Medium
Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is an ancient Italian hunting breed known for its friendly, easygoing temperament and distinctive dense, wiry, slightly coarse coat. The breed's bushy eyebrows, beard, and moustache give it a characteristically wise and gentle expression. The coat provides excellent protection in dense undergrowth and water, and is naturally self-cleaning to a degree.
Coat Type
Dense, Wiry, Slightly Coarse, with Beard and Eyebrow Furnishings
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
4 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Natural Spinone Coat
Coat maintained in its natural wiry state with minimal trimming. Eyebrows, beard, and body coat allowed to develop naturally. The correct look for pet and field dogs.
2
Tidy Trim
Eyebrows tidied, beard cleaned up, body coat lightly stripped or scissored to neaten the outline without significantly altering coat texture.
3
Hand Strip (Show)
Dead outer coat removed by hand to maintain the correct rough, close-lying wiry texture required in the show ring. Furnishings shaped for breed standard presentation.
4
Summer Groom
Body coat stripped shorter for warm weather while maintaining the eyebrows, beard, and characteristic Spinone expression.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Spinone's beard and moustache are profuse and trap water after drinking — wipe the face dry after every drink to prevent skin irritation and odor.
- The wiry outer coat is naturally dirt-resistant — allow mud to dry and brush it out rather than bathing frequently.
- Hand stripping twice yearly maintains the correct wiry texture and the clarity of the coat's white, orange, or brown roan coloring.
- Clipping softens the Spinone's coat over time, reducing both its weather-resistance and its depth of color.
- The eyebrows are thick and expressive — trim only the tips to keep them out of the eyes, not the full brow.
- Check the large, pendulous ears weekly for moisture and debris — the Spinone's drop ears are prone to ear infections.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
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Deep Dives
Spinone Italiano Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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