Discover Everything About Spinone Italiano
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Spinone Italiano overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Spinone Italiano receives a B grade because, as a large breed, it is prone to typical orthopedic issues. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are well-monitored through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. Prospective owners should also inquire about osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) when purchasing a puppy to help minimize the risk of future joint problems.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
58–70 cm
Weight
28–37 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Wiry, dense, undercoat present
- Origin: Italy
Typical coat colors
- White
- white with orange or brown spots
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Spinone Italiano, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Spinone Italiano right for you?
The Spinone Italiano is a gentle, wire-haired Vorstehhund (pointing dog)—bred for persistent, methodical searching in rough terrain and water, which makes him a cooperative working dog with a leisurely trot.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog that cooperates but doesn't obey blindly, preferring to think for himself while working.
- You plan dedicated time for scent work, dummy training, or tracking—a simple walk won't satisfy this specialist.
- You prefer spending your free time outdoors in nature, regardless of the weather, and have access to vast fields or bodies of water.
- You are looking for a calm companion who is relaxed at home as long as he has a real job to do outside.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that can be recalled instantly upon seeing game—he was bred to pick up scents and point, not to ignore them.
- You are looking for a fast-paced partner for agility or quick sprints alongside a bicycle—the Spinone works at a steady, but leisurely, trot.
- You live in an extremely tidy home and have a low tolerance for a wet beard that floods half the kitchen after a drink.
- You have to leave your dog alone for long periods daily, which completely contradicts his extremely people-oriented nature.
The real vibes check
A Spinone Italiano is not a zippy sports car, but an all-terrain Land Rover. He works with you, but at his own deliberate pace and with a nose that scans every detail of his surroundings. Once you understand this charmingly stubborn dog, you gain a loyal colleague who is always up for a muddy puddle.
Breed Profile
With its strikingly wiry coat and warm, intelligent eyes, the Spinone Italiano is a dog breed you won't soon forget. This medium-sized dog belongs to FCI Group 7, the pointers. He has an impressive mix of strength and endurance that makes him an excellent working dog. Its head is large and expressive, the ears are medium long and hang down to the sides. The tail is usually docked and carried straight or slightly upwards.
| Height | 58 - 65 cm (Female), 60 - 70 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 28 - 32 kg (Female), 32 - 37 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, patient, friendly |
| Coat | Wiry, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | White, white with orange or brown spots |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Spinone Italiano receives a B grade because, as a large breed, it is prone to typical orthopedic issues. Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are well-monitored through mandatory health tests within the breeding program. Prospective owners should also inquire about osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) when purchasing a puppy to help minimize the risk of future joint problems.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay close attention to joint-friendly exercise and a healthy weight, especially during the growth phase, and check his eyes regularly.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, and eyes of the parent animals tested and use genetic screening to strictly ensure that serious neurological conditions are excluded from the line.
Frequently asked questions about the Spinone Italiano
Is a Spinone Italiano the right dog for me?
The Spinone Italiano is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Spinone Italiano live?
The average life expectancy of a Spinone Italiano is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Spinone Italiano need?
Spinone Italiano grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Spinone Italiano good for families with children?
The Spinone Italiano can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Spinone Italiano Breeders Near You
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Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.