Spinone Italianos: A guide to dogs and puppies of the Spinone Italiano breed

The Spinone Italiano!

The Spinone Italiano, also known as the Italian Spinone or Italian Coarse-haired pointer, is a hunting breed that is noted for its gentle mouth – a good characteristic for hunting companions, as it allows for retrieving hunting targets still intact. It has a moderately long muzzle and head, and big hanging ears. Endowed with a strong built, this dog is quite agile and able to retrieve on land and water. Its single coat, which consists of dry, coarse, dense hair that is about 1.5-2.5 inches long, allows the Spinone to hunt in any type of weather. Longer hair on the eyebrows and around the lips gives additional protection.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12-14 years

Energy Level:
Average.

Living Conditions:
Indoor/Outdoor. Needs company..

Barking:
Lower than average

Exercise Needs:
Daily long walks or short jogs and yard play.

Breed Group:
Sporting

Size:
Large

Height:
22.5 to 27.5 inches

Weight:
61 to 85 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
Pure white, white and orange, white and brown, roan, and chestnut brown.

National breed club:
Spinone Club of America

Spinone Italiano Skills

The Spinone, one of the first few breeds developed as pointing dogs, remains skilled at hunting to this day. It is known for its ability to make its way through thorny shrub to find and retrieve game.

Spinone Italiano Personality

Although the breed has been observed to be stubborn at times, the Spinone Italiano has a great personality and a mild temperament. It needs a good amount of guidance and training to bring out its great potential as a hunting companion. It is, however, a devoted and agreeable dog that is rarely noisy, and usually gets along with children, other dogs, and even other pets.

Exercise Needs

Being a fairly energetic breed, the Spinone Italiano needs regular workouts, which may involve daily walks and frequent play. One may find the Spinone to be a good jogging companion, as it moves more carefully than most dogs in its breed group, and behaves quite well around other people and their pets.

Living Conditions

This breed enjoys spending time with people, and it may also be expected to do well living outdoors in moderate to cool weather. It can be happy living in a small yard with a secure fence, provided that it is regularly taken out for walks and more rigorous exercise.

Grooming Requirements

The coat of the Spinone requires brushing on a weekly basis. Baths may be given occasionally or as necessary. Pulling out dead hair instead of cutting works well to tidy up its coat, particularly in areas such as the face and limbs.

Health Issues

Canine hip dysplasia is a foremost health concern for the Spinone. Other possible defects include drooping eyelids, abnormal gait, bloating, and ear infection.

If you liked this dog…

… but are looking for a breed that needs lesser coat upkeep, try a Pointer. You may find the same superior hunting skills, physical agility and friendly nature in this breed, plus its low maintenance coat makes upkeep a little easier.