Spinone Italiano Characteristics: The faithful and stoic Spinone Italiano is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Sporting Dog Group (AKC:2000). The Spinone Italiano, is characterized by its solid, robust appearance with a oval shaped head, square body and confident, affectionate expression. Other characteristics include ochre colored, large, round shaped eyes; triangular shaped, pendulous ears; a thick, low set tail and a relaxed, agile gait. The temperament of the Spinone Italiano can be described as Patient, Loyal, Gentle. The coat type of the Spinone Italiano is described as short, wiry coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Spinone Italiano demonstrated the desired traits of a Gun Dog and is known by its nick name the "Italian Pointer ". The origin of the Spinone Italiano dog breed was in Italy where it was developed in the 1200's. Fast Facts about the Spinone Italiano: The following facts provide fast information about the Spinone Italiano breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group (AKC:2000) *** Nick name: "Italian Pointer " *** Origin: Italy *** Male Height: 23–28in (58–70cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 61 - 85 pounds *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: short, wiry coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Gastric torsion *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Spinone Italiano Breed Group and Dog Type - Sporting Dog Group (AKC:2000): The Spinone Italiano is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Sporting Dog Group (AKC:2000). Other names for the Spinone Italiano: The Spinone Italiano is known by the nickname of the "Italian Pointer ". Other names for this breed of dog include the Italian Pointer, Italian Wire-haired Pointing Dog, Bracco Spinoso, Italian Spinone and Italian Griffon (The word "Griffon" was used to describe several terrier-like breeds that originating in Belgium and France). Origin of the name - "Prunus spinosa": The origin of the name "Spinone Italiano" derives from its place of origin in Italy and the word "Spinone" The name derives from the Latin "Prunus spinosa", which is the name for a kind of dense, prickly thorn bush. The tough skin and coarse coat of the Spinone Italiano made it one of the few dogs that could push through the prickly thorns to reach its quarry. Spinone Italiano History and Origin: The country of origin of the Spinone Italiano breed was in Italy during the 1200's. Its ancestors are undefined and the breed is possibly even older, perhaps dating back to the Roman empire. The Spinone Italiano was used to hunt and point at a variety of small game, many of which ran for cover in the savage, prickly "Prunus spinosa" or blackthorn bushes, such as the black grouse, marmots (squirrels), ermine (stoat) and rabbits. The tough, rough, thick bristly coat of the Spinone Italiano allowed him to penetrate the thorn bushes without hurting himself, but often he would just alert hunters by simply 'pointing' at the quarry. The Spinone Italiano was featured in the 15th century paintings of noted Italian artists such as Titian, Andrea Mantegna and Gianbattista. In 1683, Italian philosopher Jacques Espee de Selincourt detailed a thesis on the Spinone Italiano dog breed in his book 'Le Parfait Chasseur'. The Spinone Italiano was later used as a successful Gun Dog (Bird Dog) and still works with walking hunters. The Spinone Italiano played an important role with the Italian partisans of WW2 (1939- 1945) when they were put to good use tracking enemy soldiers. By the end of WW2 the number of Spinone Italiano dogs fell into a decline but were saved from extinction in the 1950s by a group of Italian breeders who formed a club whose purpose was to preserve and protect the ancient breed. Spinone Italiano Modern History: The modern history of the Spinone Italiano moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and walking companion. The Spinone Italiano was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2000. Spinone Italiano Height: The Spinone Italiano breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 23–28in (58–70cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Spinone Italiano Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 61 - 85 pounds. The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Spinone Italiano Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, wiry coat. The term "Wire" refers to hair that is coarse and that facial furnishings are present. Spinone Italiano Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of White, Orange & White, Orange Roan and Brown Roan. The roan coat of a main color is thickly interspersed with hairs of another color.. Spinone Italiano Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Spinone Italiano are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Spinone Italiano is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Spinone Italiano Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-8 puppies. Spinone Italiano puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Spinone Italiano puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Spinone Italiano Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Faithful, Patient, Loyal, Gentle and Stoic. Spinone Italiano Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Spinone Italiano requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a relaxed, agile, quick gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Spinone Italiano Diet: A fully grown Spinone Italiano should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Spinone Italiano Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Spinone Italiano breed include Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Gastric torsion . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Spinone Italiano dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Spinone Italiano Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Spinone Italiano breed is 12-14 years. Spinone Italiano Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Spinone Italiano breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Spinone Italiano names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Tiziano *** Enzo *** Luciano *** Sergio *** Flavio *** Dario *** Vito *** Carlo *** Mario *** Luigi. Spinone Italiano Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Spinone Italiano names are Elena *** Marta *** Caterina *** Gaia *** Jenna *** Viola *** Marika *** Isabella *** lucrezia *** Lisa. Fast Facts about the Spinone Italiano: The following facts provide fast information about the Spinone Italiano breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dog Group (AKC:2000) *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Italy *** History / Date: 1200's *** Male Spinone Italiano Height: 23–28in (58–70cm) *** Male Spinone Italiano Weight: 61 - 85 pounds *** Coat Type: short, wiry coat *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Spinone Italiano Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Spinone Italiano Lifespan: 12-14 years *** | 