Versatile Dogs for Hunting, Showing, and Family Life

The Spinone is a laid back, easy going breed. They are very intelligent, playful and have a sense of humor. I always warn new Spinone owners to be prepared to laugh every day! They can be stubborn at times. Sometimes they will amaze you with how quickly they can learn something. Other times they will amaze you at how stubborn they can be. It is all about keeping training sessions short and fun.

They are large, rugged dogs. Females typically are about 70 to 85 lbs. and males 85 to over 100 lbs. They are good swimmers. They absolutely love snow and cold weather. They have thick skin and a coarse coat which gives them protection. 

They are excellent hunting dogs. They typically work closer and slower than other breeds. Relying more on their tremendous sense of smell than their legs to locate game. They are a versatile breed. Capable of hunting waterfowl and upland game. 

As companions, well, they are the best. Very sensitive, empathetic and caring. They love their human families and always want to be with them. They are good with other pets and love children. The Spinone is a good candidate as a "Therapy Dog."

In 2021 we were looking to add a puppy to our lives and we couldn't have been luckier or happier to find Steve and Judy Shute, Maple Hollow Spinone, a short drive away.  I contacted Steve and he invited my husband and I to his home to meet him and Judy and their Spinoni. We spent a couple of hours visiting with them, learning about the breed and getting to know their Spinoni. And Steve and Judy got to know us, asking all the important questions. We knew after that visit that we wanted to add a Spinone to our family. We added Norman in 2022 and Henry in 2024. Norman and Henry have amazing personalities. They are handsome, gentle, very smart and true comedians. And yes, they can be stubborn. I wouldn't trade them for the world. Steve and Judy Shute, Maple Hollow Spinone, do an amazing job ensuring the health of their puppies and preserving this historic breed. Not everyone can live so close to an amazing breeder, but Maple Hollow offspring are in many states and Canada. They are well worth the time and travel.                                                                                                                                   Karla Lathrop

I have 2 Spinoni from Stephen Shute, a 2 year old girl ( Myra) and a 6 yr old boy ( Hawkeye.) I can’t imagine getting a Spinone from any other breeder. 

I’ve had purebred dogs all my life and I place great value on responsible, caring breeders. 

Stephen is dedicated to his dogs and the Spinone breed. He always goes beyond the minimum health tests, socialization and care requirements. How many other breeders do you know who sleep next to their pregnant due to whelp bitch and then litter of puppies until they go to their carefully screened homes? 

His puppies are raised in his home and Stephen evaluates every one of them as hunting/show/companion prospects. Many of them cover all 3 areas. 

I repeatedly recommend Stephen to friends and anyone who asks for a caring, reliable breeder. You really can’t do any better than Stephen and his wife Judy for a wonderful dog and lifelong support for that dog. 

They’re the best! 

 Vicki Smith Grandin

Email Us

ss.maplehollow@outlook.com

Call Us

(585) 728 3322

Cell: (585) 330 5946