Italian Greyhound vs Spinone Italiano
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
Spinone Italiano
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Spinone Italiano Overview
Spinone Italiano stands out with its dense, wiry coat and distinctive facial furnishings, including bushy eyebrows and beard. This muscular hunting dog features a square build, long limbs, and gentle brown eyes that convey intelligence and warmth. Their patient and docile nature combines with remarkable stamina and versatility in the field, while their sociable temperament makes them excellent family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Italian Greyhounds are less energetic than Spinone Italianos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Italian Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to Spinone Italianos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Italian Greyhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Spinone Italianos.
- Trainability: Spinone Italianos may be slightly easier to train due to their Spinone Italiano's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Spinone Italianos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Italian Greyhound and Spinone Italiano, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 7-14 lbs 3-6 kg | Unknown Unknown |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Alert, Sensitive | Sociable, Patient, Docile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is known for being playful, alert, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Spinone Italiano Temperament
The Spinone Italiano is characterized by being sociable, patient, docile, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Italian Greyhound and Spinone Italiano, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Italian Greyhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Spinone Italiano Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Spinone Italianos need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Spinone Italianos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Spinone Italiano Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cerebellar Ataxia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
Spinone Italiano
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Patient with children
- Versatile hunting abilities
- Good with other pets
- Gentle disposition
Cons
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular grooming
- May drool considerably
- Not suited for apartment living
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Italian Greyhound and Spinone Italiano, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.