the country. It is a very old breed of dog, and whoever searches for its exact origins will find more questions than answers. But, it is generally accepted that it is the result of various crosses over the centuries between Italian Setters, Griffons from France, White Mastiffs and Dogs of Greece.

There is evidence that their ancestors already hunted in the Alps and Apennines more than 2000 years. But, the first clear reference to the breed dates back to the Middle Ages, more specifically to the fifteenth century, in the form of a fresco by Andrea Montegna (1431-1506) inside the Ducal Palace of Mantua (Italy), which represents an Italian Spinone. Two centuries later, Jacques Espée of Sélincourt, evoca en su manual The Perfect Hunter (1683) an Italian Griffon from Piedmont.

Popular for centuries in Italy, the Spinone suffered greatly during WWII. The end of hostilities did not mean a notable improvement in their situation, as Italian hunters began to prefer breeds imported from abroad.

In 1949, The doctor. Paolo Branzi and Dr.. Ezio Caraffini founded La Famiglia dello Spinone -which has since become the Italian Spinoni Club- and they had 59 representatives of the breed throughout Italy. They chose 10 of them to start a breeding program aimed at rebuilding the population and stabilizing its characteristics. They drew up a first standard and contacted the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI), reference body of the country, to initiate the necessary procedures for the recognition of the breed.

His work paid off, so that in 1955 the Spinone Italiano was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Then it began to spread internationally, although it took a while, especially in North America. Thus, until 1995 el United Kennel Club (UKC) American did not grant him his recognition. The other reference organization in the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC), did the same in 2000. The Canadian Kennel Club did the same in 2006.

In fact, although it is quite common in its country of origin and is the second most popular hunting dog in that country, its international distribution remains limited. But, is quite successful in Britain, where the Kennel Club registers between 400 and 500 births every year. This is far from the case in France.: with less than ten entries per year in the French Stud Book (LOF), it is clear that he is far from having conquered the hearts of French hunters.

In United States, AKC statistics put it around No. 110 (of 195) in the ranking of the most popular breeds in the country.

Photo: I came across this adorable dog while walking around Dorset. Took a photo and then got really scared of the camera. by Caroline Granycome, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Italian Spinone it's well built, with well-developed muscles and strong bones.

Her body, as high as long, is square in shape and ends in a thick bushy tail. The tail hangs at rest and is horizontal when in action. The legs are solid and end in compact round legs.

The head is egg-shaped, with a curved skull and a muzzle the same length as the skull. The color of the nose varies between the pink of white dogs and the brown of roan dogs.. The eyes are round, big and far apart. They are of a more or less dark ocher color. Triangular shape, the ears are rather long and fall along the cheeks.

The body of the Spinone is entirely covered with a stiff and dense fur, of about 4 to 6 cm long, that protects it when it slides through the undergrowth, but also when thrown into cold water. It is shorter at the top of the head and at the front of the legs. In the face, a dense coat of thick eyebrows and a full beard, typical of the breed, which also protects it from brambles and bushes. Beneath this top layer is the dog's fur, which has the peculiarity of not having undercoat.

The coat can be plain white, white with orange spots, chestnut or brown, or roan with orange spots, chestnut or brown. Tricolor or black-haired dogs are not accepted by the breed standard.

Last, sexual dimorphism is marked: the male is larger and above all significantly more massive than the female.

Size and weight

Male size: Of 60 to 70 cm.
female size: Of 58 to 65 cm.
Male weight: Of 32 to 37 kg
female weight: Of 28 to 30 kg

Generally easier to live with than other pointers, the Spinone Italianos they are affectionate and close to their family, they love to play and spend most of the time with them. Although they are hunters, They are not the kind that jump into the open sea and disappear as soon as potential prey catches their eye: they never stray too far from their master, preferring to always have it in sight.

Your affection, patience and playful character make them an ideal breed for a child. He loves children and is an excellent playmate for those old enough to have learned to behave in the presence of a dog. Less recommended for younger children, as it is large enough to inadvertently push them down. In any case, regardless of race, interactions between a dog and a young child should always take place in the presence of an adult.

The Italian griffon also it is sociable with other dogs Griffon, those who are often willingly adopted as playmates. Small animals, as cats, rabbits and other rodents, have more to worry about and are more likely to be hunted as potential prey. But, they may live with a cat if they have been raised with them, but the latter is likely to still be haunted in the garden from time to time.

