Official Working Standard - SCOA

Field Phase
The Spinone possesses an excellent nose for locating game under various conditions in the field. All scent spots left by game in the field are investigated and a pointing stance is established only where game is present. In search of game in the field, its pace is an ample, rhythmic, very quick trot, interrupted at times by a gallop. The posture of the Spinone is always erect, with its neck slightly stretched and the muzzle inclined slightly upward. The tail is carried horizontally with variations slightly lower or higher. As the dog enters a mildly scented area, tail movements increase and the dog gradually slows down continuing cautiously to the origin of game scent with the head high and pace constant. Depending on the intensity of the scent, the ears become erect to their maximum and the tail is slightly inclined. As the scent concentration increases, the Spinone noticeably slows down often testing the ground before a step, easing its movements into a similar posture to that of a point but stretching the neck a bit more and keeping the tail a little lower as it approaches the game. The Italian term "filata" describes this gradual slowing down to follow the direct line of scent that connects the dog to the game. Once it determines there is game present, the dog establishes a pointing stance with tail lifted a bit and rigid. The pointing style is not important as long as the point is intense, convincing, and productive. If the dog determines from the scent that the game has moved, the Spinone cautiously investigates and re-establishes a pointing stance to indicate the location of the game. If the scent suggests the game has left the area, the Spinone continues the search at its usual pace and posture. Leaving of game for any reason is considered a serious fault.

The Spinone's desire to hunt for game is displayed by the enthusiastic search in the field which leaves no doubt of his quest to find game. The dog's endless compulsion to hunt and willingness to work hard truly demonstrates the strong character of the Spinone. Dogs that quit searching or express no interest in game should be seriously faulted.

The cooperation attribute in the Spinone is exemplified by the method in which the dog works in unison with the hunter to produce game. With the strong bonding characteristic between the dog and hunter that is instinctive in the breed, the highly intelligent Spinone seems to sense the handler's thoughts and responds accordingly in pursuit of the hunt. The dog always hunts for the handler and never for himself by maintaining contact with the owner throughout the search. However, over-dependence on the handler for direction and assurance is not desirable.

Gun-shyness is not acceptable in a Spinone because a gun-shy dog can not be used in hunting. If a dog returns to the handler at the sound of a gun blast and refuses to hunt or leaves the area in fright, the dog should be disqualified.

Tracking Phase
Tracking wounded game is imperative for the recovery of cripples during the hunt. The manner and course of a natural track determine the quality of a dog's nose. The Spinone, having hound in its background, is a very capable tracker. It demonstrates excellent use of nose by immediately acknowledging a fresh track when crossed and working the scent in the direction of the track.

The ability to concentrate on a track is an important trait of this breed. As the track begins, the dog works the scent accurately distinguishing between hot and cold scent and methodically spells his way forward along the scent trail. The overall posture is, powerful, attentive but calm, and a little tilted forward; with the muzzle decisively turned toward the ground.

The desire to work is exhibited by the eagerness and intensity displayed by the Spinone in performing the track. The immense caution that distinguishes it in the field search does not stop it from being a tenacious and eager pursuer when tracking game.

Cooperation characteristics are displayed in the Spinone by its self assurance and by clearly demonstrating a purpose when tracking. The inherent willingness to find game and its unmatched perseverance results in the successful retrieval of wounded game.

Water Phase
The Spinone exemplifies the versatile hunting dog by tracking and retrieving game in water which can become an essential aspect of any hunt. The dog exhibits no fear of the water by gradually moving forward when entering the water to swim. The dog's desire to work is evident in his self-confidence to leave the water's edge and swim. Dislike of water is considered to be a serious fault in a versatile hunting dog, therefore the dog should be disqualified.

Cooperation is displayed by the willingness to enter the water at the request of the handler.

Retrieving Phase
Retrieval of shot game whether, dead or wounded, is an integral part of the overall concept of game conservation. The Spinone's retrieving instincts make the dog a reliable retriever during the course of any hunt. Upon shooting the game the dog marks the fall and relies on his nose to pinpoint the location. After picking up the game, cooperation is displayed by immediately returning to the handler with the game. If the hold is insecure, it should be considered a fault if the dog does not quickly reestablish a better hold without loss of control of the game and immediately continue the retrieve. When reaching the handler, the dog maintains the hold until commanded to release the game to hand. Any dog that mutilates game as to render it unfit for the table should be disqualified.

SEE ALSO: Conformation Standards

This page was last modified: 03/08/05