A big sports dog breed from Italy, the Spinone Italiano has a medium-length, wiry coat with longer hair that forms eyebrows and a beard. Its overall powerful, square physique makes it ideal for use as an all-terrain hunting dog with outstanding stamina. But this breed also comes across as being quite sociable and devoted to its family because to its charming, expressive eyes.
Breed Overview
Group:
Height: 22 to 25 inches (female), 23 to 27 inches (male)
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds (female), 70 to 80 pounds (male)
Coat: Wiry, medium-length
Coat Color: Orange roan, white, white and orange, or brown roan with/without orange and/or brown markings
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, bright
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: Italy
Characteristics of the Spinone Italiano
Although it might have a stubborn tendency, the Spinone Italiano normally has a loving and social demeanor with its family. In contrast to many other sporting breeds, it is not a dog with a lot of energy. But it still has to be worked out quite a bit.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | Low |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano's precise origin is uncertain. However, it is likely that its ancestors have lived in Italy for many centuries. The breed may be a cross between white mastiffs, French griffons, and other dogs, along with coarse-coated Italian setters.
The outcome was a trustworthy hunting dog with a superb nose. It could function in any climate or setting, including on water. The contemporary Spinone evolved among the thorny vegetation of the Piedmont area of Italy, and its thick, wiry coat protected it from it.
The breed still remains fairly uncommon around the world. The Spinone Club of America formed in 1987, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 2000.
Spinone Italiano Care
This breed enjoys being active with its humans every day. It does have some involved grooming needs to maintain its wiry coat. And it should receive training and socialization from a young age.
Exercise
A Spinone Italiano should exercise for at least an hour or two each day. Instead of being left to their own devices, these canines would want to be active with you. Your dog can benefit greatly from walks, jogging, trekking, swimming, and other forms of exercise. Additionally, canine sports like agility and tracking may present both physical and mental obstacles.
Grooming
The Spinone Italiano’s coat should be brushed at least weekly to remove loose fur and dirt. The wiry fur doesn’t need trimming. But it should be hand-stripped periodically to remove dead hair.
Depending on how dirty your dog gets, aim for once a month for a bath. Likewise, determine if it requires ear cleaning at least once every week. Ensure that its ears are well dried off after bathing and swimming. Every month, check to see whether its nails need to be cut, and wash its teeth with dog toothpaste every day.
Training
Although intelligent, this breed might be resistant to following orders. To prevent undesirable behaviors and develop excellent manners, try to start training your dog when they are still young. Utilize encouraging methods, such as rewards and praise. Additionally, be firm in your orders and don't tolerate inappropriate behavior.
Moreover, begin socializing your dog when it’s a puppy. Expose it to new people, other dogs, and various locations to boost its comfort and confidence.
You might need to put more effort into not letting your dog home alone. The breed is prone to since it likes to remain with its family. It works well in a home where someone spends the most of the day at home. However, if you do struggle with leaving your dog alone, a qualified trainer or behaviorist can offer advice.
Common Health Problems
The Spinone Italiano is generally healthy, though it is prone to some hereditary health issues, including:
- Eye problems
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Heart disease
Diet and Nutrition
Your dog should always have access to fresh water. And give it a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food, often in the form of two measured meals each day. You might need to test a few different diets before finding one that works for this breed because they are known for being fussy eaters. To ensure you are addressing your dog's specific nutritional demands, always go over the type of diet and the amount with your veterinarian.
Additionally, the breed is susceptible to bloat and potentially fatal stomach twisting. This frequently results from the dog eating too rapidly or under stress while doing so. Therefore, make sure your dog is quiet and collected at mealtimes, and think about giving them smaller, more often meals.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Spinone Italiano
Not many people know about the Spinone Italiano dog breed. However, you may still search for one at animal shelters and rescue organizations. Try to get your name on a breed wait list if you can; you might merely need to go far or wait a time. Be prepared to spend, on average, between $1,000 and $2,000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.
For further information to help you find a Spinone Italiano, check out:
- Spinone Club of America
- Spinone Rescue of America
- Spinone Rescue
Spinone Italiano Overview
Typically affectionate and mild-mannered
Often can be good around other dogs
Less active than many similar breeds
Can be strong-willed and stubborn
Has special grooming needs
Can be prone to separation anxiety
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
As with any breed, be sure the Spinone Italiano is a good fit for your lifestyle before making a purchase. To learn more, speak with breed owners, rescue organizations, reputable breeders, and veterinary specialists. If you can, spend some time with the breed as well.
If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:
There’s a whole world of potential out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!
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Are Spinone Italianos good family dogs?
This breed is moderately good with kids in general. It can be suitable for a family with respectful older children, but it should always be supervised around young children.
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Are Spinone Italianos aggressive?
The Spinone Italiano is normally a calm and sociable dog with the right training and socialization. It is moderately protective in nature and is open to meeting new people, although neither quality usually manifests as hostility.
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Are Spinone Italianos good apartment dogs?
It’s best for a Spinone Italiano to have a home with a secure yard in which it can run freely. The breed also might be too large for many apartments.
