The Spinoni Italiano, also known as the Spinone, Italian Spinone, or Italian Griffon is a large,
rugged dog of distinctive appearance. He has a long head, with hanging ears and eyes described as "human like."
In body he is a substantial, strong boned dog of square build. This deep-chested breed has a top line that slopes
slightly up from below the withers to the muscular hindquarters. Everything about this breed indicates great strength as well as stamina.
Suited for hunting in all climates and on all terrain. Its coat in fact protects it from the water and freezing temperatures of the swamp.
It goes nonchalantly into cold, deep water, being an excellent swimmer and a model retriever.

Although not common in the U.S., this breed has a long history of service to man.
His rather uncertain heritage centers around Europe and it's gun dogs of long ago.
Whether he was the basis for bringing forth other gun breeds,
or whether they simply sprang from common stock is not known.

Like all Italian breeds it is ancient. In Renaissance Italy a pointer with wiry hair was already present
and reached us with much difficulty, due to extraneous cross breeding's performed heedlessly.
After 1950 the breed was reconstructed by a few great breeders.
Its innate merits are its sense of smell, setting, retrieving, recovering, and the close ties it has with the hunter.

The breed has excelled as a pointer and retriever for centuries. Today he is still a popular hunting dog
in other countries, as well as pet. The United States seem to be at last discovering this versatile dog.

The Spinone's grumpy appearance contrasts with its gentle and affectionate disposition.
It has a great capacity for learning and the desire to satisfy its master most completely.
Very sociable, courageous, loyal and an excellent companion.
Today the breed is popular not only in Italy but is also raised in England and Scandinavia.
The Spinone has a marked tendency to trot broadly and swiftly.

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