Home
/
Dog Breeds
/
Spinone Italiano
Spinone Italiano
Origin
Italy
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
10-12Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 80,000 - ₹ 1,50,000
Top 5 Traits
Loyal
Intelligent
Playful
Disciplined
Protective
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 4,650 - ₹ 6,600
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 6 Aug 2025
A Quick Introduction to Spinone Italiano Dog Breed
Spinone Italiano - an ancient Italian dog breed primarily bred as a hunting companion. They are sociable, docile, and loyal dog breed. They come under the Gundog group. They have a distinctive wiry coat and expressive eyes, not just that they have a strong sense of smell making them excellent tracking dogs. They are muscular and powerful, they are built more for endurance than speed. However, they are gentle and calm, contrasting their appearance.
Do you find this dog breed interesting? In our next section, we will explore its history and origin.
Origin and History of Spinone Italiano
The Spinone's origin is unknown; however, dogs resembling Spinones are found in paintings from the Renaissance Period. The word Spinone is named after ‘pino,’ a coarse vegetation found in the Piedmont region of Italy, where the modern Spinone is believed to be found. The main purpose of breeding was to accompany people in hunting, and they are still popular in Italy as hunting dogs. However, they are popular as house dogs and companion dogs in other parts of the world.
During World War II, this breed almost faced extinction. The Spinone Italiano dogs, breeders, and the records related to this breed were wiped out. Luckily, after the war ended, the effort of breeders and lovers of this breed made a dedicated effort to bring back this breed. So, over a decade of conscious breeding slowly the numbers increased and this breed was brought to the United States of America. The Spinone Italiano was finally recognized by the United Kennel Club(UKC) in 1995 and the American Kennel Club in 2000.
What is the average lifespan of Spinone Italiano dogs?
Their average lifespan is somewhere between 10 years and 12 years; however, with proper care, medical attention, right nutrition, and training, they can outlive their peers.
Let us now look at the physical characteristics of the Spinone Italianos.
Physical traits & temperament of Italiano Spinones
Traits & Characteristics
- Adult males weigh about 34 to 39 kgs, whereas females weigh around 29 to 34 kgs.
- Adult males stand at a height of 60 to 70 cm, whereas females are 58 to 65 cm.
- They have a dense natural coat and come in various colors.
Get the full breed standard defined by the American Kennel Club(AKC).
Temperament
- Italian Spinones are rare combinations of athletic, friendly, calm, and intelligent dogs.
- Though they have a prey drive, they are known to be friendly with children and other dog breeds.
- They need a lot of attention, without which they can experience separation anxiety.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Spinone Italiano Price Guide
Cost of buying
₹ 80,000 - ₹ 1,50,000
The average price of Spinone Italiano can vary from ₹ 80,000 to ₹ 150,000 in India. The cost depends on factors like breed, lineage, and health conditions.
Several factors should be considered while purchasing a Mudhol Hound puppy -
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask the breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no inbreeding taking place.
- The cost of puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and the breeder's reputation.
Adopt
There is another way to get a puppy home, i.e., to Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Spinone Italiano -
German Wirehaired Pointer | Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Cane Corso |
Prerequisites to pet a Spinone Italiano
Access to Groomer
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Are you ready to get an Italian Spinone home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if the dog breed is a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: You must make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment, needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Nutritional guide for Spinone Italiano
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 2,250 - ₹ 3,000
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 1500 kcal
Adults:Â 1800 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Chicken
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fruits
Mutton
Fresh Fish
Home made meals
Vegetables
Spinone dogs are picky eaters, and you need to make sure what diet suits them best. Here are a few tips that can help you feed your dogs and provide them with comprehensive nutrition.
- While you are designing a diet for your dog, keep in mind factors like age, size, activity level, food needs, whether they are spayed/neutered or not, and health conditions.
- Consult your veterinarian and look for any types of allergies in your dog; based on that, you should avoid those food items in their diet.
- Their food should contain proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fibres to complete nutritional needs.
- Make sure you are feeding them at regular times and do not overfeed them. This causes obesity in dogs; on the other hand, feeding them less leads to deficiency. Hence, be mindful and strike a balance.
- Make sure the food that you provide meets the AAFCO standard to ensure your dog is fed a comprehensive diet.
Now that you have an idea about what kind of diet you should come up with, in the next section, we shall learn about the right food items you can feed your Spinone dog.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Tips to select the right food for your Spinone Italiano
- Choose food items that are protein-based, such as chicken, lab, and meat, to cater to their muscle development and to improve immunity.
- Feed them brown rice, barley, oats, whole wheat, and potatoes to provide carbohydrates to support their daily energy needs to carry out activities.
- Carrots, green beans, celery, cabbage, spinach, and cucumbers can provide additional vitamins and minerals.
