The Gordon Setter has been touted as having “beauty, brains and birdsense”. Indeed, this confident hunting dog has it all! He is a great athletic companion – comfortable at home or out in the field. He is exceedingly loyal to his family, although more reserved with strangers. He is also very intelligent – almost human-like at times. Finally, he has a lot of energy crammed into a beautiful package and simply needs an outlet to expend it! Of the four setter breeds, the Gordon is the largest and most muscular.

Gordons are a very adaptable breed and can do well in many different situations… provided their basic needs are met, including being given affection. One of those needs is access to a large fenced yard in which to run and play. A backyard is ideal, so apartment-dwellers may have a harder time providing this. Because of their hunting instincts, Gordon Setters tend to roam – hence the important of a fence. The breed also needs to be walked daily, in addition to their yard time. They are very active and require a lot of exercise, although generally easygoing in the house. One situation that Gordons don’t tend to adapt well to… being a kennel dog. These dogs thrive on being with their owners and will deteriorate if kept separated from people all of the time (they may also become destructive).

The Gordon Setter is sweet and affectionate to his family and tends to “talk” quite a bit at home. The breed has a wide range of vocal noises that they will use to communicate everything from “I want something” to “I’m happy”. In addition to the mumbling and talking – they do also bark like “regular dogs”. Some do this on a regular basis, particularly if they are bored. The breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety and may bark and howl if left alone for long periods of time (so make sure they are getting enough attention and exercise). On the up-side, because they are so vocal they make excellent watch dogs!

Gordon Setters are usually very gentle with children, particularly when they are introduced to them from the time they are puppies. Aggression toward children is very rare, and in fact they tolerate harsh treatment better than many breeds. This does NOT mean they should be matched up with rowdy kids! It means that an owner must supervise dog-kid time to make sure the dog is treated fairly. Gordons also tend to be protective of young children and will do their best to keep them safe. While some Gordon Setters get along ok with other dogs, others can exhibit aggressiveness. Most Gordons do better with dogs that they were raised with and already know, versus a strange dog. Cats can also go either way – some Gordon Setters are fine with cats while others are unsafe around them (usually those members with extra high prey drives).

As with most of the longer-haired breeds, Gordons do require regular grooming upkeep. Their thick, yet silky coat needs to be brushed once or twice a week to prevent mats from forming. They may also require a bit of scissoring and clipping to get them to look like the dogs in the show rings! Nails and ears must be regularly checked and kept up with as well. Keep in mind that this breed does shed quite a lot!

Gordons respond very well to training and their intelligence is rarely questioned. They can, however, be sensitive and need to be trained without harsh methods. Don’t mistake firmness for harshness – the two are very different! Wishy-washy training with no rules or consequences will often lead to a dog that exhibits dominant behaviors and stubbornness. Of all of the setters, Gordons are known for being more independent and more prone to dominance. Therefore, being firm, yet fair is a good rule of thumb. Since Gordon Setters love to play, making training into a game can be a great way to introduce new commands and keep old commands exciting and fun!

Gordon Setters take a little longer to mature than some other breeds and often retain puppy characteristics for quite a while. This also means that they are extra active when young and it may take several years before they are fully calm in the house. The good news is that when the dog matures, he will become serene and composed in the house (as long as he is given enough exercise – remember that this is a gun dog bred for hunting all day!).

Photo By Hans-Jörg Hellwig

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunting dog with origins back to the late 1800’s. Besides making great gun dogs, they also excel as affectionate house companions and enjoy being close to their families. They’ve been used as drug detection dogs, therapy dogs, and compete in all manner of dog performance events successfully. They have a huge desire to please their owners, and their intelligence and athletic ability makes them well-suited to almost any task.