As for humans who are unknown to him, the Spinone is generally cozy with them, especially if he's been well socialized from his early months. In fact, used to living with humans for centuries, is more of the type to actively seek their company. Also easily suffers from loneliness: although you can spend a few hours alone at home without difficulty, it is not advisable to leave it all for a weekend. Adopting an extra dog can be a good way to provide companionship to help you avoid loneliness when your family is away..

He is as active in the early years as he is calm and collected afterward.. This can be seen in his hunting style, that is calm and methodical.

Having said that, if you like to rest on the living room rug, this does not mean that you do not need to exercise. So that you feel comfortable and calm when you get home, your daily walks should total at least one hour. Although they are slower than other signaling breeds, they are very resistant and can adapt to many types of terrain. For this reason, if the opportunity arises to take a long walk of several hours, he is delighted. During the latter, does not tend to stray far from his master, so it can be walked without a leash. You can live in an apartment as long as you go out two or three times a day, but its size makes it unsuitable for a small studio.

He prefers a house with a garden where he can frolic and where he will gladly get rid of any unwanted critters. But, it is not convenient for you to live abroad: you need to be in contact with your family and should be able to spend as much time as possible with them.

On the other hand, It is an intelligent breed of dog that likes to be mentally stimulated. Rather stubborn and showing little interest in activities that seem pointless, needs a leader who offers motivating exercises. Obedience exercises, agility or hunting are a great way to get his attention and stimulate him. The rapport is also something instinctive in him, and you will not be asked to carry the ball or bat thrown by your master. He does not hesitate to do the same with the toys scattered around the house when he wants to show him that he wants to have fun.

It is also important to know that your beautiful beard gets wet every time you drink. He tends to pour water all over the house whenever he quenches his thirst, so it may be a good idea to put your bowl outside and not inside the house.

Last, although don't hesitate to bark when you see fit, the Italian Spinone it's not overly vocal.

The Italian Spinone, like all dogs, must be socialized from an early age. It is important that you can meet all the people who are part of your close or distant environment (friends, neighbors, family…). You must also face all kinds of situations (walk through different places, meet other dogs or other animals, travel in different means of transport) not to be scared once an adult.

It shouldn't be long before they start learning to tame, which can be longer and more complicated than for most other breeds.

Given its size once adult, it is also useful to get him used to being handled without flinching from an early age, so that the grooming sessions are a moment of shared pleasure and not torture for both protagonists.

The Italian griffon he's smart and has a strong personality. You need a firm master who knows how to earn your respect, but even if I do, does not like to do tasks that seem trivial. It's a working dog, who likes to be useful and prefers to learn, for example, to recover the game before turning around. In fact, if your master knows how to do it and has all the necessary patience, this dog can do wonders, even in obedience and agility competitions. The trick is to motivate you, above all making him understand the interest of the command.

Not surprisingly, it responds much better to positive reinforcement-based dog training methods than traditional dog training.. Know that the fulfillment of what is asked allows you to receive caresses, encouragement and treats is, in his eyes, a legitimate reason to improve himself and give the best of himself.

The Italian Spinone is generally quite robust. Apart from the health problems common to all large dogs and a serious genetic disease, but fortunately in the process of disappearance thanks to the work of the breeders, the risks are low.

Like this, the conditions to which you are especially exposed are :

• La ataxia cerebelosa, a genetic disease that attacks the cerebellum and is the most critical health problem in this breed. Puppies that have received a carrier gene from both parents die before their first birthday. But, nowadays it is extremely rare, since carrier individuals are eliminated from breeding programs. A breeder of Spinone worthy of the name must be able to show that parents are not carriers, based on test results;
• Hip and elbow dysplasia, joint problems that make movement difficult;
  gastric dilation-torsion, often related to too fast a food intake, which can be fatal without prompt veterinary intervention;
• Entropion and ectropion, eyelid malformations that can be corrected surgically if problematic;
  Hypothyroidism, a hormonal deficiency that causes a slowdown in bodily functions;
• Cancer (bone, liver, base…), which according to a joint study by the British Kennel Club and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association is, with difference, the main cause of mortality in this breed, with a 45% of deaths.

It also, the drooping and hairy ears of the Spinone they get dirty easily. They can become infected quickly if they are not cleaned every week and after each bath.

Despite its lack of undercoat and its Italian origins, it adapts quite well to different climates and is resistant to both heat and cold, but extreme temperatures are hard to bear. A shelter is necessary so that you can be in the shade when the thermometer exceeds 30 °, and doesn't particularly appreciate spending the night outside when it's -10°.