- For antioxidants and fiber without any added sugar, feed your dog apples, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Make sure it is fed in a monitored fashion, and do not overfeed them.
- Essential fats in a balanced manner help to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. Feed your dogs flaxseed oils, fish oil, and hemp seed oil.
- Often neglected but a very important part of theirs should be to keep them hydrated. Feed them adequate amounts of water to maintain their body temperature and help in smooth internal organ functioning.
Now that you know all the foods that benefit your dog’s health, you should also have an idea about the food items that can cause potential harm to your dog.
In our next section, we shall focus on the harmful food items for your dog’s health.
Food items that are toxic for Spinone Italiano dogs
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Garlic
Almonds
Grapes
Avocados
Cherries
Milk Products
Lemon
Cinnamon
Mushrooms
Coffee / Tea
Onions
Salt
Dairy
Fruit seeds
Sugar
- Avoid food items that have high levels of fats, such as fried foods and over-processed food items. It can cause digestive problems and lead to obesity.
- Chocolate, onion, garlic, coffee/tea, grapes, raisins, avocados, and alcohol should be avoided at any cost, as these can cause serious damage to your dog’s health and are poisonous.
- Look carefully for the labels of commercial dry foods and do not get the ones whose ingredients are not protein-based. These foods mostly have excessive amounts of carbohydrates and cause obesity in dogs.
- Food items that contain excessive amounts of salt and sugar are to be avoided because they cause high blood pressure and diabetes in dogs.
- Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so consult a veterinarian to know about any allergies. You have to steer clear of milk-based products if your dogs are lactose intolerant.
Overview of Medical Care for Spinone Italiani
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Common Health Issues
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Elbow dysplasia
Ear Infections
Cancer
Thyroid Disease
Skin Allergies
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Socialization
Games
Hiking
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
60 - 90 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Common health conditions found in Spinoni
Italian Spinones are a moderately energetic dog breed. They are susceptible to some common ailments recognized by the Spinone Club of America, like -
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: It is an inherited condition where hip and elbow joints are underdeveloped, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort in walking. This can be treated by joint supplements, a balanced diet, and surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.
Entropion: This is an eyelid abnormality where eyelids curl inwards and rub on to the cornea. This condition should be detected in the puppy stage as this is a hereditary problem and can be treated by surgery under general anaesthesia
.
Heart disease: This is an age-related issue in dogs, and there are some common types of heart disease that every pet parent should be aware of. Such as -
- Myocardial disease
- Heart murmur
- Heartworm disease
- Shunts
- Stenosis
- arrhythmias

Bloat: This is a common condition where the stomach is filled with either gas or food. This causes bloat and in extreme cases, the stomach twists itself and blocks the blood supply to the vital organs, causing death.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 Weeks
Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Rabies
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
14-16 Weeks
DHPP, Rabies
Annually
DHPP, Rabies, additional vaccines based on vet recommendation
Senior dog care guide for Spinone Italiani
As your dog ages, their medical, nutritional, and other needs also change. You should be well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to care for them and ensure they live a comfortable life.
Here is a simple guide to help you care for your senior dog -
- Regular vet check-ups are vital to ensure your dog is doing well. This also helps to detect any kind of illness at an early stage.
- Make sure you plan a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients. Some pet food brands have come up with specialized dry food for senior dogs, you can also choose that.
- Give them a regular exercise routine because it keeps them healthy and lively.
- Provide a comfortable place to stay with easy access to all the things they need. This prevents them from unnecessary movement.
- Keep them engaged with interactive toys and puzzles. Make sure you mentally stimulate them by socializing and making them feel important.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Comprehensive Grooming Guide for Spinone Italiani
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Bathing
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
Quality of life
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Spinoni are moderately shedding dogs but need regular grooming to maintain their coat. Here are a few effective ways you must know to groom your dog at home -
- Spinoni has a considerable long coat of 4 to 6 cm and needs regular brushing to avoid matting and tangles. Use soft bristle brushes to avoid discomfort and any kind of skin irritation
- Bathe them as and when you find necessary and use mild shampoo and cleanser to avoid skin irritation.
- Cleaning their ears is also a very important grooming need to avoid the accumulation of any kind of dirt and debris causing ear infections. Use only vet-recommended ear-cleaning liquids.
- Overgrown nails can cause discomfort when walking; hence, trim your nails if you notice any overgrowth. You can use a nail trimmer specialized for dog’s nails.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
Our contÂ
Compare with similar breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Spinone Italianos be left alone for long periods?
They prefer company and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. It’s best to ensure they have mental stimulation and companionship.
What should I look for in a breeder for a Spinone Italiano?
Choose a breeder who prioritizes health testing, ethical practices, and provides a clean, supportive environment for their dogs.
Are Spinone Italianos good with other pets?
They generally get along well with other dogs and pets, especially when socialized properly from a young age.
