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Italian Spinone
The Italian Spinone, or
Italian Coarse-haired Pointer, is a very versatile breed. It
is one of the oldest of the Griffon family and is renowned for
its exceptionally soft mouth.
History:
The Spinone is a breed
developed as a hunter's companion, and is able to turn its paw
to all of the traditional hunter's tasks. It is considered to
be one of the premier pointers, with a soft mouth for
retrieving and a well developed ability to track. There are
two theories on the development of the Italian Spinone. The
first states that they are descended from the ancient hound
Segugio Italiano, a breed that has been known since the Middle
Ages.
The
second theory gives credence to the idea that the breed was
developed in the Alps of Piedmont. In the second version,
breeds such as the Barbet, Korthals, Griffon, and other
hounds, are said to be the progenitors of the Italian Spinone.
The Spinone does resemble the Segugio Italiano, but is
heavier, and it is equally possible that the breeds mentioned
above were used to create the Spinone as that the Spinone was
developed with the Segugio Italiano as a model.
Physical
characteristics:
Square and solidly built, the
Italian Spinone is a large dog. Height: 24 - 26 in (61 - 66
cm). Weight: 71 - 82 lb (32 - 37 kg). The harsh wiry coat
which identifies the Spinone as a member of the Griffon group
of breeds is thick and lies close to the body. On the head the
coat is longer, forming eyebrows, moustache and beard, and on
the legs it is also slightly longer, to provide protection
from the underbrush.
The
color of the coat can be all white, white with orange, white
with chestnut, or any of these combinations with roan. The
moderately large head with its large spaniel-type ears is
joined to the strong body by a muscular neck. The tail is
docked to approximately one third of its original length, and
this is always carried below the level of the back.
Behavior:
The Italian Spinone is a good
all-purpose dog that loves to be outdoors, chasing and
flushing out game. Although it was originally bred to be a
working dog, the Italian Spinone is capable of becoming a
loyal companion animal. It is wise to properly socialize this
dog with children when it is a puppy. Older children will
appreciate the company of this dog but should still not be
left unattended
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