Last, the Italian griffon not very prone to obesity, especially if you have enough opportunity to exercise. But, a responsible handler should regularly make sure that everything is in order by taking the time to weigh your dog.

Life expectancy

Of 12 to 13 years

The maintenance of Italian Spinone is simple, but it requires some discipline, as it can be difficult and time consuming if not done regularly.

The absence of undercoat means that you only lose a small amount of hair. A weekly brushing is enough to remove dirt, remove dead hairs and untangle knots from their fur. The most frequent molt is not necessarily necessary during the fall and spring, since the lack of undercoat makes the shedding not very pronounced. On the other hand, si se «olvida» de una o dos sesiones de aseo, the situation is complicated: debris accumulates and knots form that can no longer be untangled with the brush. Then there is no choice but to undo them manually or even cut them with a chisel. Depending on the state of the coat, this can sometimes take more than an hour.

In any case, rarely need a bath, unless it is especially dirty or smelly after a trip. Except for exceptions, two or three bathrooms a year are more than enough, and a mild dog shampoo should be used each time.

Weekly grooming sessions are also an opportunity to wipe your dog's eyes and brush his teeth.. Neither should you neglect the care of the ears: hanging and furry ears tend to catch dirt, so the risk of infection is high. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth.

It also, beard tends to trap moisture and becomes smelly. Thus, should be towel dried often and cleaned from time to time.

Last, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, wear and tear is usually enough to file the claws of the Italian Spinone, that grow faster than those of most other dogs. If they become too long and may bother or hurt you, must be trimmed with a special nail clipper.

The Italian Spinone it is above all a hunting dog, a mission that has been fulfilling for centuries and in which it stands out. Your ability to point methodically, making game disappear and recover makes them very versatile hunting dogs. This is all the more true since, how your name illustrates, derived from the Italian word for bramble, are able to sneak into the thorniest thickets in search of small game. It is also very resistant.

When not used for hunting, can be used to show off their qualities in various dog sports, like agility or obedience. They are also good watchdogs, but their lack of aggressiveness and the fact that they bark very little disqualifies them as guardians. Having said that, It's impressive enough that most hackers will pass on it..

Last, the Italian griffon He is also a wonderful companion dog., loving and totally devoted to his family. It can be the ideal companion for an active owner who wants to always have his dog by his side when going for a walk or hiking.

The price of a puppy Italian Spinone is of some 800 to 1000 euros in Europe. In Canada and the United States, is usually between 1500 and 1800 $.

In all cases, there is no noticeable price difference between males and females.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Italian Spinone" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Adaptation ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	friendly dog ​​ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	hair loss ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection level ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Need for exercise ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Social need ⓘ 5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Home ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Toilet ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Friendly with strangers ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
barking ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Health ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Territorial ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Cat friendly ⓘ 2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Intelligence ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Versatility ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Child friendly ⓘ 4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Surveillance ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	joy ⓘ 3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Photos:

1 – Solid white Spinone italiano. by Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2 – A brown roan Spinone Italiano by Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 – Spinoni italiani by francesco napoli
4 – Spinoni italiani by francesco napoli
5 – Brown roan spinone italiano. Risky Business Oliver Di La Ros by Timberdoodle Kennels, Ron & Pat Rosinski (User:Rrosinski), CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
6 – This is a Spinone, an italian pointing dog. Coatcolor is white-orange by Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• FCI CLASSIFICATION:
• Group :
• Section : . .

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 7: Pointing Dogs. – Section 1: Continental Pointing Dogs. 1.3: Griffon type ⓘ
• – AKC – Hound ⓘ
• – CKC – Miscellaneous ⓘ
• – ​KC – Hunting dog ⓘ
• – UKC – Gun Dog ⓘ

Italy

13.11.2015

Use:

Pointing Dogs.

General appearance:

Solidly built dog, robust and vigorous with strong bones, músculos bien desarrollados y con pelaje áspero.

PROPORCIONES IMPORTANT:

Construction tends to fit into a square. The length of the body is equal to the height at the withers, with a tolerance of 1 to 2 longest cm. The length of the head is equal to 4/10 the height at the withers, its width, measured at the level of the zygomatic arches, is less than half its length. The loin is a little less than a fifth of the height at the withers.

Naturally sociable, docile and patient, the Spinone is an experienced hunter on all terrains; very resistant to fatigue, se mete fácilmente en el sotobosque espinoso o se arroja al agua fría. Has remarkable provisions for a fast, extended trot; by nature it is an excellent retriever.

Head:

The direction of the upper longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle is divergent.

