An easygoing, friendly and patient gundog that gets on well with people. It can be a little stubborn at times, but its gentle, dependable nature makes it a well-loved family dog.143
how to spot oneSpinone Italiano coat and colours
rough, wiry coat
A stiff, dense and fairly flat coat of about 4 to 6 cm with little or no undercoat, shorter on the head. Bushy eyebrows, a moustache and a beard give the breed its wise, almost human expression. Strong bones and a sturdy, square-ish frame.123
Colourswhitewhite with orange markingswhite with brown markingsorange roanbrown roan12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Spinone Italiano. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
per year, in your countryWhat a Spinone Italiano costs
Running costs for a Spinone Italiano, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Spinone Italiano legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Spinone Italiano in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksSpinone Italiano exercise needs
High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; it moves at a steady, ground-covering trot built for endurance rather than speed.3
the hands-on bitsSpinone Italiano grooming and care
Brushing more than once a week keeps the rough, shedding coat tidy.31
where they are happiestSpinone Italiano at home
A roomy house with a garden suits it best; it can live in town or country as long as it gets plenty of outdoor time.3
what goes in the bowlSpinone Italiano food and feeding
A balanced diet for a large, active sporting dog, matched to its workload.3
who they like aroundSpinone Italiano with people and other pets
A people-loving breed that does best as part of a busy family.43
where it all beganSpinone Italiano history
Rough-haired pointing dogs have lived in Italy since at least the Renaissance, and one appears in a 15th-century fresco by Andrea Mantegna. Numbers fell after the Second World War, and breed societies founded in 1949 and 1973 rebuilt it. Today it is a popular gundog and show dog in many countries.12
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
A dog resembling the Spinone appears in a 15th-century fresco by Andrea Mantegna.1
2
During the Second World War Italian partisans used Spinoni for tracking and for carrying supplies.2
3
Orange and white made up more than half of new Italian registrations between 2010 and 2018.2
4
Its coat has almost no undercoat, which is unusual for a wire-coated gundog.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed's name 'Spinone' is thought to derive from the Italian word 'spina' (thorn) or 'spinoso' (thorny), referring to its harsh, bristly coat and its ability to work in thorny undergrowth. The name is also linked to the Italian 'spinare' meaning 'to point'.4
I woke up this morning to the smell of fresh bread from the kitchen. My human laughed when I nudged her hand for a scratch behind the ears. We took a long, slow walk through the dewy fields, where I sniffed every clover and chased a lazy butterfly just for fun. At the park, I flopped down in the sun and let a toddler pat my shaggy head. Back home, I curled up on the cool tiles while my human read aloud. It was a perfect, easy day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 165, Group 7, Section 1.3 Continental Pointing Dogs, griffon type; standard dated 17.12.2015. Definitively accepted in 1955 per Wikipedia.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group as 'Italian Spinone'; not a vulnerable native breed.3
Choose low-fat, highly digestible treats and keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories. Feed treats separately from meals and avoid anything fatty or spicy to protect a sensitive stomach.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Spinone Italiano, and at what times?
Feed your Spinone at least two meals a day as an adult, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. A consistent schedule helps digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Check the food label and your vet for how much to give, since this active breed needs a balanced diet matched to its workload.35
What should a Spinone Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced diet for a large, active sporting dog is key, so choose a high-quality food suited to its energy needs. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and alcohol, these are especially risky for dogs. Always avoid human treats like avocado or macadamia nuts too.36
How often should I bathe a Spinone Italiano?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Spinone gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-washing to protect its natural coat oils.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Spinone Italiano need brushing?
Brush your Spinone's rough, shedding coat more than once a week to keep it tidy and reduce loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing; a thorough session at least every 7 days works well.31Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Spinone Italiano's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Take off a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Spinone Italiano need?
This steady, endurance-built breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily. Daily walks and play sessions are essential to keep it happy and healthy, just not at a frantic pace, as it moves at a ground-covering trot.3Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Spinone Italiano's teeth and ears?
Brush your Spinone's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. For its floppy ears, check and dry them weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Spinone Italiano live?
A Spinone Italiano typically lives between 10 and 12 years, with good care and regular vet checks. Enjoy many happy years with this gentle, sturdy companion.32
Is a Spinone Italiano good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Spinone is known for its easygoing, patient and friendly nature, making it a wonderful family dog. It gets on well with people and is generally dependable with children and other pets when properly socialised.43
Can a Spinone Italiano be left alone?
This people-loving breed thrives as part of a busy family and does best when not left alone for long periods. If you must leave it, start with short absences and build up, but it's happiest with company. For specific advice, ask your vet or breeder.43
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
German Wirehaired Pointer
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Bracco Italiano