Spinone Italiano is a large, rugged breed of dog developed in Italy during ancient times. The plural form of the dog’s name is spinoni Italiani. The dog stands about 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 centimeters) high at the shoulders and weighs from 61 to 85 pounds (28 to 39 kilograms). It has a muscular body with a deep chest and a thick, wiry coat. Spinoni can be white, brown and white, or orange and white, and many have solid brown or orange patches. The dog has a distinctive long head with hanging ears, a wiry mustache, and a tufted beard. Its eyes have a sweet expression that many people find humanlike.
Spinoni have served as hunting dogs for many centuries, helping hunters locate and retrieve prey. They can hunt in all environments and are good swimmers. Spinoni are also gentle, intelligent, loyal dogs that can make excellent family pets.
