Spinone Italiano

Spinone Italiano is a friendly and open dog with an easy and pleasant disposition. The pet is very kind and sociable, and requires constant human attention. Very loyal to the owner and his family members. To strangers is quiet, even friendly.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The breed is considered one of the oldest in the Mediterranean. The origin of the Spinone Italiano is not known. According to one version, the dog’s ancestor is the Segugio hound, according to another – the hard-haired hounds of northern Italy. The first mention of the Spinone can be found in a 16th-century fresco in the Ducal Palace in Mantua.

Hunters valued the dog for its courage and endurance, but its slowness was a great disadvantage. So they were gradually abandoned for hunting in favor of the faster British Setters and Spaniels. It put the breed on the verge of extinction. The Spinone Italiano owes its revival to Dr. Cresoli who also compiled the first standard for the breed in 1955. The modern standard appeared only at the end of the 20th century in 1992.

Appearance

The Spinone Italiano is a rather large dog with a square body and a broad chest. The back is straight, and the loin is convex. On the powerful muscular neck sits a large, heavy head. There is a characteristic sharp transition from forehead to muzzle, which grows bushy eyebrows, beard, and whiskers. The dog’s eyes are large, ochre-colored. The ears are long, floppy, triangular.

The limbs are muscular with round paws. The tail is thick at the base, hanging down, usually trimmed to a length of 15-25 cm. The coat is long, stiff, and thick, without an undercoat. The color is either white or white with orange or brown spots.

Character

Spinone Italiano is a friendly and open dog with an easy and pleasant disposition. The pet is very kind and sociable, and requires constant human attention. Very loyal to the owner and his family members. To strangers is quiet, even friendly.

It is a sensitive and gentle dog who is great with children, loves to play with them. It treats its congeners and other animals well. Spinone is an active and energetic pet. The hunt is distinguished by courage, diligence, and persistence, sometimes a little slow.

Care

The Spinone Italiano is a large and active dog that needs constant walks in the fresh air. Requires a minimum of an hour of physical activity daily. Therefore, the best option for keeping will be a country house with a plot, but a large apartment in the city will also do.

In the care of the coat unpretentious. It is enough to comb it once a week with a brush. When molting, which happens twice a year, the procedure should be repeated daily. Also, inspect the pet’s ears once a week and brush if necessary. The eyes should be inspected every day, and any discharge on them should be removed.

Training

Spinone Italiano is excellent both physically and mentally. Also, the dog is obedient and loyal, which will only benefit in training. The dog is inquisitive by nature but can sometimes be stubborn. It is characteristic of freedom-loving hunting breeds. In this case, you should try to interest the dog. The best approach is praise and treats.

Categorically it is not recommended to yell or use force towards the dog. It can traumatize Spinone’s psyche and make him fearful.

The pet likes to move and walk a lot; daily training does not frighten him. On the hunt works thoroughly and diligently. With proper training and early socialization, there should be no problems with the dog.

Common Diseases

The Spinone Italiano is a dog with good health. But there is a propensity for such diseases:

• hip dysplasia;
• cerebellar ataxia (dementia);
• allergies;
• eye and ear infections.

Cerebral ataxia is rare, and such pups do not live more than a year. To avoid infections, you should regularly inspect and clean your pet’s eyes and ears. Your dog’s teeth need the same care. Brush them with a toothpaste brush or special pads like dental.

Nutrition

Spinone Italiano nutrition must be handled responsibly. Large by nature puppies should never be overfed. Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, which can cause dysplasia. It is best to turn to ready-made food for large breeds. They contain vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and a minimum amount of fat.

A natural diet should include rice, vegetables, meat, and vitamin supplements in the four-legged dog’s diet. Dogs of this breed are prone to allergic reactions. If this is the case, consult a veterinarian when choosing foods.