While they make fantastic obedience dogs, German Wirehairs have been known to “get creative” with commands when bored. They have a slight independent streak and prefer tasks where they can use their brains. They also need to have a bond with the person they are training with or they may refuse outright to work. If being trained by someone other than the owner, the trainer needs to make sure to establish trust and respect before anything else. There is a slight sensitive nature to the breed that needs to be recognized while training. Keeping these factors in mind, the GWP is generally easy to train.

These dogs are very active and also possess a high drive for work. This means that they must have a job to keep them busy (mentally as well as physically). Although this description may make them sound quite serious, they actually have a playful side as well. A German Wirehair with the proper temperament should be fun-loving. Their high activity level, however, makes them ill-suited apartment dogs. When not given enough of an outlet for their energy, they can become very destructive.

German Wirehairs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. In fact, many dislike even being in a different room than their owner! This need for closeness means that they are more likely to develop separation anxiety, but on the flip side – it also means that are very loyal and will bond very strongly. When owned by a single person, the breed will attach themselves to that person through thick and thin. When owned by a family, they will bond with everyone but will usually choose one person as their “favorite”. This person might be an adult or a child (they get along very well with children provided that they were introduced properly when young). With strangers, the breed is more reserved.

Some German Wirehaired Pointers get along fine with cats if they were socialized to them as puppies, but many do not. Their high prey drive can make them dangerous to cats and other small animals. Even if not trying to hurt a small animal, they can be mouthy and may accidentally cause harm. When it comes to other dogs, some members of the breed have aggression issues – particularly same sex aggression. Once again, early socialization can help with this potential problem.

The GWP is very healthy, hardy and long-lived. It is not uncommon for them to reach the age of 14-16 years old! Fairly easy to care for, they require only minimal grooming even when taken outside to hunt and roughhouse on a regular basis. Their wiry coat sheds very little in the house. Provided they are given what they need to thrive (mainly exercise and attention), there are only  a couple of common issues. Some owners have a hard time housebreaking German Wirehair puppies and find that it may take a little longer than with other breeds. A bit of patience is often required, as well as keeping the puppy on a regular housebreaking routine. Escaping the yard is another common issue with the breed – they need a secure 6 foot fence that is climb-proof and dig-proof.

German Wirehair Pointers make great watchdogs and will bark to alert the household of approaching strangers. If he needs to, he will also defend the house. Some members of the breed can be overly protective of their owners and need to be taught that not all strangers are a looming threat. Occasionally, people make the mistake of intentionally not socializing their dog, in hopes that “he will be a better guard dog”. This is a misguided thought process and will only result in an unbalanced dog with fear and/or aggression issues.

Photo By SheltieBoy

The Weimaraner has been referred to as the “gray ghost” because of his unusual color. He is always gray, although the color could be a light silver ranging to a slightly darker “mouse-gray”. The light eyes are a particularly striking feature of this handsome hunting breed. Living with a Weim has sometimes been referred to as living with a two-year old – the breed is very active, playful and loves to show off. It is for this reason that prospective owners should really examine their lifestyle to make sure this breed will be compatible with them before buying a puppy. He is not a dog to be kept outside, nor is he suited in any way to apartment-living.

Weimaraners are large, strong dogs that require a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. As a dog that was bred to be out in the fields all day, they have a lot of stamina and usually don’t wear out before their owners do. As such, some exercise regimes work out better than others. A simple walk won’t cut it for a Weim… but a long jog alongside a bike, or a hike in the woods followed by a swim… these pursuits are more suitable for this breed. This high-intensity exercise needs to be every day! Furthermore, just having a large yard will not be enough – A Weimaraner isn’t going to run around the property and wear himself out, he often needs (and wants) to exercise with his human. This is not a dog for couch potato owners! The breed does tend to take a while to mature so owners often see puppy-like behavior for longer periods of time. Also keep in mind… the younger the Weim, the more energy he has!

