Spinone
Breed Description

The Spinone is known by several different names across various regions and kennel organizations. Most commonly, this breed is called the Spinone Italiano, reflecting its Italian heritage. In English-speaking countries, it may be referred to as the Italian Wirehaired Pointing Dog or Italian Pointer, descriptive names that highlight both the breed's origin and its distinctive coat texture along with its primary hunting function. Within Italy itself, particularly in historical references, the breed has been called the Italian Griffon or Griffone Italiano, terms that emphasize the rough-coated characteristics of the dog. Some historical texts also refer to the breed as Bracco Spinoso, which translates to "prickly pointer," a name that could reference either the dog's wiry coat or the thorny vegetation it was bred to work through while hunting. In various Italian dialects and regional areas, particularly in Piedmont where the modern breed was refined, you may encounter local variations of these names. The term Spinoso itself relates to thorns or spines, reinforcing the connection to the breed's traditional working environment in dense, thorny undergrowth where game birds would hide.

The Spinone is a large, muscular hunting dog with a distinctive rough coat and an endearing facial expression created by its bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard. This breed presents a solid, square build when viewed from the side, with the body length approximately equal to the height at the withers. The overall appearance conveys strength and endurance rather than speed or elegance. The head is long and carried almost horizontally when the dog is moving, with an oval-shaped skull and a well-developed occipital protuberance. The breed's expression is gentle and intelligent, with soft, large eyes that vary from ochre to brown depending on coat color. The nose is large and spongy in appearance, always matching the coat color. The ears are triangular and hang close to the cheeks, covered with short, dense hair. The Spinone's body is muscular with well-developed shoulders, a deep chest, and a level topline. The tail is typically carried horizontally or slightly down, traditionally docked to 5.5 to 8 inches, though many countries now prohibit docking. The legs are straight and strong with good bone, and the feet are large and round with well-arched toes.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard describes the Spinone as a dog of solid construction, robust and vigorous with powerful bone and well-developed muscles, covered by a rough coat. The build tends to fit into a square, with body length equal to or slightly longer than height at withers. General appearance should be that of a versatile hunting dog capable of working in all terrains. The head is long with diverging skull and muzzle planes. Eyes are large, well-opened, ochre in color for white dogs and darker brown for brown or brown roan dogs. The nose is large and spongy with upper surface rounded, flesh-colored in white dogs and darker brown in brown or brown roan specimens. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, reaching to the throat when pulled forward. Neck is strong and muscular, clearly defined from the nape to the shoulders. Topline is straight from withers to croup or slightly sloping. Chest reaches at least to level of elbows with well-sprung ribs. Tail is thick at base, carried horizontally or down, traditionally docked. Forequarters show straight legs with strong bone. Hindquarters are well-muscled with moderate angulation. The gait is characterized by an extended, fast trot. The coat is dense and stiff with a wiry texture, lying close to the body, 1.5 to 2.5 inches long on body, shorter on muzzle, head, ears, front of legs, and feet. Longer and forming a brush on the eyebrows, lips, and cheeks. Colors accepted are solid white, white and orange, orange roan with or without orange markings, white and brown, or brown roan with or without brown markings. Temperament should be sociable, docile, and patient.