The Spinone Italiano, also known as the Bracco Spinone (in its country of origin), the Italian Spinone (in Great Britain), the Italian Coarsehaired Pointer, the Italian Pointer, the Italia Wire-Haired Pointing Dog, the Italian Griffon and simply the Spinone, is a versatile dog that was developed to hunt game in the Piedmont region of Italy long ago. It got its name from the phrase Bracco Spinoso, which means “prickly pointer.” Some speculate that the term refers to the thorny brush into which only a Spinone would enter fearlessly during a hunt. Others are certain that the name refers to the “prickly” harsh nature of the Spinone’s coat.
Either way, this dog is known for being one of the most talented of all the hunting dogs with a big, rowdy disposition and well-rounded skills. It is also known for its distinctive shaggy and somewhat rough appearance, with sprouting eyebrows, a beard and a mustache that according to some give it a “comical” look, but according to others a somewhat “grouchy” look. Its eyes, however, have been described as almost humanlike, and impossible to resist. The Spinone Italiano can be funny, friendly and frustratingly stubborn. They are especially vocal with their family and “talk” in a wide range of sounds. The Spinone Italiano was accepted for full registration into the Sporting Group of the American Kennel Club in 2000.
The mature male of this breed should stand 23 to 27 inches at the withers; the adult female should be 22 to 25 inches in height. Weight should be in proportion to size and structure – typically ranging between 60 and 80 pounds. The Spinone Italiano’s dense coat can be white, white with orange patches or white with brown patches and is resistant to both water and extreme temperature variations. Its tail is typically docked and not carried above the horizontal.
The Spinone Italiano is an ancient all-purpose hunting dog from Italy and is one of the oldest of the griffon varieties still in existence. Its exact ancestry is uncertain. Some think that early French hounds, such as Griffons and Barbets, were crossed to create the Spinone Italiano. Others believe that the Spinone was the foundation of those and other breeds and that it dates to the ancient Italian Segugio Italiano and perhaps even to hunting
As puppies, Spinone Italianos are rowdy, rambunctious and full of energy. As adults, they mature into quiet, dignified companions who generally make themselves seen and not heard. They are reserved around strangers, but come to life in the outdoors. Spinones are sturdy hunting companions and make excellent hiking and jogging buddies. They get alone well with children, when raised alongside the little ones and don't mind other family dogs. For families who have experience with
The Spinone Italiano is a large, muscular, squarely built hunting dog with large, floppy ears and a distinctive wiry coat. The long head has an almost unnoticeable stop, a roman-nosed muzzle and pendant ears. The bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard give the Spinone a gruff, almost grumpy appearance, but they protect the face from brush in the hunting field. The soft eyes and sweet demeanor of the Spinone offset his grizzled facial hair. The coat
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Spinone Italiano Pictures and Spinone Italiano images. Get an in depth look at the Spinone Italiano and see the many things that this breed has to offer.