Italian Spinone Breed Guide
Meet the Italian Spinone, nicknamed the Bearded Clown for their playful nature. They are a gentle, bearded companion known for their calm demeanor and affectionate heart. These dogs may look rugged with their scruffy coats and soulful eyes, but at their core, they’re all about love, loyalty, and snuggles. Built for endurance rather than speed, Spinoni (yep, that’s the plural!) are excellent hunting companions, but they’re just as happy to be your laid-back sidekick, watching life go by.
These big, sturdy pups aren’t just for show—they’ve got a history of hard work, but nowadays, they’re content with an afternoon stroll followed by a nap on the sofa (preferably with you!). If you’re looking for a family-friendly dog that’s just as good at hiking through fields as
THE BASICS:
- Category: Gundog
- Size: Large (29-39 kg)
- Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
- Grooming: Moderate
- Coat: Dense, wiry, and water-resistant
- Shedding: Minimally throughout the year increasing seasonally
- Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, bloat
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Home Needs: A large garden and a relaxed but active family
- Sociability: Incredibly affectionate, great with kids and other pets, but a bit of a couch potato when not working
HISTORY: A TRUE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE DOG
The Italian Spinone is considered one of the oldest gundog breeds, with origins tracing back to ancient Italy, making it a cherished part of canine history. Their name comes from the Italian word "spino," meaning thorn bush, which makes sense considering their resilience to harsh terrain when out hunting. They were bred to be all-around working dogs, able to point, retrieve, and hunt in various environments, from thick brush to marshy wetlands.
Unlike many hunting breeds that were bred for speed, Spinoni were designed for endurance, making them perfect companions for long, leisurely hunts. They’re calm, patient, and persistent—qualities that still define their personality today. Though they’re less common than some other hunting breeds, Spinoni have a loyal following of fans who adore their laid-back nature and versatility.
ITALIAN SPINONE PERSONALITY: LAID-BACK, LOYAL, AND LOVABLE
If you’re after a dog with a gentle heart and an easygoing personality, the Italian Spinone is your dog. These pups are known for their calm, affectionate temperament. They’re the kind of dog that’s happy to trot alongside you on a walk and then settle in for some quality lounge time afterward. Unlike some high-strung gundogs, Spinoni are much more laid-back, making them ideal for families who want a larger dog without the non-stop energy. Spinoni may not match the frenetic energy of some breeds, but their stamina and love for outdoor activities mean they thrive with regular, moderate-paced exercise like hiking, swimming, or scent-tracking games. They are playful and outdoorsy. They are after all gundogs a
Their calm disposition means they equally enjoy downtime They’re great with kids, other pets, and pretty much anyone they meet. They’re not particularly suspicious of strangers, but they do love to keep an eye on what’s happening in the home—just in case.
With their loyal and affectionate nature, don’t be surprised if your Spinone wants to follow you from room to room, offering the occasional nuzzle with their bearded face. They’re social dogs that thrive on companionship, so expect them to stick close to you, both physically and emotionally. Due to their strong attachment to family, Spinoni are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Gradual desensitisation training and providing engaging toys can help them adjust.
While Spinoni are intelligent and eager to please, they can also exhibit an independent streak. Consistent training with positive reinforcement—such as treats or praise—is essential to keep them motivated and focused.
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES AN ITALIAN SPINONE NEED?
Italian Spinoni need a good 1-2 hours of exercise a day, but they’re not the type to zoom around like a border collie on espresso. Instead, they prefer more relaxed, steady-paced activities. Think long walks, gentle hikes, or even a good swim (they love the water!). They’re not about breaking speed records, but they have the stamina to keep going for ages.
These dogs also need mental stimulation to stay happy. They’re intelligent and love games that challenge their brains—try scent work, puzzle toys, or even gentle hunting games to engage their natural instincts. And while they enjoy a good play session, they’re equally happy to snooze away the afternoon after their daily outing.
Spinoni thrive in spacious homes with access to outdoor areas. While they can adapt to smaller living spaces with sufficient exercise, a home with a garden is ideal for their size and energy levels.
Pro tip: After a long walk, treat your Spinone to Scrumbles Dry Dog Food to keep them fuelled up and healthy.
