Spinone Italiano
Also known as: Italian Spinone, Italian Griffon, Spinone
Energy Level
Apartment Friendly
Weight (Male)
61–85 lbs
Height (Male)
23–27 inches
Quick Facts
Coat Colors
Breed Summary
The Spinone Italiano is an ancient Italian gun dog with a gentle, patient temperament and distinctive wiry coat. Known for their calm, docile nature and human-like expression, they are versatile hunters and devoted family companions.
History
One of the oldest pointing breeds, dating back to 500 BC in Italy's Piedmont region. Used for hunting on all types of terrain, they work at a slower, more methodical pace than other pointers, thoroughly covering ground.
Appearance
Large and solidly built with a rough, wiry coat and distinctive facial furnishings including bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard. Their soft, almost human-like expression is one of their most appealing features.
Temperament
Patient, gentle, and sociable with an almost human-like expression of understanding. Spinoni are calm, easygoing dogs that approach life at their own pace.
Personality Around Others
Extremely friendly with everyone. They are gentle with children, welcoming to strangers, and get along well with other dogs. One of the most sociable sporting breeds.
Exercise Needs
Moderate exercise needs. About 45–60 minutes of daily activity. They prefer a leisurely pace and enjoy walks, swimming, and exploring.
Training
Intelligent but can be stubborn. They learn at their own deliberate pace. Patient, positive methods work best. Rushing them is counterproductive.
Grooming
Moderate grooming. Brush weekly. Hand-strip the wiry coat occasionally. Clean facial furnishings after meals. Regular ear care.
Health
Common Health Conditions
Generally healthy but bloat is a concern due to their deep chest. Cerebellar ataxia is a breed-specific neurological condition. DNA testing is available.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Cerebellar Ataxia DNA Test
Average Annual Vet Cost
$400–$900
Nutrition
High-quality food for large breeds. About 2–3 cups daily in two meals. Use slow feeders to reduce bloat risk.
Living Environment
Adaptable to various settings with moderate exercise. They can do well in larger apartments. Their calm nature makes them pleasant housemates.
Ideal Family
Excellent for families seeking a calm, gentle large dog. Great with children. Ideal for less intense sporting dog owners.
Intelligence
Intelligent but deliberate in their approach. They think things through before acting, which can be mistaken for stubbornness.
Barking
Frequency
Alert
Separation
Quiet Indoors
Generally quiet dogs. They are not prone to excessive barking. Their calm nature extends to their vocal habits.
Shedding
Year-Round
Seasonal
Vacuum Factor 🧹
Hypoallergenic
Low to moderate shedding. Their wiry coat traps loose hair. Regular brushing keeps shedding manageable.
Weather Tolerance
☀️
Heat
❄️
Cold
🌧️
Rain
🌨️
Snow
💧
Humidity
Breed Ratings
Fun Facts
Spinoni are one of the oldest pointing breeds, with origins dating back to 500 BC.
Their name may derive from "spino," an Italian thorny bush they could work through.
They trot rather than gallop in the field, covering ground methodically.
Their human-like expression makes them one of the most photogenic breeds.
Italian hunters prize them for their ability to work in difficult terrain.
Famous Dogs
Dorina
Award-winning Spinone that helped introduce the breed to America
Giorgio
Famous Italian hunting Spinone featured in sporting publications
Common Myths
"Spinoni are lazy dogs."
They work at a deliberate pace but have excellent stamina. They can hunt all day — they just do it at their own measured speed.
"Their coat is hard to maintain."
Despite looking rough, the Spinone coat is relatively easy to care for with weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Spinoni good family dogs?
Excellent family dogs. Their gentle, patient nature and love of people make them wonderful companions, especially for families with children.
Do they drool?
Some Spinoni drool, especially after eating or drinking. Their loose lips can contribute to some messiness, but it varies by individual.
Puppy Guide
Spinone puppies are gentle and easygoing. Start training early with positive methods. Socialize well. Don't rush their natural pace.
Senior Care
Senior Spinoni may develop joint issues due to their size. Maintain moderate exercise. Provide comfortable bedding. Monitor for bloat.
Ownership Costs
Estimated Lifetime Cost
$16,000–$26,000
Pros and Cons
Pros
Gentle, patient temperament
Great with children and other pets
Calm, easygoing nature
Moderate exercise needs
Unique, appealing appearance
Cons
Can be stubborn at their own pace
Some drooling
Bloat risk
Rare breed
Slow to respond to commands