The Weimaraner loves people beyond anything else, including children (although he can accidentally knock small kids over). He will follow his owner around the house and sometimes try to join in whatever activity is being engaged in. If you’re in bed, he would prefer to be as well! If you’re in the bathroom, or in the garage, or…. you get the picture. The Weim wants to be as close to you as absolutely possible, at all given times. As such, separation anxiety can be a problem for many (this is also one of the top reasons they end up in rescue). This clinginess combined with their energy level means that they are not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Weimaraners are intelligent, albeit also goofy. Although they can be extremely obedient dogs – obedience needs to be taught. They are not just “naturally trained” by any means. If the training is done consistently, the Weim is a fast learner and often at the “top of the class”! He has a great memory, a fantastic desire to learn, and lots of drive. His boundless energy can be channeled into all number of cool tricks and commands. For owners with a competitive edge, this versatile breed is also an excellent competitor in almost every single dog sport.

If, however, the owner decides not to put any work into training… the Weim will use his natural intelligence for evil rather than good! He can be creatively destructive and cause a lot of frustration. He has been known to chew up everything in his wake, bark and howl for hours on end, and even plow through plate-glass windows! With a halfway dominant nature, he may try to take over the household completely. Willful, stubborn, pushy and smart can be a difficult combination of features to have. There is a huge difference (more so than other breeds) between a trained and untrained Weimaraner!

Although great with people, not all Weims are good with small animals. Some have too high of a prey drive to live safely with cats, and the situation can be downright dangerous at worse. Weims do, however, normally get along fine with other dogs although toy dogs may cause the same prey drive issue. A note about their high prey drive – these dogs may also try to chase down cars and bicyclists. Don’t let them!

Most Weimaraners make good watchdogs, and some are naturally protective under the “right” circumstances. Although friendly for the most part, Weims can tend to be more reserved around strangers until they’ve decided if the person is friend or foe. For the most part, however, they usually tend more toward watchdog duties than anything (alerting). Besides being large dogs, they also have very loud barks that is usually just the right volume to keep away intruders. Thankfully, they are not avid barkers and will normally only bark to alert – unless they are bored and/or not given enough exercise.

It is important to note that Weims are also very clever escape artists. Not only are they great diggers and jumpers, but many are smart enough to learn how to open latches and gates! A very secure fence is necessary to keep a determined Weimaraner in the yard. Good training and adequate exercise will often help with this possible problem.

Photo By Linda from Jacksonville

The Pointer is an athletic gun dog with loads of spirit and enthusiasm! Happy-go-lucky and occasionally mischievous,  he has a love of life that is often contagious to his owners. The breed is proficient in obedience, hunting in the field, as well as in the home… as long as the owner has the same amount of energy as the dog. Because of his hunting background, the Pointer was bred to go-go-go! He retains this concept in mind as well as body.

Despite his rugged nature, the Pointer is a lover of comfort and prefers to live inside the house. He also considers himself to be a member of the family and isn’t very happy if he lives outside all by himself. He needs human contact, preferably people who will play with him and laugh at his antics. For this reason, he is a great dog for owners with kids! With a level head and even temperament, he can usually be trusted with children of all ages, although his energy level makes him more suited to kids older than toddler-age. He is an equally adept pet for single-person households as well, just as long as his owner gives him the same amount of attention that he, himself, gives. Pointers are known for being loyal.

While not a guard dog, Pointers make great watch/patrol dogs. Naturally protective of their properties, they will sound an alarm whenever someone arrives at the house. Don’t expect them to react any stronger than their warning bark, however… most Pointers love everyone! Strangers usually don’t stay strangers for long, for this breed enjoys making new friends. Aggression is practically unheard of in this breed, with only the very rare exception here and there.

These English gun dogs were bred to work all day, and as such they need a job for fulfillment. Obedience is a great way to fill this task although most Pointers will do almost anything asked of them. Agility, rally, tracking, and of course hunting are but a few of the many talents of this breed. They are exceptionally hard-working and will often put much effort into their “job”. They are generally considered easy to train and some people even say they are one of the best breeds for competitive obedience.

