fellfolioHunt, point and retrieve dog
Italian Spinone
The Italian Spinone is a strong Italian pointing dog with a coarse coat. It likes using its nose on long walks. Keep it on lead around wildlife until its recall is reliable.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 28 to 37 kg
- Lifespan
- over 10 years
- Activity
- Very high
- Grooming
- Several times weekly
- Training
- Often cooperative
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
A steady, tireless searcher
The Spinone Italiano was developed in Italy as a pointing dog: it searches for game by scent, stands still to indicate a find and retrieves shot game. The international kennel federation FCI describes a dog that can keep up a brisk trot, move through thorny cover and enter cold water. On a walk, a scent trail may therefore hold its interest longer than the path ahead.
Many Spinoni are sociable and patient at home. A dog that has had time to search and move outdoors is more likely to relax on returning home. Calm, clear handling suits this cooperative breed better than constant excitement.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA recommends ideally more than two hours of exercise a day for an adult Spinone. Split that across several outings and leave room for scent work. Hide a toy in longer grass, lay a short food trail or ask the dog to bring an object back after finding it. These tasks combine exercise with the patient searching that suits a Spinone.
A Spinone can keep trotting through rough ground, but stamina develops gradually. Where wildlife is present, practise recall on a long line first. PDSA also notes a tendency to gain weight, so count food used in search games as part of the daily ration. Age, weather and health determine how long and demanding each outing should be.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The dense, harsh topcoat is about 4 to 6 cm long over the body and has no undercoat. The PDSA recommends grooming at home two or three times a week, with occasional professional grooming if needed. Brush and comb through the coat so loose hair does not build up. The Spinone Club of America says removing dead hair helps preserve the coat’s characteristic texture; shaving or frequent clipping can soften the coat and make it harder to maintain.
Size, build and coat
FCI measurements are 60 to 70 cm at the withers and 32 to 37 kg for males, and 58 to 65 cm and 28 to 30 kg for females. The Spinone is large and strongly built, with a broad chest reaching to the elbows and strong back and hind legs. Viewed from the side, its body is almost as long as it is tall. The dense, coarse topcoat is 4 to 6 cm long over the body, lies fairly flat and has no undercoat. It is shorter on the muzzle; stiff hairs form the characteristic eyebrows, moustache and beard. Standard colours include white, white with orange or brown, and orange or brown roan.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health: what to know
When choosing a Spinone puppy, first ask for both parents’ written hip and elbow results and recent eye examinations. Poorly developed joints can later become painful and arthritic, while eyelid problems may irritate the eye. The Spinone Club of America lists these three checks as the minimum for its health certification. Also ask about persistent lameness, seizures, thyroid conditions and skin problems in close relatives.
A young Spinone that becomes markedly lame without an obvious injury needs a vet check; PDSA lists panosteitis, a painful bone condition, among possible causes. Unproductive retching, marked restlessness or a rapidly swollen abdomen are different: they may signal gastric dilatation-volvulus, in which the stomach swells and twists. Call an emergency vet and set off immediately.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You enjoy long walks and want scent work or retrieving to be part of your routine.
- You want a strong, generally patient dog and can keep up with regular coat care.
May be less suitable if …
- You want a dog content with short walks and little to do.
- You cannot safely handle a large, powerful dog outdoors or give it enough exercise.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
Herding dog
Beauceron
The Beauceron once herded and guarded flocks in France. This large, quick dog needs long outings and early practice with leads, visitors and life around children.
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The Malinois learns quickly, moves tirelessly and notices small changes around it. It suits people who can make daily time for training and calm guidance.
Flemish cattle and farm dog
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful dog with a rough coat, a substantial beard and a long history of helping on Flemish farms. Many are closely attached to their families and watch their surroundings attentively. Shared exercise, useful activities and thorough grooming belong in its daily routine. Its strength should be considered from the outset when training and arranging the home.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Grooming the Spinone coat
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- Health: Spinone Italiano
Used in this profile for: Health
- FCI Standard No. 165: Spinone Italiano
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size, build and coat, Could this breed fit your life?
- Spinone Italiano: Rasselexikon
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Size, build and coat
- Italian Spinone · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Italian something hound? · Caroline Granycome · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Edited
Side view · Spinone italiano Oliver · Ron and Pat Rosinski / Timberdoodle Kennels; later image edit by Craig Pemberton · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Edited
In action · Gabby!! · Camera Eye Photography · CC BY 2.0 · Edited
Puppy · 88:365 Gabbie · Camera Eye Photography · CC BY 2.0 · Edited