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Spinone Italiano
Sporting breed from Italy
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is a large, robust, and muscular hunting dog with a distinctive dense wiry coat, expressive beard and eyebrows, and a patient, gentle expression. Bred for all-terrain hunting, it has a rugged yet versatile build and a methodical hunting style. Its temperament is described as gentle, patient, loyal, intelligent, docile, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may vary. The breed is classified in the Sporting group and originates from Italy. Its recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight ranges from 32 to 37 kg for both males and females, and estimated adult height ranges from 58 to 69 cm for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 12 years. Energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), trainability is above average (4 out of 5), grooming needs are moderate (3 out of 5), and shedding is low (2 out of 5). The breed is rated highly suitable for children (4 out of 5) and moderately compatible with other dogs (3 out of 5), but less suited for apartment living (2 out of 5).
Quick facts
Spinone Italiano at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginItaly
Lifespan10–12 years
Male weight32–37 kilogram
Female weight32–37 kilogram
Male height58–69 centimetre
Female height58–69 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Spinone Italiano is an ancient Italian breed from the Piedmont region, with a history that may date back to 500 BC. It was developed as a versatile gundog for hunting in dense, thorny terrain. The breed has been known since at least the Renaissance and was valued for tracking, pointing, and retrieving. After World War II, the Spinone faced near extinction but was revived by dedicated enthusiasts. The exact timeline and details of its early development are not fully documented, and the breed's recognition status varies by registry. Its origins are firmly in Italy, and it remains a Sporting breed today.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
32–37 kilogramAdult weight58–69 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesWiryCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentlepatientloyalintelligentdocileaffectionate
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Spinone Italiano-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Spinone Italiano puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight32–37 kilogramAdult female weight32–37 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Spinone Italiano?
The Spinone Italiano is a large breed. Estimated adult weight ranges from 32 to 37 kg for both males and females, and estimated adult height ranges from 58 to 69 cm for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 12 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Spinone Italiano?
The breed is described as gentle, patient, loyal, intelligent, docile, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may behave differently. Temperament is influenced by training, socialization, and genetics.
How much exercise does a Spinone Italiano need?
The Spinone has a moderate energy level (rated 3 out of 5). It requires regular exercise but is not excessively high-energy. Daily walks and playtime are recommended, but individual needs may vary.
What are the grooming requirements for a Spinone Italiano?
Grooming needs are moderate (rated 3 out of 5). The breed has a wiry coat that requires regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping or professional grooming. Shedding is low (rated 2 out of 5).
Is the Spinone Italiano good with children and other dogs?
The breed is rated highly suitable for children (4 out of 5) and moderately compatible with other dogs (3 out of 5). However, individual temperament and early socialization play a significant role in how a dog interacts with children and other pets.
Can a Spinone Italiano live in an apartment?
The breed is less suited for apartment living (rated 2 out of 5). It is a large dog with moderate energy and does best in a home with a yard or access to open spaces. Apartment dwellers should ensure sufficient exercise.
Where does the Spinone Italiano originate from?
The Spinone Italiano originates from Italy, specifically the Piedmont region. It is an ancient breed with a history that may date back to 500 BC, developed as a versatile gundog for hunting in dense terrain.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.