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard (No. 165, Group 7, Section 1.3) emphasizes the Spinone as a dog of solid construction, robust and vigorous with powerful bone, well-developed muscles, and a rough coat. Important proportions specify that the build tends to fit into a square, with body length equal to height at withers with tolerance of 1-2 cm longer. Head length equals four-tenths of height at withers. Head width measured at zygomatic arches is less than half the head length. The standard stresses that the direction of upper longitudinal axes of skull and muzzle is divergent. Skull is of oval shape with lateral walls gently sloping, occipital protuberance very well developed, and parietal crest well marked. The bulge of forehead is not much developed. Stop is barely marked while medio-frontal furrow is well pronounced. Nose is set in prolongation of nasal bridge, voluminous and spongy with thick, distinctly rounded upper edge. Muzzle length equals half the length of head. Lips are not too thick, covering the teeth without forming a pronounced flews. Jaws are powerful with complete dentition in normal scissors bite. Eyes are large, well-opened, set almost on frontal plane, with soft expression. Iris color is ochre or brown depending on coat color. Ears are practically triangular in shape with rounded tips, covered with short, dense hair mixed with longer sparse hair. Set at level of zygomatic arch, hanging without folds against cheeks. Neck is strong and short, clearly defined from nape, blending smoothly into shoulders. Skin forms slight dewlap. Body is robust with topline composed of two line segments, one inclining slightly upward from withers to 11th dorsal vertebra, the other slightly sloping from there to croup. The loin is slightly convex. Croup is long, broad, and well-muscled. Chest is broad, deep, and well let down to elbow level. Tail is thick at root, carried horizontally or downward. Traditionally docked to 15-25 cm. Limbs are straight and parallel with strong bone and powerful musculature. Feet are compact and round with well-arched, close toes. Movement shows extended, fast trot. Coat texture is rough, thick, and slightly wiry, lying close to body, 4-6 cm long on body, shorter on head, ears, and front of legs. Furnishings include stiff hair forming bushy eyebrows, mustache, and beard. Colors are solid white, white and orange, orange roan with or without orange markings, white and brown, brown roan with or without brown markings. Size for males is 60-70 cm at withers, females 58-65 cm. Weight for males is 34-37 kg, females 28-30 kg. The temperament should be naturally sociable, docile, and patient. The breed is an experienced hunter in all terrains, very resistant to tiredness, goes easily into thorny underwood, and readily enters cold water. By nature an excellent retriever.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard characterizes the Spinone as a dog of solid construction that is robust and vigorous with powerful bone, well-developed muscles, and rough hair. The build tends to fit into a square, with body length equal to or slightly longer by half-inch to one inch than the height. The breed is naturally sociable, docile, and patient. An experienced hunter in all terrains, the Spinone is very resistant to tiredness, goes easily into brambles, and readily enters cold water. By nature an excellent retriever and competent swimmer, it is built for an extended, fast trot. The head is long and dry with diverging toplines of skull and muzzle. Skull is oval-shaped viewed from above. Seen in profile, the longitudinal axes of skull and muzzle are divergent. Stop is barely marked. Occiput is pronounced. The muzzle is equal in length to skull, square when viewed from front, with bridge of nose either straight or slightly convex. Nose is large and spongy with upper surface rounded. Jaws are strong with full dentition meeting in scissors or level bite. Eyes are large, set almost on frontal plane, well-opened with soft expression. Eye color is ochre or dark ochre with brown pigmented rims for white or white and orange dogs, darker brown with brown pigment for brown or brown roan. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, set on level with eyes, hanging without folds, covered with short dense hair. Neck is strong, thick, and muscular. Skin shows slight dewlap. Topline forms two straight line segments, first inclining slightly from withers, second declining to croup. Body is as long as or slightly longer than tall. Chest is broad, deep, and well-developed. Ribs are well-sprung. Underline has slight tuck-up. Tail is thick at root, carried horizontally or down, customarily docked to 5.5-8 inches. Forelegs are perfectly straight and parallel with strong bone. Pasterns slightly sloping. Hindquarters show good muscle development with moderate angulation. Feet are large, round, and compact with well-arched toes. The gait at a trot is brisk and extended. Coat is dense, stiff, and somewhat wiry, lying flat and close, 1.5-2.5 inches on body. Shorter on head, ears, muzzle, front of legs and feet. Forms bushy eyebrows, substantial mustache and beard. Colors are solid white, white and orange, orange roan with or without large orange markings, white and brown, brown roan with or without large brown markings. Height measured at withers is 23.5-27.5 inches for males, 22.5-25.5 inches for females. Any departure from ideal is faulted according to degree of deviation.

