Spinone Italiano conducted a breed health survey which found the average life expectancy of Italian Spinone to be 8.7 years. The breed is believed to have been developed in the Piedmont region of Italy. As the Spinone is a very ancient breed (it is believed to be one of the oldest gun dogs in existence), it is not known exactly what the origins of the breed are; there are many different theories. Some of these claim that the Spinone could have originated in Italy, France, Spain, Russia, Greece, or Celtic Ireland. Some people familiar with the history of the breed claim that
Spinone Italiano (approx 5.5 to 8 inches or 140 to 200 mm from the base of the tail). Non-working UK based Italian Spinones are no longer docked, in accordance with current legislation. Even as adults, Spinoni retain disproportionate, puppy-like, webbed paws which make them powerful swimmers. The coat is tough, slightly wiry, and close fitting. The preferred length is on the body; however, the ears, muzzle, head, and parts of the legs and feet are covered with shorter hair. Eyebrows have longer and stiffer hair; longer but softer hair covers cheeks and muzzle, creating a profuse moustache and beard. The Spinone should