Italian Spinone
Male: 32-37 kg, Female: 28-32 kg
Male: 60-70 cm, Female: 58-65 cm at the shoulder
10-12 years
Italy (Piedmont region)
About the Italian Spinone
The Italian Spinone, or Spinone Italiano, is an ancient gundog celebrated for its rugged appearance and remarkably gentle nature. Characterised by a large, square build and a distinctive wiry coat, this breed was developed in the Piedmont region of Italy to navigate the harshest alpine terrain and thickest briars. Unlike the high-velocity hunting breeds, the Spinone operates at a steady, efficient trot, displaying incredible stamina and a methodical approach to scent work. Their most striking feature is their soulful, almost human eyes, which convey a deep intelligence and a serene temperament. In the home, the Spinone is famously affectionate and acts as a devoted companion, often referred to as a 'velcro dog' for their desire to be near their family. While they are powerful and hardy outdoors, they are typically calm and quiet indoors, provided their physical and mental stimulation needs are met. Their unique wiry coat and bushy eyebrows give them a charmingly dishevelled look, but beneath the shaggy exterior lies a highly capable and intelligent working dog that excels in agility, tracking, and therapy work.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Spinone Italiano is defined by its unique 'divergent head planes' where the lines of the skull and muzzle incline away from each other, a hallmark of the breed. Their movement is a long, fast, and powerful trot that reflects their endurance-based hunting style. The coat must be harsh and wiry, never curly or silky, protecting the skin from brambles.
In Australia
The Spinone Italiano was first imported to Australia in 1984. These first specimens were imported from the United Kingdom by Mr. and Mrs. G. Raper of Vatikan Kennels, following the breed's formal recognition by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).
Bred For
Versatile HPR (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) gundog capable of working in dense brush and cold water.
Temperament
Docile, affectionate, patient, and courageous, known for a remarkably human-like expression and a gentle, 'old soul' disposition.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), and (eyelid issues), Otitis Externa (ear infections), and Cerebellar Ataxia (a breed-specific neurological condition).
Exercise Needs
At least 1 to 2 hours of daily activity including long walks, hiking, or swimming; they thrive on endurance-based exercise rather than high-speed sprinting.
Grooming Needs
Moderate; requires weekly brushing and occasional 'stripping' of the wiry coat to remove dead hair, along with regular cleaning of the facial 'beard' and pendulous ears.
Living Suitability
Suited to homes with medium to large yards; not recommended for small apartment living due to their size and need for space to move.
Good with Kids
Excellent; known for being exceptionally patient and tolerant with children of all ages.
Good with Other Pets
Generally excellent with other dogs and can live harmoniously with cats if introduced properly, though they may display a prey drive toward birds.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but independent thinkers; they respond best to positive reinforcement and can be stubborn if training is repetitive or harsh.
Coat & Colours
Hard, wiry, and dense, measuring 4 to 6 cm in length, lacking a traditional downy undercoat.. White, white and orange, orange roan, white and brown, and brown roan.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Italian Spinoni are predisposed to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) due to their deep chests; feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around meal times is a vital precaution. They are also more likely to develop Cerebellar Ataxia, a hereditary neurological condition, so ensuring parents are DNA tested is essential. Practically, the Spinone is a 'wet' breed—their large facial beard acts like a sponge, frequently dripping water and food throughout the house after drinking. Their pendulous ears are prone to trapping moisture and wax, necessitating weekly cleaning to prevent yeast infections. While they are gentle, they can be independent thinkers, meaning training requires patience rather than force. They also possess a moderate prey drive, which means they may be inclined to follow scents or chase small game if not kept in a secure area.
Feeding Guide for Your Italian Spinone
Healthy Weight
28-37 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
700-1050 grams
For an adult Italian Spinone, a fresh or raw diet should be calculated at approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. For a 35 kg dog, this equates to 700g to 1050g of food per day, split into two meals to help mitigate the risk of bloat. This should include a balance of muscle meat, edible bone, and organ meats.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality diet rich in animal proteins and fats to support their large frame and endurance, ideally focusing on low-glycemic ingredients to maintain a steady weight.
A balanced raw diet for a Spinone should focus on lean proteins such as Majestik's Kangaroo or Beef to support muscle maintenance without excessive weight gain. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. Including leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids from fish can help maintain skin health under their wiry coat.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Italian Spinone Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Italian Spinone? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
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Made in Two Wells, South Australia
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Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-9 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.