Italian Spinone
Group: Gundog
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
They are a large, rugged looking dog with a thick, wiry coat which is essentially white but can have shades of cream, orange and roan in it. The head is long and has a moustached look and the back has a slight dip.
They are sometimes known as the Italian Pointer and have a long history of being a popular dog for taking hunting. Images of them go back as far as the Renaissance. They are an intelligent, tolerant, happy and easy-going breed that takes instruction well and is normally very quiet, although might occasionally howl. They have good scenting ability and a very soft mouth. They get along very well with all people, children especially, and all animals. They enjoy a long walk and have tremendous stamina but are not a "racy" sort of dog. Their coat protects them from all weather conditions and many love to swim.
As with most wire-haired dogs, regular brushing and occasional stripping are needed. They are generally a healthy dog but cases of hip dysplasia and bloat have been known. There is one hereditary disease worth checking for which is an abnormality in movement caused by a problem in the brain.