Spinone Italiano

also known as Italian Spinone, Italian Coarsehaired Pointer, Italian Griffon, Spinone, Italian Wire-Haired Pointer

Pros History


The Spinone Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointer, is a large and sturdy hunting breed that originated in Italy. The breed has a long history dating back to ancient Rome, where it was used for hunting a variety of game, including birds, boar, and even large mammals.

The breed's name "Spinone" comes from the word "spina" which means thorn, referring to the breed's thick and rough coat that protected them from the thorny underbrush while hunting. The breed's exact origins are not known, but it is believed that it was developed by crossing various European hunting breeds, such as the Spanish Pointer, the French Braque, and the German Wirehaired Pointer.

The Spinone Italiano was first recognized by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) in 1894, and later by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1948. The breed was first imported to the United States in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that it gained popularity. The Spinone Club of America was founded in 1971 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2000.

Breed Information


Type

Is Spinone Italiano a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Spinone Italianos originally used for?

pointing and retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do Spinone Italianos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Spinone Italiano? How long can Spinone Italianos live?

12-14 years

The average Spinone Italiano lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Spinone Italiano Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Spinone Italiano?

What is the average height of a Spinone Italiano? How big is a Purebred Spinone Italiano height? Spinone Italiano dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-27 inches (58.4 - 68.6 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
Female 22-25 inches (55.9 - 63.5 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm)
What is the average weight of a Spinone Italiano? How much should Spinone Italianos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 70-84 pounds (32 - 38 kg) 57.5 pounds (26 kg) 67.5 pounds (31 kg) 77.0 pounds (35 kg)
Female 62-70 pounds (28 - 32 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 66.0 pounds (30 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Spinone Italianos get fat easily?

The Spinone Italiano is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Spinone Italianos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Spinone Italiano is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Spinone Italiano personality? What are Spinone Italiano dogs best known for?

Friendly
Affectionate
Gentle
Loyal
Docile
Patient

Shedding Level

Are Spinone Italianos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Spinone Italiano Shed?

Spinone Italiano will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Spinone Italiano dog?

The Spinone Italiano dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Spinone Italianos come from?

Italy

Ancestry

What are Spinone Italianos descended from?

italian rough-haired dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Spinone Italiano breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Spinone Italianos first bred? How old is the Spinone Italiano breed?

ancient times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Spinone Italiano?

Sporting (AKC:2000)
Gun Dog Breeds (UKC)

Spinone Italiano Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Spinone Italiano eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Spinone Italiano nose be naturally?

Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Spinone Italiano coat be naturally?

Brown
Isabella
Fawn
White
Pied

Coat Length

How long is a Spinone Italianos coat?

The coat of a Spinone Italiano falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Spinone Italiano Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Spinone Italiano?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Spinone Italiano have in a litter? How many puppies can a Spinone Italiano have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Spinone Italiano can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Spinone Italiano dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Spinone Italiano Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Spinone Italianos have a lot of health problems?

The Spinone Italiano is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Spinone Italiano?

Bloat
Ataxia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Spinone Italianos?

Otitis Externa
Ectropion
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Spinone Italiano breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Spinone Italiano Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Spinone Italianos have a lot of energy?

Spinone Italianos are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Spinone Italianos need socialization? How social are Spinone Italianos?

Spinone Italiano have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Spinone Italianos get?

The Spinone Italiano dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Spinone Italiano have? Do Spinone Italianos sleep a lot?

Spinone Italianos dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Spinone Italiano drool a lot?

The Spinone Italiano is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Spinone Italiano dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Spinone Italianos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Spinone Italiano dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Spinone Italianos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Spinone Italiano running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Spinone Italiano dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Spinone Italiano? How much energy does a Spinone Italiano have?

Low

Spinone Italianos are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Spinone Italiano dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Spinone Italiano walk each week? How many miles should a Spinone Italiano walk every week?

5 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Spinone Italiano, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Spinone Italiano should exercise a day? How much activity does a Spinone Italiano need?

45 minutes

In general most Spinone Italianos usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Spinone Italiano?

The Spinone Italiano is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Spinone Italianos?

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Spinone Italiano eat?

3 cups

For an average 70-84 pound (32 - 38 kg) Spinone Italiano feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Spinone Italiano Cost Daily?

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of a Spinone Italiano is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Spinone Italiano Cost Per Month?

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of a Spinone Italiano is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Spinone Italiano Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Spinone Italiano?

The Spinone Italiano have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Spinone Italianos lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Spinone Italiano dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Spinone Italiano dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Spinone Italiano do well in apartments? Are Spinone Italianos good indoor dogs?

Spinone Italianos are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Spinone Italianos good with kids? Are Spinone Italianos good around children?

A Spinone Italianos typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Spinone Italianos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Spinone Italianos good with cats? How friendly Spinone Italianos are toward cats?

Spinone Italianos are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Spinone Italiano dogs get along with other dogs? Are Spinone Italianos OK with other dogs?

Spinone Italianos are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Spinone Italiano dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Spinone Italianos friendly with strangers?

Spinone Italianos are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Spinone Italianos like to play? Are Spinone Italianos playful?

Spinone Italianos have an average level of playfulness. The Spinone Italianos, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Spinone Italiano easily trained?

Spinone Italiano dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Minimal to no shedding
    Little to no shedding is a common trait among Spinone Italiano dogs.
  • Excellent hunting dog
    Spinone Italianos are excellent hunting dogs, skilled at tracking, pointing, and retrieving game.
  • Quiet
    This breed is known for being relatively quiet, making it a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful pet.
  • Good with children
    Spinone Italianos are known to be good with children and make great family pets.

Cons

  • High energy
    Spinone Italianos have a lot of energy and require regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Spinone Italianos are not typically recommended for office environments.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Spinone Italianos may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Droopy ears
    Spinone Italianos have droopy ears that are prone to infection if not cleaned regularly.