HOW TO GROOM AN ITALIAN SPINONE: THE BEARDED BEAUTY
One look at an Italian Spinone and you know that their ruggedly handsome appearance comes with some grooming responsibilities. Their dense, wiry coat is naturally water-resistant, but it needs regular brushing to prevent matting, especially around the beard and legs. A weekly brush will help keep their coat tidy, and during shedding season, you may need to up your brushing game a little.
Their iconic beards are adorable, but they also have a knack for collecting dirt, water, and leftover food (think of them as nature’s bib). A quick wipe after meals or drinks will help keep things clean. Baths are only necessary when they’re particularly dirty, but their coat dries quickly and doesn’t have a strong doggy odour.
Don’t forget regular ear cleaning—those floppy ears are prone to infections, especially if they’ve been swimming. After swimming, ensure ears are thoroughly dried to reduce moisture buildup. Regular nail trims and dental care are also musts, and Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Dog Treats are a great way to keep their teeth clean and breath fresh.
HEALTH: A ROBUST BREED, BUT WATCH THE HIPS
The Italian Spinone is generally a hardy breed, but like many large dogs, they’re prone to a few health concerns. Hip dysplasia is the most common issue, so keeping them at a healthy weight and ensuring they get moderate exercise is key. Another concern is bloat, a condition that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. To minimize the risk of bloat, feed your Spinone smaller meals multiple times a day instead of one large meal, and avoid vigorous activity an hour before or after eating. Learn the early symptoms, such as a distended abdomen or restlessness, and contact a vet immediately if these arise.
With their floppy ears, they can also be prone to ear infections, especially if they’re frequent swimmers (which they tend to be!). Regular ears checks and cleaning will go a long way in preventing problems.
For optimal health, a balanced diet like Scrumbles Salmon Wet Dog Food—rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6—is perfect for supporting their joints and keeping their wiry coat in great condition.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE ITALIAN SPINONE:
- Long renowned artists: You'll find Spinoni depictions in Italian Renaissance paintings, they've been around and loved for a while.
- Hiking Buddy: Designed for endurance over speed, Spinoni excel as steady companions for long, scenic walks or countryside hikes.
- Water Lovers: Spinoni adore swimming and are excellent water retrievers, so get ready for some wet, muddy fun if there’s a pond nearby!
LIVING WITH AN ITALIAN SPINONE: LAID-BACK, LOVING, AND FULL OF CHARACTER
Living with an Italian Spinone is like having a giant, bearded teddy bear with a penchant for outdoor fun. These dogs are gentle giants, known for their sweet, calm nature and their love for all things family. Whether it’s kids, other pets, or guests, the Spinone’s relaxed personality makes them a breeze to live with. They’re playful but not overly energetic, making them a great fit for families who want a dog that enjoys activity but also knows how to chill.
Spinoni thrive on companionship and can struggle with extended solitude. They are happiest in homes where they are included in daily activities and surrounded by family members. They thrive in homes where they’re part of the action—whether it’s helping in the garden (expect some “gardening” assistance) or keeping you company on the couch. If you’re someone who loves the great outdoors but also enjoys a laid-back companion, the Spinone will fit right in.
To keep them happy, healthy, and entertained, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a nutritious diet are key. Training them is usually a joy—these dogs are smart, eager to please, and respond well to positive reinforcement, especially when you’ve got Scrumbles Treats in hand.
IS THE ITALIAN SPINONE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?
If you’re looking for a dog that’s gentle, loyal, and has a sense of humour, the Italian Spinone might just be your dream dog. They’re perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities but also appreciate a dog who knows when to relax. With their affectionate, easygoing nature and rugged good looks, they’ll win over your heart—and probably your couch space.
With the right care, plenty of love, and a balanced diet from Scrumbles, your Spinone will be a happy, healthy, and lovable companion for years to come.
Why Scrumbles is Perfect for Italian Spinones
Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Spinone owners for several reasons:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Spinone's, with their wirey coats and lively personalities, benefit from high-quality, natural ingredients like all doggies. That's why we avoid artificial additives and fillers, ensuring your Italian Spinone gets premium nutrition.
- Coat and Skin Health: An Italian Spinone's water-resistant coat requires extra care, and Scrumbles’ recipes, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, support healthy skin and keep their coat in great condition. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
- Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Postbiotic Nibbles for pooches with extra sensitive tums.
- Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
- Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.
REFERENCES:
- American Kennel Club (AKC): Italian Spinone
- Kennel Club: Italian Spinone
- PetMD: Italian Spinone
