Pointing gun dog Large size 28-39 kg

Italian Spinone

A patient, affectionate wirehaired gun dog that suits active families - the trade-off is a slow, deliberate learning pace and a beard that drips water everywhere.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
28-39 kg, 58-70 cm tall
Moderate-high
Activity
Needs daily walks and space; not hyperactive
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Deeply bonded; prone to separation stress
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but deliberate; responds to patience
Moderate
Coat care
Wire coat needs hand-stripping; messy beard
Excellent
Fit with kids
Gentle, tolerant family dog
Good
Other pets
Sociable with other dogs
Light
Health burden
Hardy breed; ears and hips to watch

The Italian Spinone typically weighs 28-39 kg, stands 58-70 cm, and lives 10-12 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a gentle, patient large dog that is great with kids,
you walk, hike, or train daily and can bring the dog along,
someone is home for most of the day,
you can handle a wiry coat and a beard that drips water.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would be alone 6 or more hours regularly,
you want a fast, snappy learner or a low-energy lap dog,
you dislike drool, water trails, and a muddy beard,
you cannot manage a wire coat with hand-stripping.

A typical day with a Italian Spinone

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long walk or a steady hike
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest near the family after exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Walk with sniffing and short training
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Calm downtime and a chew
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second walk or a gentle training session
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles quietly close to its people

Temperament and training

Gentleness Very high
Attachment to people Very high
Trainability Moderate
Energy Moderate
Sensitivity High
Independence Low
Common owner mistakes
Rushing training a deliberate, slow-maturing dog · Leaving a deeply bonded dog alone for long days · Harsh corrections with a soft, sensitive breed

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Famously gentle and tolerant with children.
Dogs Good
Sociable and easygoing with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Milder prey drive; best raised with cats early.
Apartment Poor
Large and messy; a flat is a hard fit.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but daily walks are still needed.
City Manages
Workable with daily activity and company.
Countryside Ideal
Space and fieldwork suit this gundog well.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip and elbow dysplasia Screened in breeding stock
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested build; learn the emergency signs
Chronic ear infections Long ears need regular cleaning
Cerebellar ataxia Inherited in some lines; DNA testing available

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Fellow gentle Italian gundog
Italian Pointer
A gentle, soulful Bracco Italiano with a steady working style - affectionate and trainable, but a large gundog that needs a real daily outlet.
View profile →
Another wirehaired versatile gundog
German Wire Haired Pointer
A hardy, all-purpose wire-haired gundog for a very active owner, needing a real job and lots of exercise to stay balanced.
View profile →
Curly Italian working breed
Lagotto Romagnolo
A clever, low-shedding Italian truffle dog that suits active, engaged owners - the trade-off is a curly coat that needs regular clipping and a nose that loves to dig.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Italian Spinone cost?
Uncommon in the US, so expect a waitlist and limited litters. Puppies from health-tested breeders commonly run about $1,500-$3,000. Over a 10-12 year life, food, and routine vet care for a large dog typically add $14,000-$22,000 or more, before any major health issue.
Are Italian Spinoni good family dogs?
Very. They are known for a patient, affectionate, and tolerant temperament and are one of the gentler large gundogs with children. The main trade-offs are their size, their need for company, and their messy beard, not their temperament.
Do they drool a lot?
Yes, more than average. Loose lips plus a beard that soaks up water means drips and trails, especially after drinking. If you want an immaculate home, this is a breed to think twice about.
Are they easy to train?
They are willing but slow and deliberate, and they mature late, so training takes patience rather than repetition drills. Gentle, consistent, reward-based methods work well; harsh handling shuts down this sensitive breed.