I love unusual-looking dogs. Some of my favorites are the Basenji, an African hunting dog that doesn’t bark; the Shar Pei, which looks like its skin is three times too big for its body and the Chinese crested, a little guy with no hair except for a tuft on the top of its head.
But when I met Enzo, a Spinone Italiano, with his powerful build and wiry beard, he became my favorite unusual dog breed.
Petra Miles says of her Spinone, Charlie, “Everyone that comes into contact with him for the first time always asks, ‘What breed is he?’ He’s a real head-turner and he definitely basks in the attention he receives.”
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “The Spinone Italiano is Italy’s all-purpose hunting dog.” The dog is said to be “a pointer of the old-school variety; a rather slow-footed dog believed to be a cross of coarse-haired Italian setters bred with dogs left by Greek traders, in addition to crosses with the white Mastiff and perhaps French Griffons.”
Miles loves to play fetch with Charlie but also has to keep an eye on his love of chasing small creatures. “He thinks he’ll catch a bird one day,” says Miles. “In fact, he’s obsessed with birds. He actually likes to stand up on trees with both paws like he’s going to scale it.”
Their activity level is considered low to medium. The AKC says, “The Spinone Italiano is not a racy type dog, moving more slowly and methodically than many other gun dog breeds. He can do well with a small yard combined with daily walks and play. Being a natural born hunter, the Spinone loves a good swim and the occasional romp in a field.”
I love this breed’s trademark traits. The Spinone is affectionate, outgoing, messy, cooperative and a gentle giant. Spinones make wonderful family pets. Whatever the family is doing, this breed will want to be involved. They love children and have a very mellow, gentle way with other pets. Sara Fizer says that her Spinone, Carmela, “is the happiest girl on the face of the earth. She can seem insecure if you don’t know her, but she just loves her family more than anything.”
Margaret Chancelor says she loves everything about her pup, Gunnar, even his messiness. She says that Gunnar eats like a horse and will drink water by the gallons. “In fact, when he drinks water his beard is sopping wet,” she says. “If you have a Spinone, you know what I am talking about because you have to have a towel for their face handy at all times.”
Miles agrees about the messiness factor. “Charlie’s worst trick is the drool toss,” she says. “He’s a wet beard, drooly kind of guy. One good shake of the head and it invariably hits his dad in the forehead.”
But Chancelor says there is nothing better than Gunnar’s hugs. “He stands up on his hind legs and hugs you around the shoulders – works well because he’s huge,” she says, adding, “Oh, and we call him the bread thief. He can steal a loaf of bread off the kitchen countertop and eat it in 10 seconds or less.”
All in all, the Spinone Italiano is an amazing, loving and funny dog that is full of energy when needed, but content to just hang out. Beautiful and smart, it’ll keep one entertained and on their toes.
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.