FAQ

About the Spinone breed

What are Spinoni like?

Spinoni (plural of the breed name Spinone) are sweet, gentle, intelligent family companions and hunting dogs. They’re great in any outdoor activity and generally quiet and independent when indoors. They thrive on exercise but are understanding when that’s delayed at times. They shed, have beards and may drool, so they aren’t enjoyed by those who depend on a tidy dog. They can be shy as pups so they must be thoughtfully socialized. When older, they can outsmart owners who've paid no attention to obedience. But when properly handled and appreciated, they are the best! To check the breed standard, see the information on the American Kennel Club website.

Why do you breed Spinoni?

Our foundation bitch, Gracie, was an amazing creature. We were incredibly lucky getting her from Jeff and Sue Rhodes of Osage Kennels. She deserved to be bred and because of the small gene pool, we formed a plan and have stuck with it! Her puppies produced have only confirmed her position with us. It took a lot to spay her, but she had huge litters and it was time. Now it is left to Grace’s excellent and talented great-great-granddaughters.

What makes a well-bred Spinone?

Dogs are well-bred when their parents are special and when they come from genetics which have proven success conforming to the breed standard, warm/cooperative personality and hunting ability, our best key to many of their unique abilities. Individual features like sweet temperament, intelligence and dependable health and hunting ability are an important start, but must be backed up by quality depth and sufficient diversity in the genetics. We take great pains over our stud dog choices, and will offer James for stud services and other males as they mature. OJ and James are available at stud.

About our dogs

When are your litters available?

We have a litter of one-month-olds now, who will be available early July 2023—and may be our last litter. We don’t remember working this hard last time!

Can I pick my puppy?

We try to get to know you well enough that we pick. When pups have little to choose between, we’ll give a choice. But Dana has done such a great job matching everyone, we see less need as time goes by.

Do you sell to non-hunters?

Yes, but we encourage all our families, and particularly those who show their dogs or hope to breed them, to embrace their hunting abilities in whatever format they fancy. Our dogs have done well in hunting, tracking, obedience, rally, etc. The bond these activities create is extra special.

Can the parents be seen or visits arranged?

We love having visitors when prearranged. Our dogs are often at AKC conformation shows or at various hunting events, so check with us. Litters can be visited after four to five weeks, just when we want more socializers here at the house. Stud dogs may come from across country or perhaps overseas, so check on availability.

Do you have older or starter dogs available?

Occasionally. Also consider contacting the Rescue group of the Spinone Club of America by contacting spinonerescue@gmail.com.

How much are your puppies?

Our puppy price is based on the stud fee charged. This will occasionally be modified for a special breeding.

Do you ship?

We haven’t thus far, but several pups have flown in cabin to far flung destinations. Because they can be sensitive when young, we feel there’s too much risk sending them as baggage, which recent news stories have further confirmed.

About health and performance

What health/testing precautions do you do?

All parents will have been tested for hip, elbow, eye, and CA (cerebellar ataxia) disease, the current CHIC recommendations. All bred dogs are extensively exercised and hunted to prove their fitness. DNA is on file. No animal is bred before two years of age to ensure proper maturity. Litter numbers and upper age limits for breeders are controlled. All puppies will have microchips that we place here. We occasionally check cardiac and thyroid. Brucellosis is checked. DNA is tested through the Embark program.

Do you guarantee health?

No. But, we will always do as well as two health professionals can do. And we will always take a dog back—for any reason.

What is cerebellar ataxia?

This is the one dreaded disease of the Spinone. It is a recessive genetic brain disease that causes early death in those affected. A genetic test was developed (Spring 2008) which has allowed us to eliminate the risk for this problem occurring in any puppy. All good breeders will know their breeding stock’s status so we can gradually eliminate the gene. We have tested this year and know our status to be free of this gene. Carriers of the gene are not ill, but should be bred only by knowledgeable breeders.

Do you guarantee your dogs’ performance?

No, but all our house dogs and many of our pups have had very successful hunt and show careers. And because of their multiple conformation evaluations while with us, our evaluation of their temperaments and birdiness while here, we’re very confident about our predictions, but don’t guarantee. All of our house dogs have surpassed our expectations. They have hunted well and all adults but our first, Rocky, who probably comes from a distant Spinone/Bracco Italiano interbreeding, are show champions. He was not part of the breeding program.