Spinone Italiano
Description
The Spinone Italiano is a rugged hunting dog with roots stretching back over 2,000 years in Italy. Built for tough terrain, it sports a medium-length, wiry coat that stands up to brambles and brush. This breed moves with a distinctive bounding trot, covering ground efficiently during long hunts. It’s a big dog, tipping the scales between 62 and 81 pounds, with a calm bark that rarely breaks the quiet. Spinones are patient and gentle, making them solid family companions. They bond tightly with their people and get along well with kids and other dogs. While they’re eager to work and explore outdoors, they’re just as happy to settle in at home. Their wiry coat comes in orange roan, brown roan, white, or white with orange or brown markings, giving each dog a rugged, natural look.
Grooming
The Spinone’s wiry coat needs regular upkeep to stay healthy and looking right. Dead hair clings to the coat, so weekly carding is essential to remove it. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the texture. Every 8 to 12 weeks, hand stripping is the best way to keep the coat’s wiry feel and vibrant color intact. - Card coat weekly to remove dead hair - Use a gentle slicker brush for light grooming - Hand strip every 8–12 weeks to maintain texture and color - Check ears regularly; their floppy shape can trap moisture - Bathe only when necessary to avoid stripping natural oils Pro tip: Focus hand stripping on the legs, chest, and face where the coat is thickest to keep the Spinone’s signature rough look sharp.
Learn the Wiry routine:
→ Complete Wiry Grooming Guide
Walking
Spinone Italianos need about 100 minutes of walking each day, split into two sessions. These dogs love to sniff and explore, so give them time to take in their surroundings rather than rushing. Their bounding trot means they cover ground well, but they also enjoy slower, steady walks that let them use their nose. A good walk plan might look like this: - Morning: 50 minutes of steady walking with some off-leash sniffing in a safe area - Evening: 50 minutes including a mix of trotting and relaxed walking This routine helps burn off energy and keeps the Spinone’s mind engaged. They’re not big barkers, so walks are peaceful but purposeful.
Boarding
When boarding a Spinone Italiano, provide a crate at least 48 inches long to accommodate their size comfortably. These dogs appreciate a predictable routine and gentle, slow introductions to new people and surroundings. Staff should plan two active play sessions daily, mixing in scent and brain games to keep their sharp noses busy. Spinones enjoy interactive toys and games that challenge their natural hunting instincts. They’re social but can be reserved with strangers, so patient handling is key. Make sure they have plenty of room to stretch and a quiet spot to rest after play. Staff notes: watch for signs of stress during new introductions and keep the environment calm and consistent to help them settle quickly.