The Italian Spinone is an ancient Griffon breed. Paintings showing a similar dog dating back into the 16th Century.

The Spinone is a friendly, docile dog of solid powerful build. A tireless hunter the harsh coat protects them from brambles and the chill of cold water. The Spinone is a close to moderate working dog with an extended ground covering trot. An excellent retriever the Spinone is capable of carrying geese and heavy game.

The skull is oval with a noticeable occipital protuberance, lean cheeks and muzzle and skull are not quite parallel. There is little stop and the eye ridges are not prominent. A furrow extends from between the eyes back up the skull. The muzzle is powerful and the lip formation gives a square appearance to the muzzle. The nose is large and extends beyond the muzzle. The rough coat forms eyebrows, moustache and beard.

The fairly long ears are set and carried low, eye colour is golden brown blending with coat colour, the eye shape is round.

Body shape is square; the back is straight with a powerful arching loin to a long sloping rump.

Chest is broad and deep, the brisket extends well back to a slight tuck up of the flank.

Coat is 4-6cm long, stiff, dense and flat. No undercoat. Shorter on the muzzle, head and ears and front of the legs.

Colour: white, white and orange, white speckled with orange. White and brown (chestnut), roan (mix of brown& white hair), roan and brown patched.

Size: dogs 60-70cm
Bitches 58-65cm

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