Description
A large sports dog breed from Italy, the Spinone Italiano has a medium-length, wiry coat with longer hair that forms eyebrows and a beard. Its overall powerful, square physique makes it ideal for use as an all-terrain hunting dog with outstanding stamina. But this breed also comes across as being quite sociable and devoted to its family thanks to its charming, expressive eyes.
Origin/History
The Spinone Italiano’s precise origin is unknown. However, it is likely that its ancestors have lived in Italy for many centuries. The breed may be a cross between white mastiffs, French griffons, and other dogs, along with coarse-coated Italian setters.
It could function in any climate or setting, including on water. The contemporary Spinone evolved among the thorny vegetation of the Piedmont region of Italy, and its thick, wiry coat protected it from it.
Worldwide, the breed is still rather rare. The American Kennel Club formally recognized the breed in 2000, following the founding of the Spinone Club of America in 1987.
Temperament
Although it can have a stubborn tendency, the Spinone Italiano normally has a loving and social demeanour with its family.
Care
This breed enjoys engaging in daily physical activity with its owners. To keep its wiry coat in good condition, it does require some complex maintenance. And from an early age, it should be socialized and trained.
Exercise
A Spinone Italiano should exercise for at least an hour or two each day. Instead of being left to their own devices, these canines would want to be active with you. Your dog can benefit greatly from walks, jogging, trekking, swimming, and other forms of exercise. Additionally, canine sports like agility and tracking can present both physical and mental obstacles.
Grooming
To get rid of loose fur and dirt, the Spinone Italiano’s coat needs to be brushed at least once each week. There is no need to clip the wiry fur. But to get rid of the dead hair, it needs to be hand-stripped sometimes.
Depending on how dirty your dog gets, aim for once a month for a bath. Likewise, determine if it requires ear cleaning at least once every week. Ensure that its ears are well dried off after baths and swimming. Every month, check to see whether its nails need to be cut, and wash its teeth with dog toothpaste every day.
Training
Although intelligent, this breed might be resistant to following orders. To prevent undesirable habits and develop excellent manners, try to start training your dog when they are still young. Utilize encouraging methods, such as rewards and praise. Additionally, be firm in your orders and don’t tolerate inappropriate behavior.
Moreover, start socializing your dog as a puppy. To increase its comfort and confidence, expose it to unfamiliar people, other dogs, and different environments.
You might need to put more effort into not letting your dog home alone. The breed is prone to separation anxiety since it prefers to remain with its family. It works well in a home where someone spends the most of the day at home. However, if you do struggle with leaving your dog alone, a qualified trainer or behaviorist can offer advice.
Diet and Nutrition
Your dog should always have access to fresh water. And give it a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food, often in the form of two measured meals each day. You might need to try a few different diets before finding one that works for this breed because they are known for being fussy eaters. To ensure you are addressing your dog’s specific nutritional demands, always go over the type of diet and the amount with your veterinarian.
The breed is also susceptible to bloat and potentially fatal stomach twisting. This frequently results from the dog eating too quickly or under stress while doing so. Therefore, make sure your dog is quiet and collected at mealtimes, and think about giving them smaller, more often meals.
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