Pointers need daily exercise… and plenty of it! One to two hours of exercise a day is recommended – and walking normally won’t cut it. Jogging or biking with the dog is more in-line with what these dogs need. Their energy level does not make them compatible with apartment life. Not only are they high-energy, but they are considered “intense” by many. Everything they do is with marked enthusiasm and vigor, even when playing! As such, they are not recommended for the elderly or infirm. As with most high energy breeds, Pointers have the potential to be destructive if not given enough outlets.

This breed is friendly to everyone, including other dogs, cats and small animals. Pet birds may be the one exception, since they were bred to stalk feathered prey. Although Pointers weren’t bred to kill birds, most have an above-average interest in them which might cause the bird to get hurt. Pointers are also incredibly empathetic and seem to have a natural sense for what others are feeling – particularly humans. Some will mimic the temperaments of their owners. Shy people, for example, often end up with shy Pointers.

Like many bird dogs, the Pointer can be mouthy and may need extra work getting them to stop play-biting at hands. Luckily, this is a soft-mouthed breed (most of the time) that doesn’t normally inflect much damage beyond a bit of drool on skin. Either way, this behavior needs to be stopped early on. Giving the dog his own toys to carry around often helps fulfill his desire to have things in his mouth!

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a pointing gun dog breed which is also capable of retrieving and tracking. Less known than his German cousin, the German Wirehaired Pointer, he is admired for his slower and steady hunting style. Easily trained and possessing much thought and consideration, the Griff makes a perfect pet for the right owner.

Obedience training is normally a breeze with the Griffon, although males are known to be easier to train. Females are more likely to test their limits to see what they can get away with! Both sexes can become easily distracted (by running squirrels, birds, etc.) and need to be worked extra hard on distraction-training. The breed also has a bit of an independent streak, but will eagerly work with motivation.

As could be surmised from his name, this breed has a wiry double coat that protects him while out in the field. He does shed, but does so minimally. The coat doesn’t need much care, however it does need to be stripped or plucked with special tools in order to keep it in a very harsh texture. Shaving a Griffon should never be done – not only will the coat become very soft, but it will never grow back in the same way again. The wiry coat, while rugged and dignified, does tend to collect leaves and other plant life when the dog goes outside! Furthermore, the Griff’s distinctive beard gets wet (and stays wet) whenever the dog gets a drink.

Although a hunting dog, this breed shouldn’t be kept kenneled outside all day. Griffs love human contact and need plenty of time with their owners in order to be happy. In fact, separation anxiety is well-known in the breed and occurs more often in individuals who are left home alone for long stretches of time. Chewing on furniture and other objects is a common symptom of separation anxiety, so training and/or crating is recommended. The breed is also known for excessive barking – again, particularly if the owners are gone. One final frequent behavior problem in the breed is difficulty in housebreaking.

They also require daily exercise – although they are not a super-high energy breed, they still require a moderate amount each day. As long as these needs are accounted for they are pleasant and calm in the house. Griffs that do not receive enough exercise can be obnoxious and prone to jumping up on people. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was bred to be a hunting/working dog first and foremost and not bred to be a fastidious house dog. This also means that along with physical excercise, they must have a job to do! Mental and emotional tasks are just as important to ensuring that the Griffon and their owners can live in harmony.

Griffons do very well with children and are not easily upset or frightened by them. They have a gentle nature and are often extra careful around kids. Because of their laid-back nature, however, it is important to make sure kids do not take advantage of a Griff’s easygoing temperament. Teasing should never be allowed as it is never fair for the dog! The Griffon usually gets along fine with other dogs, particularly if one or both is altered. With cats… many Griffs enjoy chasing them up trees.

The breed is not a guard dog by any means and might not protect the house if an invader breaks in. That said, most Griffs will bark an alarm if they hear a stranger. When taken on walks, they tend to ignore strangers who come up to say hi. This aloof temperament around new people is common and shouldn’t be taken as an insult. To ensure the best possible results (and safeguard against the dog being fearful of people), the Griffon absolutely needs to be socialized around as many people as possible when he is a puppy!

