Spinone Italiano Breed Info: Pictures, Puppies, Traits & Facts

You may not have heard of the Spinone Italiano or Italian Spinone, but they are a dog worth knowing. Their wiry coat and laid-back demeanor make them an excellent choice for a family with kids. They are patient and will tolerate plenty of activity without getting overexcited. That’s saying nothing about how cute this pooch is.

Breed Overview

The Spinone Italiano has a history that goes back to the ancient Greeks. Their original purpose was hunting, hence, their name refers to the thorny vegetation they traversed, thanks to their wiry coat. Like many European breeds, this one almost became extinct because of the devastation of World War II. Enthusiasts kept the line alive so that we can enjoy this lovable canine today.

Spinone Italiano Characteristics

Spinone Italiano Puppy

There isn’t much not to like about the Spinone Italiano. They are sweet dogs that will make an excellent pet and faithful hunting companion for upland game. Because of the breed’s history and historical use, they have a keen prey drive and will chase whatever runs from them. They also have a bit of a stubborn streak that you must rein in early.

The Spinone Italiano is an affectionate dog with a calm disposition. They aren't yippy and aren’t prone to nipping, either. There are a few health issues with this breed. A reputable breeder will screen for them. Nevertheless, the pup has an average lifespan for a canine of its size. They are a pet that will do well inside or outside of the house.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano has the ideal combination of intelligence and temperament to make an excellent hunting dog. Their style is that of a pointer. Unlike many of this type, they are calm and well-mannered on and off the field. They only bark when it’s appropriate and are not given to wanderlust. After all, they love their family and would prefer to stay on the homefront.

Are Spinone Italianos Good for Families?

The Spinone Italiano has many of the traits that are desirable for a family pet. They are quite sociable with kids and other members of the household. They are even friendly toward strangers. That said, this pooch isn’t the best watchdog. Their strength is providing love and affection. They are not prone to separation anxiety, but they do crave attention.

Do Spinone Italianos Get Along With Other Pets?

This pooch will tolerate other dogs, given their hunting history. However, it’s essential to socialize the Spinone Italiano early to get them used to other canines and people. Their high prey drive may cause problems in getting along with other pets like cats or small animals, especially if they run from them. That instinct and their size make them incompatible with them.

Things to Know When Owning a Spinone Italiano

When it comes to making the right choice for a pet, it’s essential to get the scoop on what you can expect. The Spinone Italiano has a lot going for them with their gentle manners. They are tolerant when it comes to the weather, being able to handle the heat or cold. They are a hunting dog, after all.

Food & Diet Requirements

The Spinone Italiano is a food-motivated dog. Fortunately, their energy level tames the tendency to gain weight. As a larger breed, it’s essential to give them a diet appropriate for a canine of their size. These pups mature slower than smaller ones. That’s part of the reason that food for these pets differs. It is less energy-dense to suit their different metabolism.

Plan on feeding them two or three meals a day as a puppy. You can reduce it to two as an adult. As always, we recommend taking up the bowl when your dog is finished eating instead of free-feeding. It’s a much better way to gauge their appetite and monitor their weight.

Exercise

Although the Spinone Italiano is a hunting dog, they are considerably less active than others of their ilk. However, they are still going to need plenty of exercise and a daily walk to keep them healthy. This pup is an intelligent breed that will benefit from the mental stimulation of new things to see and investigate. They will also do fine with a large backyard in which they can run.

Training

The Spinone Italiano is generally an agreeable dog that will take to training easily. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise is the best approach to keep their stubbornness under control. This pooch doesn’t respond well to stern reprimands, due to their sensitive nature. Being gentle but firm is the order of the day for this playful pup.

Grooming

The wiry coat of the Spinone Italiano belies the fact that they need occasional grooming to keep them looking their best. A weekly brushing should suffice. We also suggest checking their ears occasionally. Like many breeds of their type, ear infections are a concern sometimes if the hair gets dense. Pulling it will help keep them in good shape.

Health and Conditions

The Spinone Italiano is a healthy dog for the most part, with not many glaring issues. We strongly urge you to only get a puppy from a breeder who has done the recommended health screens for joint and bone issues that plague larger breeds. The pup’s near extinction during World War II increased the risk of inbreeding which can make these conditions more prevalent.

Male vs Female

Some people prefer male or female dogs. If you’re not going to breed them, then go with your preference. There are some differences between the two. The female Spinone Italiano is sometimes more reserved and independent than their male counterpart. They can be more affectionate with people but may also get more aggressive with other dogs.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Spinone Italiano

1. The Ancient Greeks and Romans Touted the Spinone Italiano’s Hunting Abilities

The Greeks brought the Spinone Italiano to Italy, where selective breeding made him the superb hunter they are today. It’s no wonder that French canine expert Selicourt remarked that the best pointers came from Piedmont, the ancestral home of this dog.

2. The Spinone Italiano’s Coat Has a Purpose

Hunting through brush is tough for a dog with burrs and coarse undergrowth. That’s why breeders selectively bred the Spinone Italiano’s coat to be the way it is to avoid getting tangled when in the field. The result is a low-shedding dog.

3. A Special Spinone Italiano Is a True Hero

In 2013, the AKC Humane Fund recognized a special Spinone Italiano named Drago for his efforts as a therapy dog in the aftermath of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He and his owner made over 1,000 visits to comfort children and adults traumatized by the event. He received the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) in recognition of his service.

Conclusion

The Spinone Italiano is as sweet of a dog as they look. With their happy face and cute brown eyes, they are sure to make you fall in love with this playful yet calm canine. They are an excellent choice for families who want a pooch that is loyal and not a lot of work. We predict that their popularity will continue to grow as people discover the delightful qualities of this gentle hunter.

Featured Image Credit: Luminoisty-images.com, Shutterstock