Other Organizations

The Canadian Kennel Club follows a standard very similar to the FCI standard, as Canada generally aligns with FCI guidelines for most breeds. The Kennel Club (UK) also maintains a standard largely harmonized with FCI requirements, emphasizing the breed's working heritage and versatile hunting capabilities. In Italy, the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana (ENCI) publishes the original Italian standard which serves as the basis for the FCI standard. This document provides the most detailed description of the breed's characteristics and is considered the authoritative source. Historical standards from the 1930s provide fascinating insight into the breed's traditional type. Various national kennel clubs in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand maintain breed standards that generally conform to FCI guidelines while sometimes including specific clarifications for their regional judging practices. The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association recognizes the Spinone for hunt testing purposes and emphasizes the breed's natural hunting abilities in their evaluation criteria. All major standards agree on fundamental characteristics including the rough coat, square build, diverging head planes, gentle temperament, and the breed's exceptional versatility as a hunting companion capable of pointing, tracking, and retrieving game in various terrains and weather conditions.

The Spinone's origins extend deep into antiquity, with rough-coated pointing dogs resembling the modern breed having been present on the Italian peninsula since at least the Renaissance period. Ancient texts from as early as 500 BC describe dogs with characteristics similar to the Spinone, and classical writers including Xenophon, Grazio Falisco, and Nemesiano documented rough-coated hunting dogs used in Italy during the Roman Empire. The precise ancestry of the breed remains uncertain, though several theories exist. Some historians believe the Spinone descended from Celtic wirehaired dogs brought to Italy during ancient tribal migrations. Others suggest Greek traders introduced similar dogs during the height of the Roman Empire. What is certain is that by the Middle Ages, rough-coated pointing dogs were well-established in Italy and highly valued by hunters.

Renaissance artwork provides compelling evidence of the breed's long history. The most famous depiction appears in a fresco painted by Andrea Mantegna around 1470 in the Camera degli Sposi at the Ducal Palace of Mantua. In this remarkable painting, a dog closely resembling a modern Spinone lies beneath the chair of Duke Ludovico III Gonzaga, indicating the breed's presence among Italian nobility. By the 17th century, the breed had gained recognition beyond Italy's borders. Jacques Espee de Selincourt, in his 1683 work "Le Parfait Chasseur," specifically mentions griffon dogs and notes that the finest specimens came from Italy and Piedmont, demonstrating the breed's reputation across Europe.

The name "Spinone" itself provides insight into the breed's traditional role. The term likely derives from "spino," referring to the thorny bushes common in Italian hunting grounds where game birds would hide. These dense, prickly thickets were virtually impenetrable to most dogs, but the Spinone's thick, wiry coat provided protection, allowing it to push through brambles to locate and retrieve game. Earlier names for the breed included "Bracco Spinoso" (prickly pointer) and "Spinoso," both referencing either the thorny environment or the dog's rough coat texture.

The modern Spinone developed primarily in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy during the 19th century. Throughout this period, Italian hunters refined the breed for versatility, creating a dog capable of pointing, tracking, and retrieving game on land and in water across diverse terrain including mountains, marshes, and forests. The breed became renowned for its methodical hunting style, exceptional nose, and willingness to work in cold water and harsh conditions. During World War II, the Spinone faced near extinction. The breed was utilized by Italian partisans for tracking enemies and carrying supplies, but wartime hardships decimated breeding programs. Many hunters had also begun using other breeds such as setters, pointers, and spaniels, further reducing the Spinone population. Some breeders resorted to crossing surviving Spinoni with other wirehaired breeds including the Boulet, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and German Wirehaired Pointer in attempts to preserve hunting qualities, though this complicated breed type.

Post-war reconstruction efforts began in earnest with the formation of the Famiglia dello Spinone in 1949, a breed society dedicated to preserving and promoting the Spinone. From approximately 1950 onward, devoted breeders worked to reconstitute the breed from remaining stock, carefully selecting for traditional type and working ability. The Federation Cynologique Internationale granted definitive recognition to the breed in 1955, providing international validation. A second breed organization, the Club Italiano Spinoni, was established in 1973, further supporting breed development in Italy.

