Spinone Italiano
A shaggy, soulful Italian pointing gundog known for its gentle, easy-going nature. Patient and sociable, an affectionate family companion that is calmer than many gundogs but still loves outdoor activity.
Spinone Italiano scorecard
Overview
The Spinone Italiano is a large, shaggy Italian pointing gundog, instantly recognisable by its dense wiry coat, bushy eyebrows and soft beard, and its famously gentle, soulful expression. 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, and it remains a capable all-round gundog as well as a much-loved companion.
What sets the Spinone apart from many sporting breeds is its easy-going, patient nature. It is one of the calmer gundogs around the home, sociable and affectionate, and it is widely regarded as an excellent family dog that tends to be especially good with children. That said, it is still a working breed that needs proper exercise, and its wiry coat and tendency to be a little messy around food and water are part of the package.
Good to know — a Spinone Italiano needs plenty of space and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Save the Spinone Italiano guide
Thinking about a Spinone Italiano? Pop your email in and we’ll send this guide so you can come back to it any time — handy while you compare breeds.
Popular searches for the Spinone Italiano
History & origins
The Spinone is one of Italy's oldest native gundog breeds, with a long history as a versatile hunting dog used to find, point and retrieve game over difficult ground. Its name is often linked to the thorny scrub (pino or spino) through which it would work, its tough, weather-resistant coat protecting it from the undergrowth. The breed was developed and refined over many generations by Italian hunters who valued a steady, methodical worker.
The Spinone Italiano is recognised by The Kennel Club in the UK, where it sits in the Gundog Group, and internationally by the FCI. It has a dedicated following among gundog enthusiasts and pet owners alike, though it remains far less numerous than mainstream gundog breeds such as the Labrador or Springer Spaniel.
Temperament & family fit
The Spinone is celebrated for its mild, affectionate and sociable temperament. It tends to be friendly with people, tolerant and patient with children, and generally amiable with other dogs, which makes it a relaxed presence in a busy family home. It forms close bonds with its people and can be quite sensitive, preferring gentle handling and plenty of companionship to long stretches of being left alone.
While devoted and biddable, the breed can also be a touch stubborn and is famously slow to mature, retaining a playful, puppyish outlook well into adulthood. This combination of gentleness and gentle wilfulness means owners need patience and good humour. The Spinone is not typically a guard dog by temperament, though it will usually alert to visitors.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
The Spinone is intelligent and willing but has a sensitive, sometimes stubborn streak, so training works best when it is calm, positive and reward-based, with plenty of consistency and encouragement. Harsh methods are counterproductive with such a soft-natured breed. Because it matures slowly, owners should be prepared for training to take time and to keep sessions engaging and fun.
Early socialisation and basic obedience help a Spinone puppy grow into a well-mannered adult, and as a hunting breed it benefits from recall training and outlets for its natural scenting and retrieving instincts. Many owners enjoy involving the breed in gundog work, scent activities or steady walks where it can use its nose.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Spinone Italiano typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Spinone's single, wiry coat is relatively low-maintenance compared with some breeds but still needs regular attention: weekly brushing or combing to remove dead hair and prevent matting, with the coat traditionally hand-stripped to maintain its texture. The characteristic beard and facial furnishings trap water, food and dirt, so the face often needs wiping, and the breed is known for dribbling water around the house after a drink. Ears, nails and teeth should be checked and cared for routinely.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Spinone Italiano
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age and activity level, with care taken during the breed's long growth period to support healthy development without encouraging excessive growth. Portion control matters, as a calm adult Spinone can gain weight if overfed, and excess weight burdens the joints. As a deep-chested large breed, sensible feeding routines — measured meals and avoiding vigorous exercise straight after eating — are a reasonable precaution against bloat.
A large breed
An adult Spinone Italiano typically weighs 28–39 kg, so a healthy Spinone Italiano eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 10–12 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Spinone Italiano weigh?
Adult 28–39 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.2–4.5 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5.2–7.2 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 10.4–14.5 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 20.8–29 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 28–39 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Spinone Italiano
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Spinone Italiano's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Spinone Italiano health & costs
Before bringing a Spinone Italiano home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Spinone is generally a robust breed with a typical lifespan of around 10–12 years, but as a large, deep-chested dog it shares some of the health considerations of similar breeds, and responsible breeders health-test their stock. The main concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, an elevated risk of bloat owing to its build, and certain inherited conditions that breed clubs monitor.
Prospective owners should ask breeders about hip and elbow scoring and any relevant eye or neurological testing, and should buy from breeders following Kennel Club and breed-club recommendations. Maintaining a healthy weight, sensible exercise during growth, good dental care and awareness of the signs of bloat are all valuable. The breed's facial folds and beard also mean routine attention to skin and ears is worthwhile.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — an inherited hip joint malformation that can cause pain and arthritis; hip scoring of breeding dogs is advised.
- Elbow dysplasia — developmental elbow disease that can lead to lameness, more common in larger breeds.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening twisting of the stomach to which deep-chested breeds are prone; requires emergency treatment.
- Cerebellar ataxia — an inherited neurological condition recognised in the breed, for which DNA screening is used by responsible breeders.
- Ear infections — the long, pendulous ears can trap moisture and need regular checking and cleaning.
- Eyelid problems (ectropion/entropion) — eyelid abnormalities that can irritate the eye and may need veterinary attention.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Spinone Italiano; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Spinone Italiano puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Spinone Italiano
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Exceptionally gentle and family-friendly
- Sociable, biddable and calm at home
Things to consider
- Wiry beard and coat trap dirt and drool
- Can be slow to mature and a touch stubborn
Compare the Spinone Italiano
See how the Spinone Italiano measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Spinone Italiano
Same breed group
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Similar temperament
Stabyhoun
A rare Dutch all-round farm and gundog from Friesland. Gentle, patient and devoted, an even-tempered family dog that is calmer than many sporting breeds yet still enjoys activity and tracking.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle giant — calm, affectionate and wonderful with families, if you have the space and a big heart.
Cavapoo
One of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds (Cavalier × Poodle) — affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding.
Similar size, different type
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
Rottweiler
A powerful, confident guardian that’s calm and devoted in the right hands — but needs an experienced owner.
Is the Spinone Italiano your breed?
Create your pet profile and get personalised food, toy, insurance and health recommendations — tailored to your dog.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a 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.
Do Spinone Italiano dogs shed?
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.
Are Spinone Italianos good family dogs?
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.
What colours does the Spinone Italiano come in?
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.
How much exercise does a Spinone need?
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.
What health issues affect the Spinone Italiano?
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.
Is the Spinone Italiano easy to train?
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.
Why does my Spinone make a mess around the water bowl?
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.
Are Spinone Italianos good with children?
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.
How much exercise does a Spinone Italiano need?
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.
Do Spinone Italianos shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Spinone Italianos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
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.
Do Spinone Italianos bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Spinone Italianos good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Spinone Italianos suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Spinone Italiano really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Spinone Italiano breed information and Gundog Group resources: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/gundog/spinone-italiano/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Spinone Italiano breed standard: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/ITALIAN-SPINONE-165.html
- PDSA — dog health and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — dog ownership and welfare advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) — research on bloat and large-breed health: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/
Recommended for your Spinone Italiano
Matched to a Spinone Italiano's size and their typical need for no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed, joint & mobility support.
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Bugalugs Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats – 50ml
A natural, UK-made hemp seed oil supplement rich in Omega-3, -6, and -9 to support calmness, joint mobility, and a healthy, glossy coat.
£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
Got a Spinone Italiano? Save them to a pet profile for tailored picks across the whole site.
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.