Is the Saluki Better than the Spinone Italiano as a Pet? Answer…

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Saluki Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Saluki and for the Spinone Italiano. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Saluki or the Spinone Italiano.

Saluki versus Spinone Italiano: Overview

Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are similar in size. The Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Saluki belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Saluki versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Saluki to the Spinone Italiano based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano

Factor Saluki Spinone Italiano
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 28 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Weight 35 to 70 pounds 61 to 86 pounds
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2250 $1180
Price Range $2250 – $2250 $1000 – $1000
Temperament Score 68.7 percent 50.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams beginning at 1 year of age
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 127 112

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Saluki in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Spinone Italiano. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Saluki is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is a better pet than the Saluki. So, you should get the Spinone Italiano!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano

    Below is a list of where the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are most different:

  • Salukis do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Spinone Italianos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Salukis are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Spinone Italianos are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Salukis do not have the tendency to drool. However, Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Salukis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Spinone Italianos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano

    The Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are most similar:

  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Saluki versus Spinone Italiano

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano.

    Salukis weigh 35 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Salukis are 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Saluki versus Spinone Italiano

    The lifespan of Salukis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Salukis is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Salukis live longer than Spinone Italianos.

    Temperament of the Saluki Versus the Spinone Italiano

    The Saluki has a better temperament than the Spinone Italiano.

    This is because the temperament score for the Saluki is 68.7 percent while the temperament score for the Spinone Italiano is 50.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 68.7 percent, the Saluki has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 50.0 percent, the Spinone Italiano has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano by measuring the temperaments of 67 Salukis and 6 Spinone Italianos.

    Price of Saluki versus Price of Spinone Italiano

    The average price of the Saluki puppy is $2250. The price of the Saluki typically ranges from $2250 – $2250. However, the price of a Saluki can be as low as $2250 and as high as $2250. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Saluki puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Spinone Italiano puppy is $1180. The price of the Spinone Italiano typically ranges from $1000 – $1000. However, the price of the Spinone Italiano can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 30 Spinone Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Saluki is more expensive than the Spinone Italiano.

    Saluki Spinone Italiano
    Average Price $2250 $1180
    Price Range $2250 to $2250 $1000 to $1000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Saluki and Spinone Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Saluki puppies or how many Spinone Italiano puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Salukis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Salukis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

    A breakdown of the prices of Spinone Italianos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Saluki puppy or the Spinone Italiano puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Saluki versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Spinone Italiano is more popular with dog owners than the Saluki. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Spinone Italiano is 112 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Saluki is 127 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Saluki

    Popularity of Saluki

    Popularity of Spinone Italiano

    Popularity of Spinone Italiano

    Year Saluki Popularity Rank Spinone Italiano Popularity Rank
    2013 115 117
    2014 134 118
    2015 132 112
    2016 125 105
    2017 123 111
    2018 120 109
    2019 125 116
    2020 144 110

    Tolerates Being Alone: Saluki versus Spinone Italiano

    Salukis do not like to be left alone.

    Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Salukis shed more than Spinone Italianos?

    Salukis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Spinone Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Saluki or the Spinone Italiano

    Salukis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Saluki or the Spinone Italiano?

    Salukis are very easy to groom.

    Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Saluki Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?

    Salukis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Spinone Italianos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Salukis Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?

    Salukis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Salukis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Salukis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Saluki vs. Spinone Italiano

    Salukis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Spinone Italianos do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Salukis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Salukis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Spinone Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Saluki or the Spinone Italiano?

    Salukis get along very well with other dogs.

    Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Salukis good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?

    Salukis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Salukis and Spinone Italianos?

    Salukis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Saluki Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?

    Salukis are very easy to train.

    Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.

    Is the Saluki Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?

    Salukis do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Saluki or the Spinone Italiano?

    Salukis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Spinone Italianos are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saluki

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saluki that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Saluki:

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (77 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Spinone Italiano vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (75 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Spinone Italiano vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (75 percent match with Saluki). Here is our comparison of the Spinone Italiano vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spinone Italiano that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Spinone Italiano:

  • Collie (75 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Saluki vs Collie.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Spinone Italiano). Here is our comparison of the Saluki vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Saluki and how the Spinone Italiano compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Saluki and of the Spinone Italiano to other breeds:

    Saluki Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saluki versus Redbone Coonhound     Saluki versus Pointer     Saluki versus Bulldog     Saluki versus Lhasapoo     Saluki versus Beaglier     Saluki versus Tibetan Spaniel     Saluki versus Kishu Ken     Saluki versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Saluki versus Scottish Terrier     Saluki versus Cockalier     Saluki versus Cockalier     Saluki versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Saluki versus Bull Terrier     Saluki versus Standard Poodle     Saluki versus Pomeranian     Saluki versus Chorkie     Saluki versus Shiba Inu     Saluki versus Giant Schnauzer     Saluki versus Sussex Spaniel     Saluki versus Cane Corso     Saluki versus West Highland White Terrier     Saluki versus Spanish Mastiff     Saluki versus Cockapoo     Saluki versus Irish Setter     Saluki versus Irish Setter     

    Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Spinone Italiano versus Border Collie     Spinone Italiano versus Komondor     Spinone Italiano versus Australian Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Canaan Dog     Spinone Italiano versus Samoyed     Spinone Italiano versus American Eskimo Dog     Spinone Italiano versus Belgian Malinois     Spinone Italiano versus Ibizan Hound     Spinone Italiano versus Lowchen     Spinone Italiano versus Golden Retriever     Spinone Italiano versus Catahoula Bulldog     Spinone Italiano versus Beagle     Spinone Italiano versus Weimaraner     Spinone Italiano versus Norwegian Lundehund     Spinone Italiano versus West Highland White Terrier     Spinone Italiano versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Spinone Italiano versus Rottweiler     Spinone Italiano versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Spinone Italiano versus Afghan Hound     Spinone Italiano versus German Longhaired Pointer     Spinone Italiano versus Doberman Pinscher     Spinone Italiano versus Affenhuahua     Spinone Italiano versus Shetland Sheepdog     Spinone Italiano versus Pomeranian     

    Conclusion: Saluki versus Spinone Italiano. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Saluki and the Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.