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.
Constitution
Is this 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, higher in medium- to large-sized dogs.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring must focus primarily on the joints, certain ocular and neurological disorders as well as the ears, especially in an active dog that goes out a lot. As with large dogs with a developed chest, preventing serious digestive disorders also involves good feeding habits.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can lead to pain, limping, 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: The eversion of the eyelid exposes the eye more to irritation and infections.
Gastric torsion: This life-threatening emergency mainly affects large-breed dogs and warrants split meals as well as avoiding exertion just before and after meals.
Otitis: Its drooping ears can promote moisture and inflammation if hygiene is not maintained.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Spinone Italiano need? Like all dogs, Spinone Italianos should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Spinone Italiano vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle 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 diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle 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 booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Spinone Italiano need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