Photo By Elf at English Wikipedia

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a somewhat newer breed, created in the 1930’s by crossing the Vizsla with the German Wirehaired Pointer. The breed was created in Hungary with the purpose of keeping Vizsla traits but adding a coat that was better able to withstand cooler temperatures. This is an entirely separate breed from the Vizsla, although has many of the same characteristics. One of the biggest differences is their laid-back temperament, compared to the more hyper personality found in their smooth cousins.

The Wirehaired Vizsla is affectionate, outgoing and very loyal to their owners. Friendly with children as well as other dogs, they make great family pets. They can be good with cats as long as they are raised with them. Some also have a bit of a protective streak – and although are not aggressive dogs – will not hesitate to defend a family member if confronted. In general, however, they love meeting new people and are almost always friendly to strangers.

The Wire bonds very closely with their family and are considered a “velcro breed” – meaning, they prefer to be wherever their owner is. If there is more than one person living in the household, the dog will pick a favorite person to follow around! Living with one of these red dogs means that they will often be underfoot, although not particularly cumbersome. They are also fairly quiet dogs and will only bark to alert to visitors.

The breed is considered quite adaptable and can fit into many different lifestyles. They enjoy being outdoors just as much as they love the comfort of indoors, and ideally prefer both! They can be kept as outdoor dogs (although should be allowed “people time”), and many also do well living in apartments (with more frequent exercise). Wirehaired Vizslas are happiest, however, when they are allowed to work outside (hunting or other similar activities) and then come indoors to hang out.

They are slightly less active than their short-haired cousins and will gladly take naps on the couch in between excursions. They do not require as much exercise, although do appreciate being taken for jogs on a regular basis. Wires that are kept cooped up for very long periods of time are prone to destructiveness and all manner of other behavioral problems. Just because this breed is versatile, does not mean they can be kept confined day-in and day-out with no exercise! Although less demanding of time than other sporting breeds, they still need to be given physical (and mental) outlets every day.

Intelligent and easily trained, the Wirehaired Vizsla is an excellent choice for those wanting a good obedient dog. This said, they have a sensitive nature and tend to shut down if the training is too forceful. Being naturally willing to please, a good trainer knows there is no need for excessive force with this breed anyway. Keep sessions short and challenging or this breed may become bored. Also, take advantage of the breed’s playful nature and use it to your advantage! If your Wire is acting particularly stubborn, he may not see you as a full authority figure and you must reevaluate your tactics.

The wiry coat is easy to take care of but does require “stripping” (pulling out of the undercoat with special tools) in order to keep the coat rough and coarse. It is also important to take regular care of nails, ears and teeth. Although some people believe that the Wirehaired Vizsla is hypoallergenic, it is not. The breed does shed, although not excessively.

Photo By Noveczki Katalin

The Vizsla is a beautiful, athletic dog that often draws attention wherever he goes. At home, he is cuddly and affectionate with his owner, often following his “people” around from room to room. This trait has earned him the nickname as a velcro dog. He is known to have a “soft” temperament, meaning that he is sensitive and doesn’t do well with people who are loud and intense. This also means that he needs to be socialized extensively from a young age so that he won’t be anxious and phobic of new situations and people when he grows up. All puppies have certain stages when it is critical to socialize them before the window of opportunity is closed forever, but this is especially true for Vizslas.

This breed is active and definitely requires at least an hour of strenuous exercise a day. A short walk is absolutely not enough, nor is it enough just to have a big yard (most dogs won’t just exercise themselves in a yard – many will just lay around). Vizslas need to actually be taken out on a jog or hike with their owners in order to burn off their energy. A bored Vizsla that doesn’t get enough exercise may become destructive in the house. They require this commitment from someone who is active and athletic themselves – these dogs are strong and normally too much for owners that are frail.

