Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is a large gundog, standing roughly 59–70 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 28–39 kg. It is a substantial, sturdily built dog developed to hunt, point and retrieve across all kinds of terrain, including marshland, with a dense wiry coat, bushy eyebrows and a soft beard giving it its distinctive look.

The Spinone has a single, wiry coat that is relatively low-maintenance compared with some breeds, and it is not a heavy shedder. However, low-shedding does not mean no care: the coat needs weekly brushing or combing and is traditionally hand-stripped to keep its correct texture, while the beard and facial furnishings need regular wiping.

Yes. The Spinone is celebrated for its mild, affectionate and sociable temperament, tending to be friendly with people, tolerant and patient with children, and generally amiable with other dogs. It is one of the calmer gundogs around the home. It forms close bonds and can be quite sensitive, preferring companionship to long stretches of being left alone.

The Spinone is seen in several recognised colours, including white, white and orange, and brown roan or white with brown markings. Its dense, wiry coat and soft beard give it a characteristic shaggy appearance regardless of colour. For the exact accepted colours, the Kennel Club breed standard is the definitive reference.

The Spinone needs a good amount of daily exercise to stay fit and content, more than its laid-back manner might suggest, typically long walks plus the chance to explore, sniff and move freely. It is not frantic or hyperactive but has genuine working stamina. As a large, slow-maturing breed, exercise for growing puppies should be sensible and not over-strenuous.

Generally robust with a lifespan of around 10–12 years, but as a large, deep-chested dog it shares some related concerns: hip and elbow dysplasia, an elevated risk of bloat, and certain inherited conditions breed clubs monitor. Ask breeders about hip and elbow scoring and relevant eye or neurological testing, and watch weight, growth-stage exercise and signs of bloat.

The Spinone is intelligent and willing but has a sensitive, sometimes stubborn streak, so training works best when calm, positive and reward-based, with plenty of consistency. Harsh methods are counterproductive. Because it matures slowly, owners should expect training to take time and keep sessions engaging and fun, with early socialisation and recall as priorities.

It comes with the territory. The Spinone's characteristic beard and facial furnishings trap water, food and dirt, and the breed is well known for dribbling water around the house after a drink. Regular face-wiping helps keep things tidy, but a beard that drips is simply part of owning this endearing, shaggy gundog.

Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Spinone Italianos tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Spinone Italiano needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

Good for first-time owners. Spinone Italianos are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Spinone Italiano really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.