Lovely pictures, great that you had such a good day. I love the Spinone picture, I met one at training class, I'm rather smitten.
Spinoni are one of the breeds I considered for myself along with Labs and even went to visit breeders. They are really interesting dogs. I decided that they were too "hunty" (if that makes sense) but I did really love them. They are pretty rare, so it was pretty amazing to see so many at Bowood - at least six. I asked someone and they said it was because there is a breeder in the area. This was taken on my breeder visit in Germany:
That's interesting. I have found myself thinking that if I was choosing another dog I'd look at Spinone's. Billie, the one at training class just made me smile, her attitude to life was just fab, actually thinking about it the best thing about the class along with her owner, who was also a scream . I can see though that they would be keen on hunting, her recall was non existent.
Same smile? Same slopping water everywhere? Billie's owner was having her entire kitchen re - floored because the beard keeps dropping water everywhere, worse than a Lab!
And you got it one! This was why I crossed them off the list. The breeder, who was no training slouch, said they really couldn't be let off lead unless you didn't mind that they wouldn't be back again for a few hours. They are meant to hunt independently, apparently, and they do it VERY well! And as a second "issue"...oh, that beard! The mess! Argh! They were so sweet, but that constantly wet beard kind of did me in.
My sister in law has 2 Spinone’s. They are lovely dogs but have very watery red edged eyes which I find a bit off putting. They have a short life span as well.
Oh no, this was a whole other level of "hunty"! Back on the Labrador front, I had a very good conversation today with a breeder that Kate @Beanwood recommended I contact in Cornwall. All her 2 week old pups are spoken for and she does not allow any of her dogs to go out of the UK, so I'm not a candidate for current or future litters. However, she let me ask her all sorts of goofy questions plus she recommended two other people to talk to, which I really appreciated. As an added bonus, she added me to her private FB group, so I get to see all the updates on her puppies. They are just little Labralumps now!
Have friends with Spinones and non disappear over the horizon, however, they do DROOL! I guessed your 'gang show' was the game show at Bowood House I also have friend with Irish Water Spaniels and went picking up with a couple. Also LOVED your photos with the clever comments or should I say amusing comments.
I LOVE Spinones . I often walk with a friend who has 2 Spinone's and a jug!! This is Harley with Jasper (GSD) and Gus (Spinone). Harley and Gus have just spent a week together as I was away as was his owner, and we use the same dog walker/home boarder. Sorry Pongo @Rosie
Pongo is not jealous because he knows Harley has enough love to go around and she is his special girl. Also he is feeling a little bit sheepish because he spent last weekend with a collie called Moss who brought her owner over to house-sit. And Pongo isn't quite sure how to explain that to Harley. Especially because Moss slept on his bed, and he wanted to reserve that for Harley really....
That's alright, that will help with my guilt (not really) of getting to see Harley tomorrow when Pongo doesn't. Sorry, Pongo, she's all mine!
Harley is divine. She taught Pongo how to play with a tennis ball. It reminded me of Forest Gump and Jenny (remember the film?). Please give Harley all Pongo's love.
You've heard me talk about Charlie, right? I know ALL about a whole other level of 'hunty". I reckon a Spinone would be a walk in the park for me x
