Italian Spinone

The Italian Spinone, known as Spinone Italiano, has the appearance of a hound with its elongated head, extended snout, and big floppy ears. These dogs are robust and well-built, featuring a coarse, wiry coat. The longer hair around their lips and eyebrows helps shield them while they explore the ground and adds to their noble appearance. Commonly referred to as the Spinone Italiano dog, this breed has a soft and friendly look. The name Spinone is derived from “pino,” which refers to a tough Italian shrub that these dogs are skilled at navigating through.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
White with orange, orange roan, brown or brown roan
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
22 to 27 inches
Type
Pointer
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
64 to 86 pounds
Family

Personality

The Italian Spinone is a friendly dog that loves to make people happy. This breed is gentle and gets along nicely with kids, other pets, and dogs. They have a relaxed and laid-back nature, giving them a wise, old-man vibe that fits their appearance. At times, they can be playful and full of energy.

History

The Spinone Italiano is one of the oldest types of pointing dogs, possibly dating back to 500 B.C. It is believed that they may have originated from Celtic wirehaired breeds or were introduced to Italy by Greek traders during the Roman era. Today’s Italian Spinone comes from the Piedmont area of Italy, where they were used to hunt small game in tough, thorny terrain. In World War II, Spinone dogs were used to follow German patrols. Like many other breeds, the Italian Spinone faced a significant decline by the end of the war.

Ideal Owner

People who have Italian Spinone dogs should be patient, have a good sense of humor, and not mind a little mess. These dogs are often keen to make their owners happy, but they may take their time growing up and can be a bit stubborn at times. The best companion for them will love playing outside and won’t worry too much about drool, fur, water spots, or mud in the house.

Exercise Needs

The Spinone Italiano should be involved in activities like walking, running, playing, and training. These dogs love taking long strolls, particularly near water, and they are fine with some thorns or bushes along the way. Owners of an Italian Spinone can expect to deal with a lot of mud in their daily lives.

Space Requirements

The Italian Spinone breed thrives in countryside settings. These dogs are quite big and have fur that can trap a lot of water and dirt. They also tend to drool a lot. Ideally, an Italian Spinone would love to live in a spacious house with a secure yard and plenty of walking paths nearby.

Training

Training a Spinone dog is not something they seek out for fun; instead, they are motivated by their desire to make their owners happy. These dogs can be quite amusing and often have a playful side. If you approach their training with patience and adapt to their style, it can lead to a meaningful connection between you and your dog.

Grooming

The dog has a wise appearance thanks to its thick eyebrows, mustache, beard, and long hairs on its lips. This means you often need to clean the dog and check for any food or drool stuck in its fur. Its thick coat can trap a lot of mud and water, so it requires regular brushing and stripping to get rid of loose hairs.

Suitability for Family Life

Families that are active and live in the countryside, and who don’t mind some dirt, will appreciate having an Italian Spinone as a pet. However, this breed may not be ideal for families with very young kids or older adults due to their large size and gradual growth.

Did You know?

The Italian Spinone is often referred to as the "Clown of the Dog World" because of its silly nature and lively expressions.

Similar Breeds

Greyhound
Italian Greyhound

Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Large dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog