10 things to know before getting a Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is one of those dogs you don’t see every day — but once you do, that scruffy face and those kind eyes tend to tug at your heart. Originally from northern Italy, this breed was made for long days in the field. But beyond its hunting roots, it’s a total sweetheart that blends beautifully into family life — if you can keep up with its quirks.

Let’s walk through what it's really like to live with a Spinone Italiano, from their goofy personality to their grooming needs.

Big-hearted and gentle — perfect for families

Spinoni (yes, that’s the plural!) are wonderfully affectionate dogs. They have a calm, easygoing vibe that makes them great with kids, and they tend to get along well with other dogs too. They’re not guard dogs — they’ll probably greet a stranger with a tail wag — but they’re loyal through and through.

That said, they’re still big, strong hunting dogs. Even when they’re being gentle, their size and enthusiasm can be a bit much for small pets or toddlers, so always supervise early interactions.

Built for the outdoors, but wants to be with you

These dogs were bred to work — pointing, retrieving, swimming, and tracking. While they aren’t as high-energy as some other sporting breeds, they do need regular exercise to stay happy. A daily walk, some backyard play, and the occasional hike or swim are perfect. They love water, by the way — if there's a pond nearby, they'll find it.

Because of their hunting background, Spinoni can have a strong urge to follow scents. Keep them on-leash unless you’re in a secure, fenced area.

Important heads-up: they’re not apartment dogs. A big yard and a family who loves outdoor time is the dream setup. But wherever they live, they need to be inside with their people — they’re not dogs you can leave out in the yard all day.

Training takes patience (and treats)

Here’s the thing: Spinoni are smart, but they’re also independent. Training them isn’t about drilling commands — it’s about building trust. They respond best to gentle, consistent training with lots of positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections can actually backfire and make them shut down emotionally.

You’ll need patience — and probably some high-value treats.

Low-maintenance grooming, high-maintenance love

Their wiry coat is surprisingly easy to care for. A weekly brushing keeps mats and tangles away, especially around the beard and legs. They shed a bit, but not heavily.

A few grooming musts:

• Trim nails weekly (they grow fast).
• Clean ears regularly — they’re prone to infections.
• Brush their teeth! Dental care is often overlooked, but it matters.

You can have them professionally groomed if you want a tidy look, but most Spinone lovers adore their natural, scruffy charm.

Feeding and health: what to expect

Adult Spinoni usually eat about 2.5 to 3.5 cups of quality dry food a day, split into two meals. Keep an eye on portion sizes — they can gain weight if they’re not getting enough exercise.

They’re generally healthy, but like many large breeds, they’re prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and a few genetic conditions like cerebellar ataxia. Bloat (gastric torsion) is another serious concern — don’t let them eat a big meal and then run around. If you ever see signs like dry heaving or restlessness, get to the vet ASAP.

With good care, many Spinoni live 10–12 years, and some even longer.

One last thing: small animals beware

Because they were bred to hunt, Spinoni usually aren’t great with small pets like cats, rabbits, or hamsters — especially if they weren’t raised together. Even in play, their size and instincts can be dangerous to tiny companions.

So, is the Spinone Italiano right for you?

If you have the space, time, and patience to give one of these gentle goofballs a loving home, they’ll reward you with loyalty, laughter, and lots of slobbery affection. Just don’t expect a guard dog or a super obedient trick performer — this breed marches to the beat of its own (very sweet) drum.

Thinking of adding a Spinone to your life? Look for a responsible breeder or rescue, and get ready for muddy paws, big heart energy, and a new best friend.