| Description: The Spinone Italiano is also known as the | | | | with a lot of work from the Italian breeders. This |
| Italian Griffon, this is a rugged dog, which is large with | | | | breed has gone on to become the most popular |
| a long head. When viewed from the side the muzzle | | | | hunting dog in Italy to date. The AKC recognizes this |
| is square and is the same length as the back of the | | | | breed in 2000. Temperament: The Spinone has |
| skull. The nose has large wide nostrils, and is fleshy | | | | hunting dog stamina, and strength, that suits all |
| coloured on the white dog, going darker on the white | | | | terrains. While hunting this dog is a serious dog that |
| and orange dog, it is brown on the brown and roan | | | | will work hard, but when relaxing he is an intelligent, |
| dogs. The teeth meet in a scissor bite. With triangular | | | | happy, playful dog. This dog is enthusiastic, whether |
| ears that hang. The eyes appear to look human. The | | | | he is working or playing. The Spinone Italiano is never |
| height of this breed is 22½-27½ inches. The | | | | a bossy dog. As with all dogs this breed needs to |
| weight is 61-85 pounds. The chest is deep and broad | | | | understand, the owner is the pack leader, offering |
| and extends at least to the dog's elbow. The tail is | | | | good rules and guidance in a gentle manner as this |
| docked, in countries that permit docking, to about | | | | dog wants to be with people and is quiet, generally. |
| half its natural length. The coat is wiry and is very | | | | To avoid the dog being timid socialize them well, as a |
| thick this is close fitting and comes in solid colouring | | | | puppy. Motivational training will work best with this |
| of; White and orange, solid white, orange roan, that | | | | dog. This dog is a great swimmer. It is good with |
| can come with or without orange markings, white | | | | children that are slightly older, and can show |
| with brown markings and brown roan with or without | | | | leadership skills. This is a docile dog that shows |
| brown markings. The coat is 1½ -2½ inches in | | | | affection to humans and dogs, and has an |
| length on the body, whereas the legs, head and | | | | exceptionally patient nature. This is a great dog to |
| muzzle are slightly shorter. A recognized feature of | | | | have if you enjoy jogging, as it moves more slowly |
| this breed is the eyebrows, and these have longer | | | | and methodically than other breeds but will enjoy the |
| stiffened hair, which highlight the feature, along with | | | | exercise. |
| the moustache and beard. This dog's life expectancy | | | | Health issues: The Spinone Italiano can suffer hip |
| is 12 or more years. | | | | dysplasia, bloat can occurr, Cerebellar Ataxia. |
| History: This dog is still fairly rare in America, the | | | | Grooming: A Spinone Italiano will need a small amount |
| Spinone Italiano in its native country of Italy is known | | | | of stripping, to neaten the coat. The coat will need |
| as the all-purpose hunting dog. There is not clear | | | | brushing weekly. |
| evidence of how this dog was created, but it is | | | | Living conditions: The Spinone Italiano is a big dog and |
| believed it is a cross between French Griffons and | | | | there for apartment living may be hard, due to the |
| the White Mastiff along with the Italian Setters. With | | | | size of the dog. This dog needs a medium size |
| a lot of the Italian dogs this is an ancient breed. It | | | | garden and thought needs to go into the fencing, as |
| was nearly lost in World War II but has come back | | | | some can dig under the fence. |