Overview
The Spinone is one of the oldest of the European pointing breeds, developed to work rough Italian scrub at a steady trot rather than a gallop. The dense wire coat and the heavy eyebrows and beard protect it from thorns, and the loose skin and droopy expression hide a dog that is far more capable than it looks.
In temperament it is the gentle giant of the gundog world. Spinoni are patient, affectionate and slow to anger, and they get on with almost everyone. The trade-offs are drool, a wet beard that goes straight onto your trousers, and a stubborn streak when they decide the pace.
Exercise and walking needs
An adult Spinone wants around an hour and a half a day, but it wants it at a trot, not a sprint. Long rambles over fields and through woodland are ideal, with plenty of time to use that nose. They are not built for fast ball games and most are not interested anyway.
They mature slowly, so keep young dogs on gentle, shorter outings and avoid pounding on hard surfaces until the owner is happy with the joints. Older Spinoni stay keen but stiffen up, so watch how the dog moves at the end rather than the start.
On the walk
- Recall: Reasonable for a hunting breed, helped by a strong wish to stay in touch with its person. Scent will slow it down but rarely takes it far. A whistle recall works well once established.
- Pace: This is a dog that trots and stops, trots and stops. It suits a long relaxed walk and frustrates anyone trying to cover ground quickly.
- Water: Spinoni love swimming and will wade into anything. The coat holds a surprising amount of water, so a big towel is essential.
- Other dogs: Friendly and tolerant with other dogs of all sizes. They make good steady companions on a mixed group walk.
- Drool and beard: The beard soaks up water and drool and then gets shaken over everyone. Keep a cloth for the face and protect the van seats.
Tips for professional walkers
- Plan a route with variety rather than distance; a Spinone would rather investigate a hedgerow than march along a path.
- Dry the ears and beard after wet walks and check the pendulous ears for grit.
- Let the dog set a trotting pace on the lead instead of fighting for a brisk walk.
- Look between the pads for thorns and grass seeds; the feathered feet hide them well.
What to ask the owner
- Any hip or elbow concerns, and is the dog cleared for longer walks and swimming?
- Does the dog have a whistle or voice recall you should use, and how reliable is it around game scent?
- How much drool and mess is normal for this dog, and is there anything you should wipe down after a walk?