Spinone Italiano
Also known as Spinone, Italian Griffon
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 28 to 37 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Italy
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, sturdy and muscular gun dog with a distinctive hard, dense coat, an expressive beard and eyebrows, and a patient, gentle expression. Built for hunting over any terrain, with a rustic yet versatile frame.
History and origins
An old Italian breed, from Piedmont in particular, that some authors trace back to antiquity without solid evidence. It is in any case depicted from the Renaissance onward, and was bred as a versatile pointing dog for hunting in dense, thorny cover, in woodland as well as in marshes.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Ectropion / entropion
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Spinone Italiano FAQ
How big does the Spinone Italiano get?
The Spinone Italiano stands 58 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 28 to 37 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Spinone Italiano shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Spinone Italiano live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Spinone Italiano need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Spinone Italiano good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Spinone Italiano live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and cerebellar ataxia.
