Working Kelpie 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.
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Spinone Italiano
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
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: Working Kelpies are less energetic than Spinone Italianos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Working Kelpies require less grooming attention compared to Spinone Italianos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Working Kelpies 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: Spinone Italianos adapt better to apartment living, while Working Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Working Kelpie and Spinone Italiano, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg | Unknown Unknown |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Eager, Intelligent | Sociable, Patient, Docile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is known for being alert, eager, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Working Kelpie 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
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
Spinone Italiano
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Working Kelpies 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
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
Spinone Italiano Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cerebellar Ataxia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
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 Working Kelpie and Spinone Italiano, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.