• Skull: Oval, lateral walls slope gently like a roof with very well developed occipital protuberance and well marked parietal crest. The bulging of the forehead is not very developed, neither towards the front nor in height. Superciliary arches are not too prominent.
• Ston: just checked, while the frontal median sulcus is well pronounced.

facial region:

• Nariz: placed in the prolongation of the nasal bridge, voluminous, fluffy looking with a very thick and clearly rounded top edge. Pink flesh color in white subjects, slightly darker on white and orange subjects, y marrón en los sujetos color hígado ruano. Profile, la nariz sobresale sobre la línea vertical delantera de los labios. The nostrils are large and protruding.
• Hocico: The length is equal to the length of the skull, the depth, measured at mid-length; reaches a third of the length of the muzzle. The profile is straight or slightly convex (roman nose). Side faces are parallel, so that, seen from the front, the muzzle appears square. The lower profile is defined by the upper lip, the lowest point is the corner of the mouth.
• Labios: the upper lips are quite thin and form an open angle under the nose; at the front are rounded, then, covering the lower lips, reach the corner of the mouth where they form a visible crease.
• Jaws / Tooths: Powerful and normally developed, a mitad de la longitud las ramas de la mandíbula inferior están muy levemente curvadas. Well adapted and complete dental arches: scissor or pincer bite.
• Cheeks: Thin.

OJOS: Big and well separated. The eye is almost round; the lids fit very well to the eye that is not protruding or sunken; the eyes are in an almost frontal plane. The iris is an ocher color, más o menos oscuro según el color del pelaje.

OREJAS: practically triangular in shape; its length is not greater than 5 cm a la línea inferior de la garganta; wide extend forward from the point of insertion of the head to the neck to the middle of the zygomatic arch. The leading edge is close to the cheek, not folded, but turned inward; The tip of the ear is slightly rounded. Almost always carried low, the ear must have little erection power. El cartílago es fino. The skin is covered with dense hair mixed with longer, sparse hairs, that get thicker at the edge.

Neck:

Powerful and muscular, clearly separated from the nape, blending harmoniously at the shoulders. The length should not be less than 2/3 of head length; its circumference reaches a third of the height at the withers. The lower edge shows a slightly developed double dewlap.

Body:

Fits almost in a square.

• top line: El perfil superior típico comienza con la cruz ligeramente marcada y continúa con una parte delantera casi recta del dorso, luego se une hacia el lomo con una ligera línea convexa hasta unirse con la región lumbar sólida y bien arqueada.
• Cruz: not too high, the tops of the shoulders wide apart.
• Dorrso: the front is almost straight, then gradually rises towards the loin before leaning towards the hindquarters.
• Lomo: Slightly convex, tiene músculos y un ancho bien desarrollado. The width is almost equal to the length.
• Glikeness: Wide, long, well muscled and oblique, forms below the horizontal an angle of 30 °
a 35 °
que se mide de la oblicuidad del hueso de la cadera.
• Pecho: descends at least to the level of the elbows, width, deep and well rounded at medium height, where its transverse diameter reaches its maximum and decreases significantly towards the sternum, but should not form a keel at the junction with the sternum The ribs are well arched and sloping with a wide space between them. Back ribs (fake ribs) they are long, oblique and wide open.
• Lílower line and belly: almost horizontal in the sternal region, then rises slightly towards the belly.

Tail:

Natural and thick, particularly at the base; no fringes; carried horizontally or down; does not wag a lot during jogging. If amputated for hunting purposes, in accordance with animal health and welfare to avoid injury, la cola debe tener una longitud de 15–25 cm desde la base.

Tips

PREVIOUS MEMBERS:

• Ageneral appearance: seen from the front, are perfectly parallel and perpendicular to the ground. In profile, the forearm is vertical and the pastern is slightly oblique.
• Hshoulder: powerful and long shoulder blade, measures one-quarter the height at the withers and has an obliqueness below the horizontal of approximately 50 °; relative to the median plane of the body, the tips of the shoulder blades are not very close. Perfectly free in its movements, el hombro tiene músculos bien desarrollados; la apertura del ángulo escapulo-humeral es de aproximadamente 105°.
• Brazo: oblique below the horizontal with an inclination of approximately 60 °, directed almost parallel to the median axis of the body. You are well muscled.
• Codo: Parallel to the median plane of the body. La punta del codo debe estar un poco adelante de la línea vertical, that falls from the back point of the shoulder blade to the ground. The distance from the elbow to the ground is equal to 50% the height at the withers.
• Aforearm: Slightly longer than one third of the height at the withers, vertical both from the front and in profile. Strong bone. The rear tendon is strongly accentuated in such a way that the groove between the tendon and the bone is clearly visible.
• Carpo (wrist): follows the vertical line of the forearm. Well prominent pisiform bone.
• Metacarpus: flat and, seen from the front, follows the vertical line of the forearm; in profile, is slightly oblique. Its length is approximately 1/6 from the height of the legs from the ground to the elbow.
• Pinis previous: compact, round; fingers tightly knit and arched, covered with short thick hair, including spaces between fingers. Pads, thin and hard, están más o menos pigmentadas según el color del pelaje. Strong nails, curved towards the ground and well pigmented but never black.

