Breed Profile: Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is easy going, affectionate and a versatile hunter.  Spinone Italiano means Italian Griffon.

Photo by  Caroline Granycome

Believed to have originated in the Italy's Piedmonte district where the terrain is rough, the sturdy Spinone was used to point, set and retrieve water fowl, upland fowl and small furry animals.  Fifteenth century Italian artwork features dogs that look very much like Spinoni.

Photo by I, Johami

Spinone Manifesto


-  I am not a hyper pointer, don't hog the couch.

-  my beard disguises loose jowls.  There will be slobber.

-  if you want a watch dog, get an Akita.

Photo by Alephalpha

Some Spinone Italiano Facts

-  weight:  male 75-86 #, female 64-75#

-   height:  male 24-28", female 23-26"

-  lifespan:  12-14 years

-  single wiry coat.  Colors:  white, brown roan, orange and white, orange roan

Photo by Brad Patrick

Some say the Spinone is such a natural hunter that he doesn't need training.  That is probably hyperbole.  Still, he is an able hunter who does not limit himself to just pointing, setting or retrieving.  He does it all.

He is also a family dog and would be unhappy living outside in a kennel.  The Spinone gets along with other dogs and is patient with children.  His webbed feet make him a good swimmer.

Photo by Alephalpha

Spinone are loyal and docile.  However, they are intelligent enough to learn quickly and are therefore not keen on repetition or drilling.

They are friendly and amiable to strangers.  Though Spinone are an active breed, their exercise needs can be met by a daily walk and a romp session.

What is It?

This was caught by the trail cam.

Is this some sort of mutant or what?   Let me know what you think!

PETA disapproves of Pets

PETA is back to help us use proper words when it comes to those animals that share our lives.  You see, the word "pet" is "harmful".   "Companion Animal" is OK.  It's vague enough not to be considered "Speciesist Language" evidently.

According to a February 5th announcement from PETA, addressing animals as "it" is also harmful.  We should use terms such as he, she or "dog guardian".  (One would think the word "dog" is specieist but using logic will get us nowhere here.)  PETA is concerned that we mustn't get the feeling that an animal is a human owned object.  

Wrong PETA.  Call me anything, just call me in time for dinner.

What is this obsession with pronouns?

Here's a brain teaser.  I'm a biological male with no testicles.  What is my pronoun?

I'm a feral cat but I just have to weigh in on this.  Wake up, PETA.  No animal gives a hoot what you call it.

Dear PETA,
You know how sometimes your dog tilts his head when you talk to him?  News flash. He is not trying to ferret out harmful words.

OK PETA, you want to help me out?  The next time you run a chicken truck off the road, deliver the birds to me.

PETA, it is you who are an object.  A tool.  I own you.  Me and my bretheren live in your heads.  Now, serve up some pate'.

I may look mild mannered, but if PETA came to my house and hassled my people about their vocabulary, I would use my teeth on them.  Ya know?

Just tell me, how would my quality of life improve if I became a "dog guardian"?

Read the PETA crap here 

By the way, you bossy boots wack jobs, sometimes Lynn calls me a Pomeranian Freak.  Is that harmful too?  Like xenophobic or something?  Hey, PETA!  Bite me.