Most Italian dog breeds can boast of its ancient lineage, the same can be said for griffon type (ones sporting a moustache) dog breed. Being Italian and a griffon type, the Spinone Italian hits a double whammy in bloodline.

First spotted in a 15th century painting in Italy, a dog resembling the modern Spinone documents its old blood. The Spinoso got its name from an Italian thorn bush, the pino, where most fur and feather game usually hide from hunters. The bush is so thorny that only a thick-skinned, coarse-haired animal can manage through the bush unscathed. At that time, only the Spinone fit the profile. Its bloodline traceable until the Piedmont region in Italy, this dog breed is believed to be the oldest of gundogs.

A lot of countries would like to lay claim to the origin of this versatile gundog, but none can provide plausible proof except the Italians and the artwork. The Spinone had almost been lost to extinction during the World Wars which at that point Italians had started using new gundog breeds for the hunt. The breed was restored by breeding with other griffon dogs in the 1950's.

Today, the Spinone is considered a master in the hunting, pointing and retrieving of game. Since it also trainable and friendly, it is also preferred as assistance and companion dogs.

This breed has a tapered head, long at the head and muzzle. Rough, dry and thick hair surrounds its muzzle and covers its brow, adding protection from the brush if often dives into for the game. It has large ears that flop at the sides of its head. Its body is lithe and muscular. This form enables it to break into speed from a trot. The Spinone has coarse and stiff hair covering its body, though it lacks an undercoat. Despite of this, this breed is known to swim even in the swamp marshes with no qualms.

The Spinone Italilano, is a detailed and meticulous tracker. This breed has high endurance, it never quits unless ordered to do so. A feather or fur game will surely be exhausted with a Spinone at its heels. An old recount of this dog breeds relentless pursuit was described as "when the prey stopped, he stops…when the prey moves he moves with endurance". Spurts of speed are wisely used by this dog breed, often relying on its guaranteed tracking before bounding fast at a game that is not well trapped for the hunter's taking.

A Spinone has a base color of white with specks or markings of orange, chestnut or roan. Shade of marking that is preferred is brown, the color of a monks frock. Tri-colors, tan and black markings are considered disqualified by breed standards.

Most sporting dogs are very willing to please; it gets along with children and other pets of the household. This is characteristic for breeds raised to mingle with people and adjust to different situations. This dog breed is known for its courage, without much of a thought of its convenience or safety. Being an independent thinker at times, the Spinone is calm and rarely rattled.