Italian Spinone: Complete Breed Description & Care Guide

The Italian Spinone, or Spinone Italiano, is a versatile and ancient Italian dog breed known for its hunting prowess and affectionate nature. Originally bred as a gun dog, this robust breed's history can be traced back to around 500 BC, making it one of the most ancient breeds still in use today. While traditionally used for hunting, retrieving, and pointing, the Spinone is equally at home as a loyal companion and family pet.

The Spinone is adaptable, intelligent, and continues to prove itself in various roles, including assistance work and therapy, as well as excelling as a companion animal. This guide explores the physical attributes, temperament, training considerations, and care tips to help both current and prospective owners understand this remarkable breed.

The Appearance of the Italian Spinone

The Italian Spinone has a distinctively square outline, with the length of its body approximately equal to its height at the withers. Its solid, muscular build, supported by sturdy legs, equips it for traversing diverse and challenging terrain. It shares some similarities with the German Wirehaired Pointer but has a longer head and notably prominent occipital lobes.

The breed’s expressive face, often described as "almost human" by enthusiasts, features long, stiff eyebrows, a beard, and a moustache. Unlike many breeds, the Spinone does not possess an undercoat, and its wiry, rough coat lies close to the skin. The coat is medium length on the body and slightly shorter on the legs, feet, and head.

In the UK, the Spinone's tail is expected to be natural and full length, as tail docking is not permitted, although in some countries it may be docked to half its length. One notable feature is the breed’s disproportionately large, webbed paws, making it a powerful swimmer—a trait essential for retrieving game from water.

Colour varieties for the Italian Spinone include:

• All white
• White with orange markings
• Orange roan with or without orange points
• White with brown markings
• Brown roan with or without brown points

Pigmentation on white dogs tends to be an orange-red shade on lips, nose, skin, and paw pads, with darker tones on predominantly orange or brown dogs.

Size and Build

Classified as a large breed, males can stand up to 70 cm (28 inches) tall at the withers and weigh up to 39 kg (86 lbs). Females tend to be slightly smaller but equally well-proportioned and muscular, presenting a stocky, square appearance in balanced proportion.

Temperament and Personality

The Italian Spinone is celebrated for its gentle, affectionate, and patient nature. Its laid-back temperament associates well with families, showing tolerance and liking for children of all ages. They are friendly both to their family and strangers, rarely showing aggression, solidifying their reputation as one of the kindest dog breeds.

While they are active dogs requiring regular exercise, they are not hyperactive or prone to running off. Their comfortable gait is a relaxed trot, making them excellent companions for jogging or long walks. The Spinone benefits from two daily walks lasting one to two hours and mental stimulation through puzzle games and interactive play.

Owners should note the breed’s tendency to slobber due to its prominent lips, which can cause messiness, especially after eating or drinking, but otherwise, they are clean and neat indoors.

Training and Care Considerations

The Spinone is intelligent and responsive to training, capable of learning a wide variety of commands. However, a degree of stubbornness can show when the dog doesn’t understand the purpose of a task, so patience and positive reinforcement methods are crucial. Early socialisation and consistent training will yield the best results and help maintain the dog’s friendly nature.

Exercise is essential to meet the breed’s energy needs and prevent behavioural problems. Due to their working heritage, they also benefit from activities that challenge their minds and engage their natural hunting instincts.

Grooming is straightforward; the wiry coat requires regular but not excessive attention to avoid the development of a silky texture, which is considered a breed fault. The webbed paws and swimming prowess mean that Spinones often enjoy water activities, which are excellent sources of exercise and engagement.

Health and Lifespan

The average lifespan of an Italian Spinone is approximately 10 to 12 years. They are generally a healthy breed but are predisposed to some hereditary conditions, including hip dysplasia, cerebellar abiotrophy, and idiopathic epilepsy. Responsible breeding practices are essential to reduce these risks, and regular veterinary check-ups are advised to maintain good health.

Where to Find an Italian Spinone Puppy

If you are considering adding an Italian Spinone to your family, it is vital to find a reputable breeder who prioritises health, temperament, and responsible breeding standards. The Italian Spinone puppies marketplace offers listings for puppies from trusted breeders, allowing prospective owners to locate healthy puppies with pedigrees and proper socialisation.

Conclusion

The Italian Spinone is an extraordinary breed that blends rugged hunting ability with gentle companionship. Its unique wiry coat, expressive face, patient temperament, and adaptability make it a perfect choice for active families and hunting enthusiasts alike. With proper training, care, and socialisation, a Spinone Italiano will be a loyal and loving member of your household for over a decade.

Choosing the right breeder and understanding the breed’s needs is essential to responsible pet ownership, ensuring a fulfilling relationship with this versatile and admirable dog.