Pros & Cons

Deciding if the Spinone is for you?

The spinone is a very old hunting breed from Italy, and it is still kept primarily for work in it's country of origin. The spinone has adapted very well to a companion dog and thrives on plenty of company, but it is still a hunting dog and for those of you who would wince if he caught a rabbit or picked up someone's free range chicken, think again.

If you are terribly house proud and could not bare the thought of "spit flying", a wet beard trailed across your lap or some dog hair on the carpet, then again this is not the breed for you.

Have you the time to exercise him properly, he will need a good 1-2 hours a day when fully grown.

Remember he is a harsh coated breed that needs a fair amount of grooming and three or four times a year he needs to be hand stripped and if left unattended can grow quite hairy and get matted. Have you got the time to do this?

If he is left for long periods on his own devices, then he may become withdrawn or fret and can then be destructive around the house.

Do you want a dog that follows you around the house and seeks your company to play, or just wants to put a paw on your lap for attention? If not then forget the spinone.

Spinone are fairly easy to obedience train, but can be stubborn at times.

If you are still interested, then this could be the breed for you. Read on:

Spinone ears must be kept clean.

Their dew claws will need trimming.

They must be carefully reared and exercised through puppy hood to protect their fast growing bones.

Still interested?

Then go and visit as many spinoni owners as you can most Spinoni club members will make you welcome at their homes and tell you all that's good and bad about life with spinoni, or visit discover dogs at Crufts or at Earls Court in November, or visit a local dog show.

There is a wealth of information on the breed to be found at www.italianspinone.co.uk including show results, working your dog, pedigrees, critiques, dates of forthcoming events.

If you decide on the spinone you will be rewarded with the most loyal, affectionate and dependant dog you could ever own and I am sure you won't ever want a different breed again.