This breed is quite intelligent but can take a while to mature fully, sometimes until the age of 4. They may act like puppies for longer than many breeds – which could either be fun or frustrating depending. For the owner that is looking to compete in obedience, they should be aware that they will be working through puppy antics for a while. There is also a stubborn streak in the breed, although easily overcome if the owner or trainer has patience. This said, the Vizsla is usually eager to please and really wants to do right by his owner! As long as the training sessions are kept generally positive – as Vizslas are indeed sensitive to harsh and unfair corrections – they are certainly very trainable.

Grooming is quite an easy task with the Vizsla. Their short, thin coat does shed but is normally not a problem except for the most fastidiously clean people. The breed also prefers being clean and will lick and groom themselves like a cat! Keeping up with nails, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth is about all that needs to be done, as well as a short brushing ever now and again. Baths can be given when needed, but probably won’t be required any more often than every month or two.

The Vizsla is not a guard dog and should never be aggressive, although he may bark at a person he feels may be threatening his family. This breed normally loves people, as well as children. They can be good dogs for families, as long as parents are aware that Vizslas are active, strong and athletic. This means that they may accidentally knock a small child over, or possibly nip if playing ball. This is not aggression… it is the outcome of an exuberant hunting dog. It is recommended that kids be at least 10 years old. The breed also gets along great with other dogs and is normally happy and playful as a member of a multi-dog household.

The Vizsla’s intelligence can be a hinderance as well as a source of amusement. It is not uncommon for them to figure out how to open doors, cupboards, and manage all sorts of other mischief. Vizslas that are left outside for long periods of time may dig holes in the backyard or under a fence. This is most common when they become bored and they decide to invent new games to play! As many of their “games” can actually be frustrating to their owners, it is best to provide them with all sorts of intellectual outlets. Obedience is a great one, as are other dog sports. Even puzzles and games made specifically for dogs can be helpful to keep their minds busy. Many breeders also recommend keeping Vizslas crated when owners are gone to keep them out of trouble, although a well-trained dog is less likely to get into things.

Photo By Steffen HeinzCaronna

The English Setter is one of four breeds from the setter family. Setters are essentially pointing breeds, bred to work with hunters whose quarry is birds. Besides being beautiful, intelligent and great companions for hunting, English Setters are also terrific family dogs. Loyal beyond compare, the breed is completely devoted to their owners.

When it comes to strangers, most are very friendly. Level-headed and dependable, they are also excellent with children. Lastly, the breed standard calls for them to be gentle in temperament at all times. Because they are such good-natured dogs, the English Setter is probably not the first choice for someone searching for a protection dog. They will bark when someone comes to the door, and then normally quiet down once they get the “ok” from their owner that the stranger is welcome. This said, if someone were to break in and threaten their owner, the English Setter might react more aggressively although this would only happen in the most dire of circumstances.

Most English Setters are fairly easy to train, although the more complex commands you teach, the more the difficulty will rise. Although the breed is very smart and learns many things quickly, they are also somewhat independent. They were bred to work with people… but also to make their own decisions while out in the field. This conflict will start to show (in some dogs) when simple commands start turning into more intricate commands. The English Setter has a sensitive nature and should never be trained with unnecessarily harsh techniques. It should be mentioned that males often are more willing to please, while females are more likely to test their owners.

This is not a noisy breed, in fact they are very quiet and mellow in the house. Since English Setters do best inside the house anyway (they are not good kennel dogs or outside-only dogs), this is ideal for most owners as well. The best situation for this breed is to be a house dog with access to a fenced yard (and plenty of time with their owners). It is possible to keep an English Setter in an apartment, but they will need even more exercise in this situation. Whenever out, they need to be kept on-leash because their high prey drive may send them running to the first scampering rodent or flying bird.

