Description:

The Spinone Italiano is a gentle, loving, and courageous breed that’s always aims to please, and get along great with other pets and people. A popular breed within Italy (as its name would suggest).

History Of The Spinone Italiano:

Its believed that the Spinone Italiano was one of the earliest breeds to function as a pointing dog. Early evidence indicates wire-haired dogs date back to 500 B.C. Italian artwork depicts dogs with a close resemblance to the Spinone Italiano dating back to the fifteenth century.

Even so, the precise origins of the Spinone Italiano aren’t known to the date. In one corner, studies indicate the Spinone Italiano come from a Celtic wire-haired stock, while other believe these dogs first appeared in Greece at the time of the Roman Empire.

Its unfortunate, that sufficient evidence isn't available to pinpoint the true bloodline and its on-going development. Although, for today's Spinone Italiano it can be tracked to the Piedmont area of Italy.

Spinone Italiano’s soon established themselves as a keen hunting breed with a knack of tracking through thick brush to retrieve small game. In WWII, this breed was put to work to track German foot patrols.

It's numbers declined somewhat at the end of World War II, and to almost become instinct by the 1950's. It was at the time that enthusiastic breeder got to work to revive the Spinone Italiano - which result in success as this breed is now one of the most popular in Italy. The breed was later recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2000.

Spinone Italiano Temperament:

The Spinone Italiano is in need of a vigorous exercise routine to keep up with its sporting nature. Exercise can consist of one or two long walks on a leash or if an open field is available than that would be ideal. Spinone Italiano's are a highly affectionate breed that prefers to live inside with it family, although it live outside if need be.

Health Information:

Health concerns seen with a Spinone Italiano include CHD, Ectropion, otitis externa, gastric torsion, and cerebellar ataxia, with elbow dysplasia and allergies seen rarely. Vets recommend that checks are done for potential eye and hip problems.

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