The breed gradually gained international recognition through the latter half of the 20th century. In North America, early enthusiasts imported dogs from Italy and the United Kingdom, establishing foundation lines. The Spinone Club of America was founded in 1987 to promote the breed, maintain a registry, and organize events testing both conformation and hunting ability. The breed achieved American Kennel Club recognition with full acceptance into the Sporting Group in 2000. The United Kennel Club had recognized the breed earlier, on January 1, 1995. Today, while the Spinone remains less common than many sporting breeds, it has developed a devoted following among hunters and families who appreciate its unique combination of working ability, gentle temperament, and distinctive appearance.

The Spinone was developed as a versatile hunting dog, specifically classified as a pointing breed within the gun dog category. The breed's primary function involves locating game birds through scenting, pointing to indicate the bird's location, and retrieving downed game after the shot. This combination of skills makes the Spinone what hunters call an HPR breed, standing for Hunt, Point, and Retrieve. The breed's working style reflects its Italian heritage and the varied terrain of its homeland. Unlike some pointing breeds that work at high speed with wide-ranging patterns, the Spinone typically hunts at a methodical, ground-covering trot, maintaining close contact with the hunter while thoroughly working the terrain. This deliberate pace makes the breed particularly suitable for foot hunters who prefer a dog that stays within gun range rather than ranging far afield.

The breed's physical attributes directly support its hunting function. The rough, dense coat provides protection from harsh weather, cold water, and thorny vegetation that would deter breeds with finer coats. The thick skin, particularly notable in historical descriptions, offers additional protection against brambles and other hazards encountered in dense cover. The large, spongy nose facilitates excellent scenting ability crucial for locating game. Strong legs with good bone structure and large, round feet provide stability and endurance across difficult terrain including marshes, mountains, and agricultural land. The Spinone's swimming ability and willingness to enter cold water makes it effective for waterfowl hunting. The breed retrieves naturally, bringing downed birds back to the hunter with a soft mouth that avoids damaging game.

In contemporary times, while many Spinoni still work as hunting companions, the breed has successfully adapted to other roles. The Spinone's calm, gentle temperament and devotion to people make it an excellent family companion. Some individuals work as therapy dogs, visiting hospitals and care facilities where their patient, affectionate nature provides comfort. The breed's intelligence and trainability allow it to participate successfully in various dog sports including obedience, tracking, and agility, though typically in a less competitive capacity than breeds specifically developed for these activities. The Spinone's fundamental purpose remains that of a versatile hunting partner, but its temperament and adaptability allow it to thrive in modern companion roles as well.

The Spinone exhibits a behavioral profile somewhat unusual among sporting breeds, combining hunting drive with a notably calm, patient demeanor. This temperament duality makes the breed effective in the field yet remarkably easy to live with as a companion. When working, the Spinone demonstrates focus, determination, and seemingly endless stamina. The same dog at home typically displays a relaxed, almost lazy disposition, content to lounge near family members for hours. This ability to switch between working mode and companion mode represents one of the breed's most valued characteristics.

Sociability defines the Spinone's interactions with people. The breed typically greets strangers with friendly interest rather than suspicion or aggression, making it poorly suited for guard work but excellent for families who entertain frequently or have active social lives. This friendliness extends to children, with most Spinoni showing remarkable patience with young family members. The breed's tolerance for the unpredictable movements and sounds of children, combined with a gentle mouth and careful movements, makes it a favored choice for families. However, as with all large dogs, supervision of interactions with very young children remains advisable to prevent accidental knocking or overwhelming.

