Spinone Italiano

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb to maintain the dense, wiry, close-fitting coat. Hand-strip every 8-12 weeks to preserve the harsh, flat-lying coat texture. The distinctive eyebrows, beard, and mustache need daily combing with a fine-toothed comb to prevent matting and food debris buildup.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks with a texturizing wire coat shampoo. Avoid heavy conditioners that soften the naturally tough, weather-resistant coat. The Spinone's coat should feel coarse and dense, providing protection during fieldwork. Dry the thick beard separately and thoroughly to prevent odor.

Common Issues

• Beard and mustache odor from food, water, and drool
• Lip fold dermatitis from moisture trapped in facial wrinkles
• Dense coat trapping field debris and burrs
• Ear infections from pendulous, hairy ears
• Drooling causing chest staining and skin irritation

Extend Your Grooming Results

Clean the beard and lip folds after every meal and multiple times daily. Keep facial furnishings trimmed to a manageable length. Use a drying ear solution weekly. Wipe drool from the chest and chin regularly. Hand-strip the body coat every few months to maintain the correct harsh texture.

Seasonal Care

Spinoni shed moderately in spring and fall when the undercoat loosens. In Houston's humid summers, the dense coat and drooling tendency increase the risk of skin fold infections -- keep facial folds dry and clean. Trim the belly slightly shorter in summer for comfort. The wiry coat insulates against heat.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily beard and lip fold cleaning multiple times, ear cleaning weekly with hair plucking monthly, hand-strip every 8-12 weeks, nail trims every 3 weeks, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.