Why not get a Spinone?

1. The Spinone is a bearded breed. When they take a drink of water, they drag a trail of water and whatever they have had their muzzle in all over the house to where you are so they can put their chin on your lap, preferably when you are wearing shorts or a very nice outfit.

2. The Spinone tends to collect slobber in its lips and occasionally give a good hard shake, sending the slobber flying in all directions. Only after it has hardened and turned slightly brown, you will notice it on the ceiling and walls.

3. A Spinone wants to be with you as much as possible. He will come and stare at you when you are busy, in order to get you to give him some attention. Next, he will put his chin or paw on you. Next, he will bark. Next, he will go find trouble.

4. The Spinone is intelligent, and thus can be quite stubborn. She may know what you want her to do, but if you can't give her a clear reason, she will probably ignore your "command." A Spinone cannot be forced to do something. At least, not if you want to continue to have a good relationship.

5. Many Spinoni, as hunting dogs, very much enjoy rolling in filth of various types. Wheee!

6. Most Spinoni, as hunting dogs, love to stalk other creatures, including the family cat. The pleasure may not be mutual.

7. Most Spinoni are professional counter surfers. Leaving food out on the counter is a big mistake.

8. Spinoni enjoy landscaping, especially if you do. This might mean the new rhododendron you just planted needed to be dug up and "planted" in a different location.

9. Spinoni often use their paws to communicate. This may mean an early morning bonk on the face when you are still horizontal. It may mean a swipe of mud on your clean pants.

10. This is borrowed with permission from Val Smith of Javal Spinoni in Scotland:

Spinoni are untidy in every way….. they can look scruffy; they even move, sit or even lie down untidily!

They have no social graces, and will break wind frequently and cover everything within a ten yard radius with hair and spit. They can be thieves, eating everything they can get hold of. And don't try putting food in plastic containers or tins. Child's play to a set of Spin teeth!

When they pinch your bed…..go and get a sleeping bag, because that's where you'll spend the night!

They can be extremely stubborn, and if a Spinone doesn't want to do something, nothing on earth will induce it to change its mind.

If you want a neat precise animal alert to your every whim, the spinone is definitely not for you.

But they have character, love, and hairy charm, and, trust me, you won't stop at one.