The Spinone Italiano is a muscular and robust dog. Energetic and lively, it is undoubtedly a hardworking hunting dog. Naturally sociable, obedient, and patient, the Spinone is capable of enduring hardships and is an experienced hunting dog in any terrain. Its hard coat can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The Spinone’s dense, wiry coat and thick skin allow it to navigate through brush and endure cold rain; dogs lacking this natural ‘armor’ will suffer severe consequences. Another distinctive feature is its long stride and fast gait. Therefore, the Spinone is inherently an exceptional retriever.
It is one of the oldest dog breeds in Italy and is a versatile hunting dog. The Spinone is a hybrid of the Italian Setter and either the White Mastiff or the French Griffon, with the most notable characteristic being its similarity to its ancestors.
It has been an excellent hunting dog for centuries, but it began to decline with the advent of the 20th century, and World War II further exacerbated this decline, leading to near extinction by 1950. However, in the 1950s, a group of hunters began focusing on restoring the breed, and their efforts proved fruitful, as today, the Spinone is very popular in much of Europe