SpinoneItaliani are not the delicious Italian dessert that accompanies your post-dinner espresso. (That's spumoni.) They're muscular, powerful Italian pointers, built for endurance rather than speed. These dogs were some of the earliest to be bred to point. Their name probably comes from “pino,” a thorn bush that grows in Italy; SpinoneItaliani have tough skins and can flush game from these bushes. This breed is also known for their unusual yellow-brown eyes.
Originally from — you guessed it — Italy, this medium-sized and medium-energy breed can grow to between 62-82 pounds and lives an average of 10-12 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Sporting group.
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Retrieving |
| Origin | Italy |
| Breed group | Sporting |
| Average lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Size | Large |
| Bark factor | Moderate |
| AKC Ranking | 119 |
| Family | Gundog, pointer |
| Date of origin | 1800s |
| Original function | Pointing and retrieving |
| Today's function | Pointing and retrieving |
| Average size of male | Height: 22.5-24.5 Weight: 65-80 |
| Average size of female | Height: 21.5-23.5 Weight: 55-70 |
| Other name | Italian spinone |
| Energy level | Medium energy |
| Exercise needs | Medium |
| Playfullness | Moderately playful |
| Affection level | Very affectionate |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Very friendly |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Very friendly |
| Ease of training | Hard to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Not very protective |
| Grooming needs | Low maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS A SPINONE ITALIANO'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
Patient, docile, and sociable, SpinoniItaliani are real characters. They're very affectionate and can be playful, but they'll do better playing with supervised kids and other dogs. This is a charming, eccentric breed who will be most comfortable with school-age children or older.
WHAT IS SPINONE ITALIANO BEHAVIOR LIKE?
This is not a particularly active breed. While they'll appreciate the sights and smells of a daily walk, they won't drag you to the dog park for hours every day. SpinoniItaliani are content with a shortish jog or an extended romp in the backyard. They like to dig and jump, so be sure your fence is sturdy and high.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A SPINONE ITALIANO?
SpinoniItaliani are a biddable breed that respond well to training. They can have a touch of stubbornness about them and can be slow to housetrain. Early, consistent socialization and lessons are the key to making your SpinoneItaliano a model canine citizen. It'll also help her get past her natural timidity and discourage destructive behaviors.
This breed excels in flyball, agility, obedience, and rally.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO SPINONE ITALIANI SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
SpinoniItaliani are seasonal shedders who require occasional grooming. Plan to brush yours once a week. If you want to keep that “ruff-and-ready” natural look, this dog will also need periodic hand-stripping. You might want to wipe down their drippy beards after they've had a drink, too.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO SPINONE ITALIANI HAVE?
As a breed, SpinoniItaliani are generally healthy. Some are susceptible to eye disease or elbow or hip dysplasia.
