Sporting group

Spinone Italiano

A gentle, whiskered Italian gundog — patient, easygoing and devoted.

Spinoni are large, versatile hunting dogs with a wiry coat, soulful eyes and a famously calm, affectionate temperament. They work at a steady trot and make gentle family companions.

Height
22–27 in56–69 cm
Weight
62–86 lb28–39 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Size
Large
Group
Sporting
Origin
Italy

Coat: Wiry, dense coat with bushy eyebrows and beard. Colours: White, White and orange, Orange roan, White and brown, Brown roan.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency3.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Spinoni are patient, docile and sociable. They are usually excellent with children and other dogs and like to be close to their people.

They can be stubborn and are sensitive to harsh correction. Spinoni are not built for speed; they hunt methodically. Expect some drool and a love of comfort.

Living with a Spinone Italiano

Exercise

About an hour of daily exercise, with long walks and sniffing time. They prefer steady activity over sprints.

Grooming

Brush weekly and hand-strip occasionally. Wipe the beard after meals and drinking.

Training

Gentle, patient training works best; they shut down with harsh methods.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other pets — patient, tolerant and gentle. Their size means supervision around toddlers is still wise.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time after exercise, but Spinoni are companion dogs and are happiest with their people nearby.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Spinone Italiano right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Spinone Italiano matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Spinone Italiano typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Common in the breed; screened parents help reduce the risk.

  • Cerebellar ataxia

    An inherited neurological disease in puppies; a DNA test identifies carriers.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested breed at risk; feed smaller meals.

  • Eyelid problems

    Entropion and ectropion occur and may need surgery.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for cerebellar ataxia

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Spinone Italiano; Spinone Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The Spinone is one of the oldest pointing breeds, developed in the Piedmont region of Italy. The name may come from “pino”, a thorny bush the dog could push through thanks to its tough coat.

The breed declined after WWII but was revived by Italian enthusiasts. The AKC recognised the Spinone Italiano in 2000.

Did you know?

  • Spinoni hunt at a fast trot rather than a gallop.
  • The name may come from “pino”, a thorny Italian bush.
  • Spinoni have soft, almost human-like eyes that are a breed hallmark.

Library guides for Spinone Italiano owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Spinoni good family dogs?
Yes — they are gentle, patient and great with children.
Do Spinoni drool?
Some do, especially after drinking.
Do Spinoni shed?
Lightly to moderately. Their wiry coat is fairly low-maintenance.