Spinone Italiano Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Spinone Italiano?

Italy is not necessarily the first place to come to mind when considering countries with the best breeds. However, with the Spinone Italiano, which goes by many different names, Italy ensures its ranking among other countries with the most excellent breeds.

This Italiano hound was first bred in Piedmont, and its history can be traced back to the Italian Griffon in 1683. As time passed, the Spinone was recognized as independent and bred according to the standards we see today. The Spinone Club of America led to the recognition of this hound by the AKC, which happened in 2000.

Who are Spinone Italiano dogs best for?

First and foremost, before adopting this breed, you must make sure that your accommodation is suitable for this breed. This breed needs much room to roam around freely and wear its energy levels out. Therefore, apartment living is not well-suited for the Italian Spinone, but a house with a backyard will suffice.

First-time dog owners can adopt this Italian hound because it adjusts easily to new families and does not require a demanding lifestyle. This breed could be the perfect companion if you can provide enough space in your home.

How much grooming does a Spinone Italiano need?

Spinone Italiano dogs have wiry coats that could either have orange roan or brown markings. Sometimes, your hound could have a brown roan with orange markings on its wiry coat but do not worry about excessive shedding. This dog requires occasional brushing to remove dead hair and untangle any knots in its fur.

The dog hair does not need to get trimmed because the coat protects this hound from thorns when hunting. At the same time, this hunting dog might get exposed to extreme cold, which is where its dense coat also helps. This hound is excellent outdoors when partaking in family activities, no matter the weather conditions.

It is also recommended that you ensure that your hound has short claws, by regular trimming, and you should also be regularly brushing its teeth to ensure oral health and hygiene.

Do Spinone Italiano bark much?

Compared to most other breeds, the Spinone Italiano is not much of a barker. However, they do get vocal, especially when something suspicious is in their sight or if this breed is frustrated. Nevertheless, when you have trained this breed and ensure it gets vigorous exercise daily, it can be content regardless of how much space they have to run around.

The barking tendency of Spinones is very impressive, especially for a dog of its size. However, perhaps due to its friendliness, it does not resort to barking and howling as the first option.

Do Spinone Italiano bite?

The best personification of a "gentle giant" amongst dog breeds is none other than the Spinone Italiano. Aggression is very far-fetched for this dog, and with that said, it is unfathomable to find any disturbing news about someone getting bitten by the Spinone.

These hounds are even gentle with young children, so you do not have to worry about playtime becoming aggressive due to this breed's hard bite. To be extra careful, you can monitor playtime and administer bite inhibition at a young age if your pup chews on your hand.

Overall, you can expect not to face a challenge within this domain when handling a Spinone.

What is the temperament & personality of a Spinone Italiano?

This breed is the ideal candidate if you are looking for a sweet-natured dog! The breed has high mental stimulation levels, which translates to an energetic hound that is tireless on hikes or hunting expeditions. In addition, the Spinone Italiano temperament leans toward being incredibly friendly and gentle.

This breed tends to make friends wherever it goes, although it might resort to chasing around small animals. The Spinone is very friendly with other dogs and children and is far from aggressive or territorial. Wherever its family is, that's where you will find the Spinone.

What is the weight & size of a Spinone Italiano?

An average Spinone is classified as a medium to large dog, with a weight range averaging 27 kilograms to 39 kilograms. That weight is healthy for a hound with a height of 55 centimetres to 66 centimetres. Therefore, you can contribute to your dog's overall health and wellness by ensuring that it remains within this height-to-weight ratio.

Ensure a consistent exercise regimen is ingrained into this dog's daily routine. Also, monitor your pup's diet to prevent overeating, including the amount and type of snacks you offer as a reward.

How much training does a Spinone Italiano need?

Training the Spinone or any other pets is best done during the early stages of their life span. Conducting obedience training on an older dog could trigger a stubborn streak even in the sweetest and most mild-tempered breed. Therefore, administer all such instruction at a young age so your dog can grow up with those skills and training ingrained in their mind.

Additionally, you can train this breed to participate in different dog sports competitions, including events related to hunting or agility. You won't have to teach this breed how to play nice with other animals, primarily because of its size, as Spinones get along well with almost all pets and people.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Spinone Italiano?

Similarly to other dogs, Spinones also suffer from genetic health problems that vary in severity due to environmental and hereditary factors. The average adult dog of this breed could suffer from health problems such as hip dysplasia and other joint issues, more so if overweight.

Other health conditions that could affect a Spinone Italiano puppy include Otitis Externa, an ear infection caused by swimming. Otitis Externa is typically more common among sporting breeds participating in swimming activities. However, most of the conditions that could affect Spinones can be mitigated or treated through frequent wellness checks.

What is the lifespan of a Spinone Italiano?

Taking care of your sweet Spinone could contribute significantly to a long and fulfilling life. But, unfortunately, it has to come to its natural end at some point and the approximate lifespan of this breed is typically around 12 to 14 years.

You can make a lot of memories during this estimated lifespan. However, helping your hound reach its absolute potential life span by enforcing a healthy lifestyle and regular wellness checks is the least you can do for the affection and companionship you will get from a Spinone.

How much should you feed a Spinone Italiano?

Daily servings depend on the size, metabolic rate, and activity levels of all pets. For example, Spinones are pretty active and require a little more food. The average servings should be between 560 and 780 grams, but you must ensure that your hound is not getting overweight.

If you detect any signs of overeating, minimize the servings to keep your pup healthy, and consult your vet for any further advice on what to feed your dog.

What is the price of a Spinone Italiano in Australia?

Spinone Italianos are rare, and identifying a specific price for one is therefore very tricky. You should contact a reputable breeder that will provide the exact cost. Remember to make sure all the health clearances are in order before making the purchase. Alternatively, consider reaching out to rescue groups and shelters to see if they have any Spinones that need a loving home.