THE ITALIAN SPINONE

  Don't be fooled by the angelic expression of the spinone! in their native Italy they are highly prized working gundogs.The largest of the HPRs possessing a harsh wirey coat which needs regular maintenance by hand stripping away the dead coat.Relatively easy to train,but they don't like repetition,variety in training appeals to the spinone.They have excellent noses which often gets them into trouble! worked at a pounding trot they can cover huge areas of ground,soft mouthed,with practice,they can be reliable retrievers.
  As a family dog they come into their own........they have a natural affinity with children,being gentle with the younger members of the household,but have enough ummph to rough and tumble with teenagers! Despondent if deprived of human contact,they don't kennel particularly well.........the most important thing for a spinone is to be with YOU.........whether you are working,hill walking or just pottering in the garden.
  They are not a dog for everyone,being large(males 27 inches to the shoulder)and untidy and I would suggest that if you are interested in taking on a spinone that you visit shows, and spinone in their own homes first and view the spinone website......www.italianspinone.co.uk..........which is a mine of information and is regularly updated.