The Spinone is a large, rugged dog of distinctive appearance. He has a distinctive head, with hanging ears and eyes described as "human like."  In body he is a substantial, strong boned dog with a square build.  Everything about this breed indicates great strength as well as stamina. This versatile breed is suited for hunting in all climates and on all terrain. Its harsh coat and thick skin protects it in the field, water and freezing temperatures.  It is an excellent swimmer and a model retriever.

The Spinone Italiano Dog Breed or Spinoni Italiani (plural) is a Gun Dog with a wiry (wirehaired) coat and is considered a relatively rare breed.  The Spinone is in the AKC (American Kennel Club) Sporting Dogs Group.  The Spinone is a Bird Hunting Dog belonging to the pointing dog breeds and he is an avid retriever.  The Spinone has also been know as the Italian Griffon and has been considered one of the oldest breeds of Italian hunting dogs.  In addition to bird hunting, this gun dog, which points and retrievers is considered one of the versatile hunting dog breeds which can be tested with the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA).  Now accepted into the AKC Sporting Group, the Spinone Italiano is eligible to participate in AKC Hunt Tests, Tracking Tests, Obedience Trials and Events. 

The Spinone Italiano can participate in the Conformation Show Ring in the AKC Sporting Group.  Some Spinone Club of America members have also competed in conformation events held by the Canadian Kennel Club ( CKC ), the Federation of Rare Breeds (FORB ) and the United Kennel Club.  In addition, the Spinone Italiano temperament makes for an excellent therapy dog.  Members have registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc. and some have qualified under the Therapy Dogs International ( TDI ).

The Spinone Italiano is most commonly known as the Spinone (pl. Spinoni Italiani), but is also known as the Italian Spinone and the Italian Griffon.  Pronunciation in Italian is Spi - no - nay (singular) and Spi - no -nee (plural).