Want to learn how to transform your Spinone Italiano’s behavior? Click here to find out how.

The Spinone Italiano, also called the Italian Spinone, is a Italians sporting dog. This breed can be traced back at least 2000 years. It most likely developed from the crossing of the German Pointer and the Griffon.

The Spinone Italiano is a large dog. The males of this breed stand between 23.5 and 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 71 and 82 pounds. The females stand between 22.5 and 25.5 inches tall and weigh between 62 and 71 pounds. They have rough and wiry coats that come in solid white or tri-colored (white, orange, and chestnut) variations.

The Spinone Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointer or Italian Spinone, is a member of the sporting group. It is a versatile gun dog with remarkable hunting instincts. They were only registered with the AKC in the year 2000 so they are considered a relatively new breed.

Origin of the Spinone Italiano

Despite only recent recognition the Spinone Italiano is an ancient breed that can be traced back to approximately 500 BC. As the name suggests, they originated in Italy and they are not very common in the US.

Appearance and Abilities of the Spinone Italiano

Italian Spinones are very agile dogs. They are very valuable hunting companions because of their ability to get through thorny bushes. They can adjust to any terrain as well. Their wiry coats and thick skin make them very tough. No terrain or cold waters is too tough for them.

The Italian Spinone’s built is compact; its bones are strong and its body is well-muscled.

They are naturally strong and sturdy. When on the field, they would rely more on their methodical and efficient manner of hunting. They are not as speedy and flashy as some of the other sporting breeds but their field intelligence and persistence make up for everything.

They are very versatile on the field, with excellent abilities in hunting, pointing, and retrieving. They can be great companion dogs and also excel as guide dogs.

Spinone Italiano Temperament and Tendencies

The Spinone Italiano is a very sociable and docile breed. It is very gentle with children and can get along well with other canines. It is also patient but should never be abused. In general, this breed is never aggressive even to strangers. If there is something it cannot do, it is guarding the home.

The intelligence of Spinone Italiano is very remarkable. It is very trainable and eager to please. However, repetitive training may bore them. If they deem the task pointless, they can become stubborn.

It is imperative to motivate this breed to do things via positive reinforcement. The Spinone Italiano is a sensitive dog and they may become miserable if treated too harshly.

They are active dogs but compared to other sporting breeds they have a more relaxed and slower pace. Spinones are great jogging companions because they will not run off but rather pace with you.

Training and Care

Since Spinones are naturally mild-mannered and submissive, they are not difficult to train when you are able to establish pack leadership. They rarely have a problem with dominance.

They are very patient breeds almost bordering to martyrdom. So, it is imperative to teach other people especially the children not to abuse this innate Spinone trait.

Italian Spinones are great household pets. To make them develop to their best essence, socialize early and extensively. Also, daily exercise is essential. Exercises do not need to be vigorous. Daily walks or jogs are enough for these wonderful creatures.

This breed requires a small amount of grooming to neaten the coat. Other than that, just a weekly brushing will suffice. Bathe as necessary.

Want to learn how to transform your Spinone Italiano’s behavior? Click here to find out how.