Pet Wiki

Spinone Italiano

Also called Italian Spinone, Spinone, Bracco Spinoso, Italian Griffon, Italian Wire-haired Pointer

An easygoing, friendly and patient gundog that gets on well with people.

SizeLarge
Weight28 to 37 kg (62 to 82 lb)males 32 to 37 kg, females 28 to 30 kg12
Height58 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in)males 60 to 70 cm, females 58 to 65 cm12
Lifespan10 to 11.9 years32
CoatRough, wiry coat
OriginItaly, with the modern breed taking shape in Piedmont in the 19th century.12
GroupPointing Dogs (FCI group 7)
Recognised breedShort profile
patient and sociable
great stamina in the field
reliable family companion
143

Personality what they are like

An easygoing, friendly and patient gundog that gets on well with people. It can be a little stubborn at times, but its gentle, dependable nature makes it a well-loved family dog.143

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough, wiry coat

A stiff, dense and fairly flat coat of about 4 to 6 cm with little or no undercoat, shorter on the head. Bushy eyebrows, a moustache and a beard give the breed its wise, almost human expression. Strong bones and a sturdy, square-ish frame.123

Colourswhitewhite with orange markingswhite with brown markingsorange roanbrown roan12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Spinone Italiano. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; it moves at a steady, ground-covering trot built for endurance rather than speed.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brushing more than once a week keeps the rough, shedding coat tidy.31

Home where they are happiest

A roomy house with a garden suits it best; it can live in town or country as long as it gets plenty of outdoor time.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A balanced diet for a large, active sporting dog, matched to its workload.3

Company who they like around

A people-loving breed that does best as part of a busy family.43

The story where it all began

Rough-haired pointing dogs have lived in Italy since at least the Renaissance, and one appears in a 15th-century fresco by Andrea Mantegna. Numbers fell after the Second World War, and breed societies founded in 1949 and 1973 rebuilt it. Today it is a popular gundog and show dog in many countries.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A dog resembling the Spinone appears in a 15th-century fresco by Andrea Mantegna.1

  2. 2

    During the Second World War Italian partisans used Spinoni for tracking and for carrying supplies.2

  3. 3

    Orange and white made up more than half of new Italian registrations between 2010 and 2018.2

  4. 4

    Its coat has almost no undercoat, which is unusual for a wire-coated gundog.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name 'Spinone' is thought to derive from the Italian word 'spina' (thorn) or 'spinoso' (thorny), referring to its harsh, bristly coat and its ability to work in thorny undergrowth. The name is also linked to the Italian 'spinare' meaning 'to point'.4

Name ideas for your new friend

GianniBellaRoccoTrufflePiedmontSiennaLunaGinoOliveBrunoFiammaNero

A day in the life told by a Spinone Italiano

I woke up this morning to the smell of fresh bread from the kitchen. My human laughed when I nudged her hand for a scratch behind the ears. We took a long, slow walk through the dewy fields, where I sniffed every clover and chased a lazy butterfly just for fun. At the park, I flopped down in the sun and let a toddler pat my shaggy head. Back home, I curled up on the cool tiles while my human read aloud. It was a perfect, easy day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 165, Group 7, Section 1.3 Continental Pointing Dogs, griffon type; standard dated 17.12.2015. Definitively accepted in 1955 per Wikipedia.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group as 'Italian Spinone'; not a vulnerable native breed.3
AKC
Sporting Group breed.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Spinone Italiano tip

Choose low-fat, highly digestible treats and keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories. Feed treats separately from meals and avoid anything fatty or spicy to protect a sensitive stomach.

Source: purina.co.uk

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Spinone Italiano, and at what times?

Feed your Spinone at least two meals a day as an adult, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. A consistent schedule helps digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. Check the food label and your vet for how much to give, since this active breed needs a balanced diet matched to its workload.35

What should a Spinone Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced diet for a large, active sporting dog is key, so choose a high-quality food suited to its energy needs. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and alcohol, these are especially risky for dogs. Always avoid human treats like avocado or macadamia nuts too.36

How often should I bathe a Spinone Italiano?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Spinone gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-washing to protect its natural coat oils.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Spinone Italiano need brushing?

Brush your Spinone's rough, shedding coat more than once a week to keep it tidy and reduce loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing; a thorough session at least every 7 days works well.31 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Spinone Italiano's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Take off a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Spinone Italiano need?

This steady, endurance-built breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily. Daily walks and play sessions are essential to keep it happy and healthy, just not at a frantic pace, as it moves at a ground-covering trot.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Spinone Italiano's teeth and ears?

Brush your Spinone's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. For its floppy ears, check and dry them weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Spinone Italiano live?

A Spinone Italiano typically lives between 10 and 12 years, with good care and regular vet checks. Enjoy many happy years with this gentle, sturdy companion.32

Is a Spinone Italiano good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Spinone is known for its easygoing, patient and friendly nature, making it a wonderful family dog. It gets on well with people and is generally dependable with children and other pets when properly socialised.43

Can a Spinone Italiano be left alone?

This people-loving breed thrives as part of a busy family and does best when not left alone for long periods. If you must leave it, start with short absences and build up, but it's happiest with company. For specific advice, ask your vet or breeder.43

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 165, Spinone Italiano fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Spinone Italiano en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, lifespan study, history, fun facts
  3. The Royal Kennel Club: Italian Spinone royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan, home
  4. AKC: Spinone Italiano akc.orgused for temperament, group
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.