Page 226 - ShowSight - April 2020

This is a fascinating, rustic, old world dog breed. They are unique in the Sporting Group and they don’t fit the mold of many of the other Sporting dogs. I just invite everyone to get to know them. Study the breed standard (it is LONG and detailed!), find some of the very best dogs that you can find (this does not nec- essarily mean the biggest winners, which may or may not be the best dogs). Put your hands on them. There are many characteristics about the Spinone that must be felt, like the sloping lateral walls of the roof-shaped skull, the two-piece topline and the long, sloping croup. Feel the harsh coat and thick skin, and the heavy, oval bone. Put your hands on the underline to make sure it really is a deep underline with minimal tuck up. Make sure the chest drops down to at least the elbows, but more than anything, make sure the whole dog fits the silhouette that is described in the standard. Ask some of us about them. They are just fascinating!
RICCARDO LASCHI
I’m 63 years old and I live in Florence, in the countryside. Since I was young, dogs are my passion. Since 2009, I judge the whole Group 7 and some breeds of Group 6. I always breed, at the beginning, Bracco Italiano for which I obtained the posting in 1991; then for about 15 years I breed Segugi Maremmani.
In 2015, I was summoned to judge the Italian Bracchi at the Milan World Cup after
which I was called to judge the Annual National Meeting of the Italian Bracco and Spinone in America. I have judged in Italy the most important gatherings of Bracchi Italiani, Spinoni and Segugi Maremmani.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I com- fortable with the placement? I hope it doesn’t become too popu- lar because often when a breed becomes a business many people “improvise” as breeders.
Do these numbers help or hurt the breed? They help, but popu- larity must come slowly.
Does the average person on the street recognize him the breed? Often, no.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? It is wrong to think that it is not a great hunting dog, that it is a dog that stinks and requires a lot of grooming.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? After two years.
What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? The expression and fitting the standard, eye and hair, and you should never forget that the Spinone is a hunting dog.
What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? The best way is to produce good dogs for the job.
My ultimate goal for the breed? Like all breeds, it is to breed beautiful, good and healthy dogs.
I’d also like to share that I wish you always remember that Spi- none is a rustic dog that was born to hunt.
LINDSAY STANTON
I grew up with rare breeds including Irish Wolfhounds. My first Spinone, Dante, was a beautiful brown roan from the Grouse Rouster Kennels of Marge and Mike McCormick. I absolutely fell in love with the breed. They were exactly what I wanted; an active dog outside, but a couch potato inside the house. The McCormicks
became some of my closest friends and mentors in the breed. Through Spinone, I met my best friend and second mother, Diana Cannon. Diana is Mateo’s breeder and Mateo’s lineage connects back to Dante. I love showing, obedience and exercis- ing with my boys. Outside of dogs I am a bit of a workout nut and, pro- fessionally, I am an executive for a technology company, Digi-Me, in the Human Resources vertical. I live in Wheaton, Illinois.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I am comfortable with this placement. We are certainly way less of a rare breed than when I first got into Spinoni. When I got my first Spinone, Dante, in 2000, we were not even AKC yet. The breed has come a long way in regards to recognition and popularity since then. I think our current place in rankings and numbers is balanced, not overly popular, but not at risk of extinction either. My other breed, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, needs to focus on better numbers. Spins, however, are in a nicely balanced place.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? Far more people do now than when I had Dante. They generally know he is a breed and, typically, Sporting, but there is certainly far more recognition than in years past.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Not that I can think of.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? I think the challenges are not specific to any particular breed. It is, in general, education of why to go to an expert, and the public understanding the benefits of a great breeder for long-term temperament and health of the breed.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? Spinone tend to mature around three years old, so I think that is ideal, especially if you are really looking to special your dog.
What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? They should be a beautiful, balanced dog. The Italian standard is built around the purpose of the breed for the field, so movement and structure are critical.
What’s the best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Education; I think many people are totally unaware of the opportunities in dogs. They may just know they love dogs and are passionate about them, but they do not know the professional opportunities or even recreational activities available. I think it is important to market and educate outside of our circle.
My ultimate goal for the breed? To enjoy every minute I have the opportunity to be involved with them!
My favorite dog show memory? I have so many amazing memo- ries that Mateo and his phenomenal show career gave us. One of my all-time favorites was when Mateo won our National Speciality. He heard me scream and felt Carlo’s excitement down the leash and he literally jumped for joy. He knew he had done good. It was the culmination of so much joy watching him in the ring, and so many friendships gained from his career.
They are, without a doubt, a heart breed for me. They are incredibly intelligent, extremely intuitive, fun and amazing dogs. They read situations and people. They are also amazing with other animals and extremely tolerant—of Terriers jumping on their face, for instance.
SPINONE ITALIANO Q&A
224 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2020