The spinone is believed to be a gundog of ancient origin, and artist Andrea Mantegnas paintings from 1469 show dogs identic to the modern breed. The dog's special head shape is described in texts written by Xenofon 500 B.C, and in 1683 Sélincourt wrote in his book 'Le parfair chasseur' that the best hunting griffons can be found in Italy. The first breed standard was written in 1828 by Crippa, but it was re-written in 1887.
The spinone italiano has been known under many names, such as Can Cravin, Restone, Spinoso, Bracco Restoso and Bracco spinone. It's a rustic pointing dog, famous for its large nose!

The spinone should have a rather large head, with the muzzle the same length as the skull. The top of the muzzle should be straight or slightly convex, with slight stop. The ears are triangular, rather small and set low, and carried close to the head. The neck is strong and muscular. The body is slightly rectangular, with broad and deep chest, slight tuck up and a topline that tends to slope up towards the rear. The legs are well angulated, with the tail carried horizontally. The coat is wirey, thick and slightly wavy. The length of the coat on the face should give the dog a firm look with a good-natured expression.