| The Italian Spinone is an ancient gundog breed.
However, it has only recently become a contender
in the international show ring and in field trials.
Opinions vary, even in ltaly, about the dog's origin, as
to whether it is of setter descent-climatic conditions
alone accounting for its thick coat-or a relative of
the coarse-haired Italian Segugio or, indeed,a Griffon
cross. Other authorities believe that this powerful,
versatile hunter originated in the French region of
Bresse, later finding its way to Piedmont in ltaly, and
that its evolution is attributable not only to the French
Griffon, but also to German Pointers, the Porcelaine,
the now extinct Barbet, and the Korthals Griffon.
Or the Spinone may be the result of a mating between
a Coarse-haired Setter and a white mastiff.
Affectionate, agreeable, and of loyal temperament,
the ltalian Spinone has a soft mouth and will both
point and retrieve. It needs plenty of vigorous exercise,
is a fine swimmer, and is best suited to country life. |
