Spinone Italiano size and structure: The Spinone is easy going, docile, and affectionate towards both people and dogs. It is well known for being loving and gentle with children. Its extremely patient nature also helps with this, but children should be taught not to take advantage of this trait. It is loyal to those it knows and still friendly to those it does not. The breed is not known for any aggression, but any dog breed can develop fear aggression if not properly socialized during the "window of socialization" from ages 6 weeks to 14 weeks. Centuries of working with man as
Spinone Italiano of these claims could be true; perhaps several of them are correct. During the Second World War, the Spinone became close to extinct. Both the war and the fact that Italian hunters had begun using other breeds (such as setters, pointers, and spaniels) in the hunt, whereas before it was primarily the Spinone. Many breeders had to resort to crossing the Spinone with other wire-haired breeds, such as the Boulet, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and German Wirehaired Pointer. The breed was not officially known as "Spinone" until the early 19th century. Before then, some areas knew the breed as the "Spinoso".