a group of all the dogs and bitches graded 'excellent' by Dr Storace at the recent assessment. (photo Harley)

12—DOG WORLD, November 28, 1986
FEATURING THE ITALIAN SPINONE

A dog for me, for you, not for everyone

by JEAN TUCK

I AM sure I am not giving away any secrets when I say there has been much controversy surrounding the Spinone since its introduction into the UK, in 1981.

Even those owners who have visited Italy return with very varied opinions of what is the 'correct type', as this depends upon which kennels are visited, in which area the kennels are to be found and the purpose for which they breed Spinoni.

Some of the visitors to Italy have now travelled widely throughout the country and have found, as recently stated in Gael Stenton's critique following Bournemouth ch show that there are quite a number of different types, each bred in its own area with the type of work it has to do and the type of ground it has to cover, in mind.

These different 'types' are already apparent in the UK and breeders are evolving their own types within their own kennels as is quite normal among larger more established breeds but which seems to be causing quite a stir because it is happening in Spinoni.

It must be confusing to newcomers to the breed to find that the Spinone ring has a variety of shapes and sizes but it should be remembered that there are no 'breed specialists' in this country (obviously not in only five years) and even if there were we do not as yet have sufficient numbers to be selective about which judges we enter under.

How often to you hear it said in the more established breeds 'I shan't enter under Mr, or Mrs X — he or she doesn't like my type'? In Spinoni we are still unsure just what type Mr or Mrs X does in fact favour and quite naturally, until we have several more years behind us, the judging will remain inconsistent.

The discussion among us is regular and lengthy and there are several of us with the bills to prove it. It was reassuring therefore during a recent trip to Italy to hear the same sort of debate and the statement made that they are themselves beginning an evolution of the breed and hope to breed Spinoni eventually which conforms to type throughout Italy and are not particular to any region or kennels.

Following the recent visit of Dr Antonion Storace, president of the proposed Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain and Club Italiano Spinoni, it was interesting to learn that it was felt there are Spinoni bred in the UK, which can help the Italians with their plans for the future.

The rather daunting breed Standard issued by ENCI (Ente Nazionale Cinofilia Italia) in Milan cannot have helped matters but it is most certainly worth close study to those genuinely interested in the breed.

It is quite clear on points specific to the breed such as topline, eyes, shoulders, and coat, all of which seem to confuse both exhibitors and judges alike. I have heard it said on numerous occasions to newcomers to the breed that the haw of the eye should be exposed whereas the Standard states quite clearly that the eyelids should be close fitting and neither entropion nor entropion are to be tolerated.

Spinonisti

However, I shall not labour here the various controversial points as I am sure they will be discussed elsewhere in this feature but I do urge anyone who is interested in the future of the breed to take the time to study the Standard closely for themselves.

The Italian Spinone Club of Great Britain (proposed) is making every effort to obtain information from Italy pass it on to interested parties but this is not always easy as so much can be lost in translation.

However, following his recent visit to carry out a Conformation Assessment at Towcester in September, Dr Storace has written to me and as his letter contains general comments on the exhibits he saw here and also specific points which he wished me to pass on to my fellow 'Spinonisti' (a lovely word which can only be translated as 'Spinone Enthusiasts'), I felt this article would be the perfect medium to reach as many of them as possible.