Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is described by the AKC as sociable, patient, docile, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from Italy.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 23-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | In direct proportion to size and structure of a dog [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Sociable / Patient / Docile [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Italy [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 113 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Spinoni are 'low octane' compared to other sporting breeds. While a hike or walk is always a good idea, it is not something that must be done every day. A large, securely fenced yard and plenty of playtime will keep a Spinone happy, along with being part of the family, which is just as important to his well-being as exercise. [1]
Grooming
Despite the standard saying that the breed should be "kept in a natural state," Spinoni do need some grooming. They should be hand-stripped, rather than scissored, to get out the dead hair, as well as maintain a coat length of one and a half to two and a half inches. Spinone need their ears cleaned at least once a week. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Responsible breeders will screen their stock for health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and eye anomalies. As with all breeds, the Spinone's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, ideally every day, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Spinone Italiano in 2000. [1]
- It ranked No. 113 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 112 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Spinone.” [1]
- The AKC lists Italy as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Spinone Italianos live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Spinone Italiano get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) and weight In direct proportion to size and structure of a dog.
How much are vet bills for a Spinone Italiano?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Spinone Italiano, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.