Bracco Italiano Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bracco Italiano?

Originating in Northern Italy, the Bracco Italiano is the oldest European pointer, with its roots being traced back as far as the 4th and 5th Centuries.

Also known as the Italian Pointer, this intelligent gun dog has been renowned for its use on the hunt since the Middle Ages, when it enjoyed a huge rise in popularity with the European nobility.

It was primarily used for bird hunting, but it soon became clear that whatever the game, the Bracco Italiano was an excellent wingman.

The Italian Pointing dog has two variations: the Piedmontese Pointer and the Lombard Pointer. Both variations nearly went extinct during the 20th Century but were revived by a few passionate Italian breeders who dedicated themselves to saving the breed.

The breed was recognised by Italy's national breed club, the Societa Amatori Bracco Italiano, in 1949 and eventually accepted by the United Kennel Club in 2006. They didn't reach America until the 1990s and are currently part of the Miscellaneous Class in the American Kennel Club, the stage before full acceptance.

Who are Bracco Italiano dogs best for?

The Bracco Italiano is an intelligent, affectionate dog that does very well with families and younger family members. They are patient and love companionship, making them great family dogs.

They also get on well with other dogs and pets if they are socialised properly from a young age.

They can thrive in an apartment as well as a home but, of course, would do better in a larger home with a garden.

Hunting dogs require a solid amount of exercise a day. Thirty minutes of walking should do it, but they adapt easily to more physical exercise and have the stamina to work and walk all day, so they will fit in well with active families.

How much grooming does a Bracco Italiano need?

The short, shiny coat of a Bracco Italiano is low maintenance and easy to care for. Brushing them once or twice a week using a bristle brush or grooming mitt will remove dead dog hair and skin. Make sure to trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly too.

The big droopy jowls of this handsome pooch do mean that they will drool quite heavily, which will need cleaning, so it's maybe not the best choice for owners who don't want to clean up copious slobber.

The Bracco Italiano's long ears can be prone to infection more so than dogs with upright or short ears. Floppy ears trap moisture and dirt and will need regular weekly checks and cleaning to remove any debris build-up. Use a gentle, approved ear cleaner and avoid cotton swabs that can cause damage to the inner ear. Preventing ear infections is much easier than having to deal with curing them.

Do Bracco Italiano bark much?

Pointing dogs are bred to help hunters locate game by pointing their noses at any game they spot and barking at it. Because of this, the Bracco is less likely to bark compulsively, reserving their voice for specific situations such as alerting you to a change in their environment that they are not happy with.

Even with that genetic trait in mind, the Bracco Italiano is a sweet dog that won't tend even to bark at new people in their home, making them less them poor watchdogs.

Do Bracco Italiano bite?

The Bracco Italiano is a sweet-natured dog with no genetic purpose to bite built into its heritage despite its powerful bite. As it's not a herding dog, it's not inclined to nip to try and get family members in line, and with the proper socialisation and training, it's unlikely they will show any aggression towards humans during their lives.

This dog is a fantastic retriever and part of their work was picking up successful catches on a hunt. They are known as having a 'soft mouth', which refers to their ability to carry birds gently in their mouths without causing any damage.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bracco Italiano?

Bracco Italianos make wonderful family pets. This may be because they are used to hunting in a pack and thrive on the social aspects of life in general; in any case, they are gentle, love attention, and are highly agreeable.

They are gentle, loving dogs and will form strong ties with their family, especially towards children. This can lead to them exhibiting separation anxiety in cases where they're left alone for long periods of time, which can cause some undesirable behaviour, so they're better off in homes where there is usually someone home, at least for a decent part of the day.

What is the weight & size of a Bracco Italiano?

The Bracco Italiano dog shows little variation between the sexes in terms of height and weight. Males and females tend to weigh between 25 to 41 kg at the very top end and will reach 53-68 cm at the withers.

How much training does a Bracco Italiano need?

One of the features of the Bracco Italiano which makes it such a fantastic hunting dog is its high degree of intelligence. This makes it easy for them to learn from instructions quickly and will aim to please you, as this, in turn, makes them happy.

With this in mind, the best training methods are gentle but firm with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Harsh training will cause them to lose interest and stop trying.

There are Bracco Italiano purists who insist that a Bracco Italiano that isn't hunting will never be content. You could also argue that what the Bracco really enjoys is human companionship that is hard to replicate without being on a hunt.

If you take that stance, any sort of exciting activity that offers them mental stimulation and exercise will give them the fulfillment they lack from not being on the hunt.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bracco Italiano?

The Bracco Italiano is a typically healthy breed, but like most purebred dogs, there are some genetic health problems they can suffer from. Some of the most common complaints to look out for are

• Hip dysplasia

• Entropion

• Umbilical hernias

• Ear mites.

They are also sensitive to anesthesia, especially the drug Domitor.

What is the lifespan of a Bracco Italiano?

With proper exercise and nutrition, a healthy Bracco can live between 12-15 years.

How much should you feed a Bracco Italiano?

Reputable breeders will supply you with a feeding plan alongside your Bracco Italiano puppy which you should stick to closely during their development to avoid upsetting their stomach.

A large dog formula is best for this breed to cater to its meatier nutrition requirements. If you're planning on taking this dog hunting or if they're going to lead an active lifestyle, you're best off feeding them with food specially formulated for active dogs.

What is the price of a Bracco Italiano in Australia?

The price for this rare breed is steep and will rarely drop below $2000 but generally max out at around $2500.