Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is respectable for a dog of this size. Regular activity, a suitable diet and preventive veterinary care help it age well.
Build
A robust breed?
Rustic, hardy and well built, the Spinone copes well with exertion and difficult terrain. Its robustness does not rule out vigilance regarding certain hereditary conditions and the risk of gastric torsion, which is higher in medium- to large-sized dogs.
Watch points
What to watch for
Monitoring must focus as a priority on the joints, certain ocular and neurological disorders as well as on the ears, especially in an active dog that goes out a lot. As in large dogs with a developed chest, the prevention of serious digestive disorders also involves good feeding habits.
Hip dysplasia : A joint malformation that can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis in the more or less long term.
Hereditary polyneuropathy : A rare neurological condition that affects the peripheral nerves and can cause weakness, gait disturbances and exercise intolerance.
Ectropion : Eversion of the eyelid exposes the eye more to irritation and infections.
Gastric torsion : This life-threatening emergency mainly affects large dogs and calls for split meals as well as avoiding exertion just before and after the meal.
Otitis : Its drooping ears can promote moisture and inflammation if hygiene is not maintained.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Spinone copes rather well with cold and humidity thanks to its rustic build and its harsh coat. It tolerates heat correctly if efforts are adapted, but it must always have shade, fresh water and outings shifted in case of high temperatures.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Maintaining a stable weight is important to limit the load on the joints and maintain good endurance. It is advisable to adjust the ration to the actual activity level, monitor body condition and avoid overly frequent treats.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Split the daily ration into 2 meals to reduce the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus.
- Regularly check the ears after outings and swims.
- Have locomotion and hips checked in case of stiffness, limping, or decreased activity.
- Maintain a stable weight throughout life.
Vaccination
Spinone Italiano vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Spinone Italiano? Like all dogs, the Spinone Italiano receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Spinone Italiano is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Spinone Italiano vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Spinone Italiano?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Spinone Italiano
Screening for hip dysplasia is recommended, as well as particular attention to a history of hereditary polyneuropathy. Regular veterinary check-ups, combined with examination of the ears, eyes and locomotion, are relevant in this breed.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