LATER MEMBERS:

• Ageneral appearance: in profile, the rear edge of the thigh is slightly convex; good angulation of bone segments; the hocks should be perpendicular to the ground; seen from behind, hindquarters are parallel.
• Thigh: the length must not be less than one third of the height at the withers; broad, slightly oblique. The rear edge slightly convex.
• PinScheme: length only slightly exceeds thigh; la oblicuidad es de 55–60 °debajo de la horizontal; músculos magros en la parte superior; The groove between the hock tendon and the bone is marked and clearly visible.
• Ahock joint: the lateral sides are very wide. The distance between the point of the hock and the ground is approximately one third of the height at the withers. La apertura del ángulo de la articulación tibio-tarsiana es de aproximadamente 150°.
• Metatarsus: Strong and slim, the length is equal to the distance from the hock to the ground. Watched from anywhere, metatarsal is vertical. On the inner side there may be a simple jointed spur.
• Hind feet: compact, round, but more oval than the previous feet; fingers tightly knit and arched, covered with short thick hair, including spaces between fingers. Pads, thin and hard, están más o menos pigmentadas según el color del manto. Strong nails, curved towards the ground and well pigmented but never black.

Movement:

easy loose step; when hunting a fast extended trot with intermittent canter steps.

Mantle

SKIN:
tight to the body, should be thick and firm. It's thinner on the head, throat and groin, under the arms and on the back of the body; on the elbows it is soft to the touch. La piel sólo forma dos pliegues que comienzan en las ramas de la mandíbula inferior y desaparecen en la primera mitad del cuello (Spada). When the head is carried low, only one fold is noticeable, descending from the outer corner of the eye onto the cheek; at its rear edge this fold ends in a lock of hair. La pigmentación de la piel varía según el color del manto.

Fur: Of a length of 4 to 6 cm on the body, shorter on muzzle, the head, the ears, the front sides of the limbs and feet. On the back of the limbs, hair is like a rough brush, but never with fringes. Los pelos largos y rígidos forman cejas gruesas y en los labios forman bigotes gruesos y también una barba con mechones. El pelo es rígido, rough, dense and fairly flat, with lack of inner layer.

Color: pure white, white with orange markings, mottled white with orange, white with brown markings (chestnuts), orange roan or brown roan (Brown). El tono preferido del marrón es el color del «vestido de fraile». The colors not allowed are: tricolor, brown markings, black in any combination.

Size and weight:

Altura to the cross:

• Males: 60 – 70 cm..
• females: 58-65 cm..

Pthat:

• Males: 32 – 37 kg.
• females: 28-30 kg.

Fouls:

Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria is considered as a fault and the severity of this is considered to the degree of the deviation to the standard and its consequences on the health and well-being of the dog., and the dog's ability to perform its traditional task.

• Thin or curled tail on the back.

FALTAS DISQUALIFYERS:

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog ​​showing clear signs of physical or behavioral abnormalities.
• Converging superior craniofacial axes.
• Total depigmentation of the nose.
• Concave nose bridge.
• Boca prognática – o enognática acentuada.
• Eyes gazeos.
• Black pigmentation of the skin.
• Tricolor mantle, tan or black brands in any combination.

• Males should have two normal-appearing testicles fully descended into the scrotum..
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with the typical conformation of the breed, should be used for parenting.

Source: F.C.I - International Cynological Federation

1. Spinone, Bracco Spinoso, Italian Spinone, Italian Griffon, Italian Wire-haired Pointer, Italian Coarse-haired Pointer (English).
2. Spinone italien (French).
3. Italienischer Griffon, Spinone, Rauhaariger italienischer Vorstehhund, Italian Griffon, italienischer Spinone (German).
4. Spinone (Portuguese).
5. Espinone, Grifón italiano, Italiano de pelo duro (español).