Any spinone owners?

[Echo24]

Am interested in getting another dog when I move and have been considering an Italian Spinone There's not a huge amount of information on them and little on breeders so if anyone could fill me in on what they're like as a pet that would be great. I have experience of working breeds such as labs, retrievers, but would like something quite laid back and not high energy. I know their coats need stripping but do they shed quite a bit as well? I was considering newfoundlands as I love their temperaments but OH is horrified by how high maintenance the coat would be!

Thanks in advance

 

[Inthemud]

Why not google their breed society? They will be able to give you lots of information.

 

[trottingon]

I have a spinone bitch nearly 5 yrs old. She is the most adorable, fantastic natured, fun, soppy dog you could wish for!
Her beard can make her a bit sloppy with water, but although the breed are described as heavy moulters, our girl doesn't moult much at all.
We're at a decision point at the moment, to spay or to breed before she gets any older, as she is just so lovely, we'd love to keep a boy puppy of hers. We've never bred puppies before, decisions decisions....... )

 

[trottingon]

Oh and we don't have children but she loves them and welcomes them into the house and let's them do whatever they want to her without ever showing any sign of annoyance (obviously they are stopped by myself or my OH, but she would let them carry on all day!)
She loves other dogs, she's never been territorial. She adores people, is very sociable, is fun on walks, I've nothing bad to say about her.
She was very independant as a puppy and would please herself on walks, ignoring us completely, which was frustrating. We took her to dog training classes and she was about average for learning speed, however once she reached about 18 months old something just clicked in her head and suddenly all her attention was on us and she became a very quick learner.
Her intelligence just shines through, she knows how to wind us around her little finger, she's a daddy's girl with OH and a mummy's girl with me!
And she loves agility, show her a jump and she's over it, if you are within 100feet of a tunnel she's running through it, she's such good fun!
As you can probably tell we love her to bits!

 

[Archangel]

My boss has one, he is huge with huge paws We do have a fair amount of drool up the walls and on my computer and on me but he riots about with my dog (no work done when both dogs are in ). He is so tolerant, just puts a giant paw on her head when he has had enough.

Out on walks he is not high energy and has an amazing lope, keeps up with my dog without appearing to move. Goes 'on point' for pheasants and would probably have a reasonably high prey drive and moderate tendency to bog off if not kept in order.

He won't let anyone in the office if he doesn't know them (very handy). Overall a lovely dog.