Group 7 · Pointing dogs
Italian Spinone
The Italian Spinone is a large, rough-coated Italian pointing dog with a beard and a soft, almost human expression. It is calm, patient and friendly, and hunts at an unhurried pace.
Health
There is no breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders) for this breed (yet). Without an approved breeding programme, no Flemish pedigree can be issued, but a lineage certificate can. Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen strongly recommends carrying out the health tests on the parent dogs.
View the official breeding programmes
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
There is no breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen for this breed (yet). Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen strongly recommends carrying out the health tests on the parent dogs. Ask the breeder which health tests the parent dogs have had, and ask for the results. As a pointing dog, the Italian Spinone needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally with work for its nose: search games, retrieving or gundog training. Its coat is easy to look after with a weekly brush; check its ears and paws after walks in the fields.
Questions for the breeder
- Which health tests have the parent dogs had, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a pedigree or a lineage certificate, and from which association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This gundog is sensitive and very focused on its owner, and responds best to kind, patient training. Without enough to do it gets bored. Its hunting instinct calls for good recall training.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
