Origin
Italy
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
29–39 kg
Height
58–70 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
White · Orange and White · Brown Roan
Spinone Italiano
About This Breed
The Spinone Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds, originating in Italy's Piedmont region. Known for their gentle expression, dense wiry coat, and easygoing temperament, they are excellent family companions.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Spinone Italiano
Origin
| Origin | Italy |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 29–39 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Height | 58–70 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | White · Orange and White · Brown Roan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Gentle · Patient · Loyal · Sociable |
Often enjoys a mix of activity and rest.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Spinone Italiano is a scruffy, sweet hunting dog who is tireless in the field but happy to live at a leisurely pace when off-duty. Originating in the Piedmont region of Italy, the breed’s name comes from a former moniker—Bracco Spinoso—which means “prickly pointer” in Italian. According to the Spinone Club of America (SCOA), this label refers to either the dog’s wiry fur or the thorny bushes in which they would track their game. In studying both the Spinone Italiano’s appearance and history, both explanations seem plausible.
Care Guide
The Spinone Italiano breed standard describes the dog as “sociable, docile, affectionate and patient,” and the SCOA notes that they “are generally easygoing and usually live harmoniously with children, dogs, and other animals.” As with every dog, though all interactions between very young children should be supervised for the safety of both the child and the pup. Unlike other sporting breeds, Spinoni have only moderate mental and physical exercise needs. Daily play is still vital for the health of their brain and body, but keeping your pup busy shouldn’t be a part-time job. According to the SCOA, Spinoni want your undivided attention. Despite being bred to work outside, these are house dogs who want to be near their families as much as possible. Amid this closeness, you’ll soon notice that the Spinone Italiano has opinions. This independence makes sense for a dog who often has to think for themself in the midst of hunting work but is understandably less popular in a family setting.