Dog Breeds - Italian Spinone


Breed :       Sporting
Weight:      Male: 75-86; Female: 64-75 lbs
Height:       Male: 23.5-27.5; Female: 22.5-25.5 inches
Color(s):    Orange Roan, Orange Roan with orange patches, White, White with Orange, Brown Roan, Brown Roan with brown patches, White with Brown.

Italian Spinone Breed Information:
The Italian Spinone breed as the name suggest has originated in Italy, and is an ancient breed of Pointer and Retriever dating back to 500 B.C. It was made for use as a versatile gun dog and was and still is prized because of their hunting capabilities and is thus used for hunting, pointing and retrieving game. However, it can also prove to be a good companion or helper. In general The Spinone is a devoted, amiable and cautious dog.

This breed of dog has gentle conduct and an eloquent stature, with great muscles and stamina and is suitable for hunting in any type of weather and terrain. They are an adaptable breed suitable for being a perfect companion, as well as a hunter. Its appearance is grumpy because of which its loving and soft nature is mistaken.

They are very social, brave and devoted and have an independent nature but can be sensitive. Italian Spinone is apt for homes with mature children and does well with other animals, especially dogs.  This is a rare breed and is not recommended for everyone. They are easy to maintain as they need a bath only when necessary and brushing has to be done on a weekly basis. However, it needs a small amount of stripping to keep the coat clean and orderly. The coat of Italian Spinone is dense, wavy and wiry; hair being longer on the eyebrows, chin and lips. They are a good learner but can prove to be a challenge because of their stubborn nature. They need to be trained firmly, justly and continuously at an early age in order to achieve best results. It is a slow worker and not recommended for apartment life. It does best in a secured yard with fencing.

Italian Spinone Health and Disease:
The life expectancy of Italian Spinone is on an average 10 to 12 years but it may also survive more than 12 years. Even though it is a healthy bred, it may suffer from a few dog diseases which include Cerebellar ataxia and Hip dysplasia.