Spinone?

[Jon Hass]

Mr. Bill Autrey will also tell you that it took him forever to teach the dog to run a blind (a couple years), and the only reason he spent so much time with it was because it was his daughters. He also says he wouldn't do it again. I have trained one to be a gun dog. Almost no prey drive and it takes three times longer to teach than a Lab or Chessie. Cool lookin dogs and as lovable as can be, but if you wanna play the game I would look into other breeds.

[labster]

I think they are neat dogs. Was interested in one at one time. Here is my conclusion at one time years ago these were likely fine dogs. After years of breedings for conformation only people have bred the hunt out of most of them. I dont doubt there are some pure bloodlines out there still but it may take alot of research to find them. Good luck I hope you find one that suits your needs they are a beutiful dog iMHO.

[Paul "Happy" Gilmore]

I've trained a couple. They are friendly, sweet dogs, big, slow and close working. If you decide to get one, check out the parents and background. The two I worked with had prey drive close to zero, and couldn't find a bird in their feed pan. Doesn't mean they're all like that, but I would choose very carefully.

The two I've watched being trained and got their JH in the last 18months. One was a direct European import. The other two had some pretty severe fear issues with stangers. Not aggressive but, very fearful. Could be the two different owners are alike? I've been told by a breeder that allergy and skin issues are also fairly common.

X2 on the low prey drive but, chosing carefully would be the best advice. One that was imported was the most expensive. Probably one of the worst fearful behavior and lack of bird interest I've ever seen. She warmed up to me after a few weeks. But, never was right. Supposedly from the "best" breeder in Italy.

[cscasper]

Thank you for all the advice. I think that I may take mountiandogs advice on the Griffon.

[awclark]

Depends on what a plodding bird dog's doing - my spin'd leave a spume in your "bird dog"'s face at getting a duck or goose



Spinoni are far and away the best water dogs of the so-called "continental" breeds allowed into AKC retriever tests last year. If trained, of course - and like all gundogs ('ceptin' the "bird dogs" that only point for their ribbons and don't have to retrieve a'tall) they need to be trained for the task. Are we clear, aw?

MG

I am delighted that you have a wonderful dog that does what you want. When I refer to bird dogs, I am speaking of the pointing breeds. When I want a water dog I have a retriever. Many of the versatile dogs will do both, and if that is what you want, there are many breeds that will suit just fine. I just happen to personally prefer specialists over generalists, but that is just my opinion.

[spinmom]

Actually they as well as gwp( plus gsp and as of latest AKC votes) can now enter Hunt tests. I own two Spinones and have been training for JH with my youngest. I have a friend in FLA who has qualified and received JH on his dog. He is a hunter, I am a wannabe.

[spinmom]

Sweetbriar have bred for hunt. I will say that some are bred for confirmation(which does include best form for doing the field work) but have not been tested. Some breeders will only sell to hunt homes, and require NAVHDA testing. I have 2 one has his JH and the Other Prized in Natural ability. I am training him now for Retreiver JH as he likes ducks an water much better than upland. with tier thick coats they are very good cold weather/water dogs. He did a 40+ minute duck search last summer to catch a very live, canny diving duck. No problem with prey drive ther

[spinmom]

This is true. Their whole original purpose was to put food on the table, and be a family member. It is not written in the standard as low octane but my two quartered naturally in the field. One is a closer worker than the other, but the big running dog still checks back with me. When he gets in the water for a retrieve he is single minded though. THe duck is the object. His problem is me right now. They ARE soft dogs and do not respond well to heavy handed e collar. He has not been force fetched and it may be necessary as he likes to show off his retrieve before delivering. Soft mouth though so no chomping! Just posturing!

[spinmom]

Griffs are a tad smaller but still a worthy wirey guy. It is possible that they may have less health issues at this time but with limited gene pools( like all the pure breds) there is the potential of issues. I have a friend that is only doing conformation and obedience and tracking with her Griff. They are interested in Hunt training but have not tested or hunted.

[spinmom]

They do need socialization and are not a good left outside kennel dog. They are foremost a hunter/companion/family member for their master. Interaction in very important. If you want a kennel dog, they are not what you want. They also are not mindless retrievers. If they see no sense in something, or are handled to heavily they will shut down. They also are almost tireless. They persevere until they succeed. Remember the Italian lifestyle. They follow their human's example. They are also clowns and for this reason do not make the best field trial dogs. If you want quail, grouse, chukar, pheasant, ducks, goose or partridge to fill your freezer the will deliver. according the the Italians, they will also babysit and protect your children!