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CaninpediaDog Breeds

Spinone Italiano

An Italian pointing dog with a wiry coat and an almost human gaze, the Spinone is calm, patient and exceptionally kind, ideal for families.

Photo of the Spinone Italiano dog breed
Photo: Alephalpha — CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)

History and origins

The Spinone Italiano is an old pointing dog from Piedmont and northern Italy, valued for its toughness in thick brush thanks to its wiry coat.

It works at an extended, methodical trot.

Temperament

Calm, gentle and very patient, the Spinone is excellent with children and sociable with other dogs. It is affectionate and sometimes a little stubborn.

It responds well to gentle, patient training.

Health

Hip dysplasia, bloat, ectropion and an inherited neurological disease (cerebellar ataxia), for which a test exists, should be monitored.

Choose a breeder who tests their breeding dogs.

Leishmaniasis prevention is important for hunting dogs.

This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.

Feeding

Split the ration into two meals and avoid exercise straight afterwards. It tends to gain weight.

Adjust the amount to its activity.

Exercise

It needs one to one and a half hours of daily activity at a fairly relaxed pace.

It loves water.

It needs a house with a garden.

Grooming

Its wiry coat needs weekly brushing, with light stripping from time to time. Clean its beard and ears.

It drools a little.

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