When it comes to exercise, like most of the hunting breeds the English Setter does require somewhat vigorous daily “work outs”. A short walk is not enough, this breed needs a minimum of 30 minutes a day of running, jogging, hiking, or any other energetic activity. Think of this breed as an athlete that needs to be regularly conditioned, and you might have an idea of the exercise requirements. A well-exercised and well-trained English Setter can also participate in many different dog activities such as hunting, therapy, obedience, conformation, agility, rally, tracking, and CGC.

The coat of the English Setter does need a lot of care in order to keep it looking nice and free of mats. Coats should be brushed 3-4 times a week, and bathed anywhere from every 2-6 weeks. It is also worth noting that the beautiful patterning of the coat is not completely natural, and will need trimming in order to maintain the “look”. It is also important to keep nails trimmed, teeth cleaned, and ears free of dirt and debris (their ears can be prone to infections if not taken care of properly).

Normally, both male and female English Setters get along well with other dogs. In fact, because they don’t like to be alone it is recommended that they live with another dog if their owner is often at work. While most English Setters would prefer human companionship above all else, another dog can be a good substitute. This breed can also live in harmony with cats and other small pets, but only if the other animals live inside (so as not to trigger their prey drive).

Perhaps their biggest fault is the fact that English Setters like to eat, as well as to chew. They are very orally fixated! The breed can become master counter-surfers, as well as champion trash-diggers, if they think they can get at food. On a different, but related, note they may also chew up small items left around the house. This is where training will come into play! Establish the rules of the house from an early age and this won’t be as much of an issue. Do you own an English Setter? Are you looking for a dog trainer in the Austin, TX area? Call us today and tell us about your dog!

“Engelse setter”. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Spinone Italiano is a large hunting dog with a very distinctive coat. Unlike many sporting breeds, the Spinone does not have extremely high energy which makes him ideal for many families who prefer a moderately active dog instead.  An adult Spinone will need some exercise every day, but a good run in the yard can substitute for a walk a couple days a week or so. A fenced yard is an absolute must for this breed, as they are hunting dogs and will “follow their noses” on every interesting scent… even if it takes them miles from your house!

A friendly, loving dog, they will follow their owners from room to room and curl up next to them when it’s time for bed or TV. This is definitely a breed to keep inside with the family – it is not an outside-only dog! Good with children, as well as other dogs and pets, they are quite the trustworthy animals.

Some members of the breed enjoy being up high on a “perch”, whether that means standing on top of the table, the counter, or the back of the couch. It is not generally recommended for dogs to hop up on furniture, so some training may need to be implemented if you intend to follow this rule. They are also experts when it comes to stealing food… off the counter or straight off your plate! One other common behavior issue in the breed is the tendency to dig holes in the backyard. Many reasons why it is good to implement preventative training while they are still puppies!

His unique beard and moustache are one of his most noticeable physical characteristics. Although the extra facial hair gives him a distinguished look, it can also prove to be an annoying feature when he gets a drink of water and then drags his wet beard all over the furniture and his family. As such, neat freaks need not apply. Any potential owner of a Spinone must be fine with having wet clothes on a regular basis, as well as being painted with the occasional drool that falls from the dog’s jowly lips.

The Spinone is quite an intelligent dog. Many have mastered the art of communicating their needs, whether by vocalizations or with body language. A particular favorite activity from a Spinone, when he wants your attention, is to reach out and hit you with his paw! The breed can be quite clownish. Even if you don’t understand what it is that your dog wants, you will probably get a kick out of the way in which he is trying to tell you! He has an array of noises that he will make, from quiet grumbles, groans and sighs to yodeling barks and loud howling. A house with a Spinone is rarely a quiet house.

As far as training is concerned, while the breed is very smart, many tend to be stubborn. Females are more independent than males and may be slightly harder to train. Once trained, there are many events that you can participate in with your Spinone including conformation, rally, therapy work, hunting, obedience, agility, and CGC!

“Mysko bringa 2-5ar” by I, Johami.