Italian Spinone
The Italian Spinone is one of Europe's oldest pointing breeds, with a heritage reaching back through the centuries to the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
Developed as a versatile gundog, this remarkable breed was prized for hunting across challenging terrain, from rough highlands to dense scrub, thanks to its methodical approach, exceptional sense of smell, and willingness to retrieve from both water and land.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
10-13yrs
Lifespan
About the Italian Spinone
Today, the Spinone remains a distinguished member of the Gundog group, standing 51–61 centimetres tall and weighing 25–34 kilograms with a solidly built frame. The breed's most recognisable feature is its distinctive rough, wiry coat in white, white with orange or brown markings, or roan, paired with a characterful beard, moustache, and prominent eyebrows that give it a wise, good-humoured expression. Temperamentally, the Italian Spinone is gentle, patient, and deeply sociable, typically forming warm bonds with family members and showing excellent tolerance towards children and other animals. Intelligent yet independent-minded, the breed responds well to patient, positive training methods. With moderate energy levels and a calm demeanor, the Spinone adapts reasonably well to family life, though it does require regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Italian Spinone at a Glance
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–13 years
- Coat
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Italian Spinone Lifestyle
The Italian Spinone really benefits from having plenty of space indoors and is ideally suited to a home with a big garden. They are equally happy in town or country.
Dog Food for Italian Spinone
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Italian Spinone
Italian Spinone Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Italian Spinone weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Italian Spinone Characteristics
The Italian Spinone is built for activity and needs owners who can keep up and is a quick learner and a pleasure to train. They are well known for being gentle and patient with young children, but don't need constant company, though they do enjoy being around people. The coat doesn't need daily attention but benefits from regular grooming and produces a reasonable amount of loose hair. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Italian Spinone Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loyal and deeply affectionate, they make wonderful and devoted family dogs
- Their coarse, low-shedding coat only needs moderate upkeep
- Highly trainable and genuinely eager to please
- Adapts well to active lifestyles, particularly with access to a large secure garden
Cons
- Known to snore and drool, which some owners find more endearing than others
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone too frequently
- Sensitive to harsh correction, responding far better to calm and positive methods
- A strong prey drive means supervision around smaller animals is always wise