Independence of thought characterizes the Spinone's approach to problem-solving, a trait developed through generations of working situations requiring the dog to make decisions without human direction. While this independence contributes to effective hunting performance, it can complicate training if handlers expect immediate, unquestioning obedience. The breed responds best to training methods emphasizing positive reinforcement and clear, consistent communication rather than harsh corrections. Spinoni often display what owners describe as a sensitive nature, with harsh handling potentially causing the dog to shut down rather than comply. Patient, reward-based training produces much better results, though progress may occur more gradually than with some breeds. The Spinone's intelligence ensures it learns quickly once motivated, but it may question why it should perform a particular behavior if the purpose isn't clear.

Exercise requirements for the Spinone remain moderate compared to many sporting breeds, though daily activity is essential for physical and mental health. An hour or more of exercise daily typically suffices, whether through walks, play sessions, swimming, or hunting activities. Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, the breed may develop behavioral problems including destructive chewing or excessive barking, though these issues remain less common than in higher-drive sporting breeds. The Spinone generally adapts well to life as a house dog, showing little tendency toward excessive indoor activity once mature. Many owners note the breed's tendency toward what they call "slobbering," with the long beard collecting and redistributing water after drinking, a manageable characteristic for families who aren't fastidious about household cleanliness.

The Spinone thrives as an integral family member, showing deep devotion to household members and a strong desire for companionship. This breed forms intense bonds with people and genuinely suffers when isolated from family activities. Owners consistently report that their Spinoni want to be wherever the people are, whether that's in the kitchen during meal preparation, in the living room during evening relaxation, or in the yard during outdoor projects. This constant companionship-seeking makes the breed poorly suited for situations requiring long periods alone or outdoor-only living arrangements. A Spinone relegated to the backyard without family interaction will likely develop anxiety and behavioral problems.

Within the family unit, most Spinoni do not show pronounced favoritism, distributing affection fairly evenly among household members rather than bonding exclusively to one person. This democratic approach to family relationships contributes to the breed's success in family settings where multiple people interact with the dog. Children often form especially close bonds with family Spinoni, as the breed's patient nature tolerates the kind of enthusiastic, sometimes clumsy, affection children provide. The Spinone typically moves carefully around small children, seeming aware of its size and strength. That said, the breed's size means that even careful movements can accidentally knock over a toddler, so supervision during interactions protects both child and dog.

Multi-pet households generally work well with Spinoni. The breed usually coexists peacefully with other dogs, showing neither dominant nor submissive tendencies to an extreme degree. Early socialization helps ensure positive relationships with other canines. While bred as hunting dogs with inherent prey drive, many Spinoni live successfully with cats and other small pets, particularly when raised together from puppyhood. Owners should recognize that individual prey drive varies, with some dogs showing strong interest in small animals while others remain relatively indifferent. Introduction of a Spinone to existing small pets should proceed gradually with careful supervision until trust is established.

The breed's moderate energy level and calm house manners make it adaptable to various living situations, though space considerations matter. While a Spinone can adjust to apartment life with sufficient exercise, the breed's size makes a home with a yard more practical. The Spinone appreciates having space to move around, though once exercise needs are met, the dog typically settles quietly indoors. Potential owners should consider the breed's tendency to drool, especially after drinking water, and the tracking of mud and debris in the rough coat. Families who maintain spotless homes may find these characteristics challenging. However, families who can accept some level of mess find the Spinone's wonderful temperament far outweighs these minor inconveniences. The breed integrates beautifully into family life, participating enthusiastically in activities while respecting household routines and showing consistent, reliable temperament across various situations.

The Spinone is generally considered a hardy breed with fewer health issues than many purebred dogs, though like all breeds, certain conditions occur with greater frequency. Responsible breeding practices including health testing help minimize the incidence of hereditary problems. The typical lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years, though some individuals live considerably longer with proper care. Prospective owners should work with breeders who perform recommended health screenings and can provide documentation of testing performed on breeding stock. The Spinone Club of America recommends specific health tests for breeding dogs and maintains a code of ethics requiring breeders to test for common conditions.

If you're looking to adopt a Spinone, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting. "Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Spinone waiting for their forever homes.