Spinone Italiano

                                                     Spinone Italiano

AKA:

Italian Spinone

Origin:

Italy

Size:

Large

Ease of Training:

Medium

Grooming:

Medium

Shedding:

Low/Medium

Exercise needed:

Long daily runs and walks

Energy level:

Medium

Protection:

Makes an effective watchdog

Good with children:

Yes

Health clearances:

OFA

Popularity:

117/155

Spinone Italiano Temperament

Gentle, devoted, and eager to please their owners, Spinone Italianos are excellent family pets for those with the space and the time to dedicate to these animals. They are well suited to inexperienced dog owners as well as those with experience, and their intelligence means that training should not prove too much of a challenge. The Spinone Italiano is fairly quick to learn and very responsive, with a sociable attitude. These dogs have real strength of character, and whilst they can be playful and entertaining can also be very sensible, laid back, and even serious. Early socialization is recommended for the Spinone Italiano in order to promote and stable and confident temperament. He does need a lot of attention and exercise, and being a large dog will also need plenty of space.

The Spinone Italiano loves to swim, and digging is another favorite pastime, as is jumping. This means that he needs a safe and secured area in which to play and exercise when not on a leash. He is a sensitive dog, and training needs to be positive. These dogs are known to be very good with children, although his size may prove a problem with very small children. They also tend to get along well with pets, and will usually be polite if a little cautious around strangers. The Spinone Italiano will bark to raise an alarm, so he does make an effective watchdog, and his size is likely to put off any potential burglar. These dogs will fare well with a family that can provide them with plenty of activity, attention, love, and space.

Spinone Italiano Appearance

The Spinone Italiano is a dog that is large in size, and has a sturdy build. His coat is close fitting and rough to the touch. The coloring of the coat can vary and includes orange and white, white, chestnut and white, chestnut roan, and orange roan. The height of the Spinone Italiano is around 22-25 inches for females, and around 23-27 inches for males. The Spinone Italiano weighs in at 60-75 pounds for females and around 75-85 pounds for males.

Spinone Italiano Grooming

A moderate amount of work will need to be put into the grooming of the Spinone Italiano. You will need to brush his coat on a weekly basis, and you may wish to get the coat clipped every few months. Show dogs will need to have the coat stripped every few months. These dogs may suit light allergy sufferers, as they are fairly low shedders.

Spinone Italiano Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Spinone Italiano is around 12-14 years. There are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, although these are relatively health and hardy dogs. This includes bloat and HD. The parents of the Spinone Italiano puppy should have OFA certificates.

Spinone Italiano History

As the name would suggest, the Spinone Italiano originates from Italy. An effective hunting dog with plenty of stamina, he has become used to working in many different types of terrain. The Spinone Italiano was registered with the AKC in 2000.