Bracco Italiano Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

25-41 kg

Height

53-68 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Bracco Italiano

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

The Bracco Italiano was bred as a hunting dog, but its charming, gentle personality, charismatic droopy lips, and warm eyes make them wonderful family dogs that are easy to fall in love with.

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 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.

What is a Bracco Italiano breed?

While the exact origin of this ancient breed is unknown, it’s understood that they may be the product of a cross between the Segugio Italiano, an Italian coursing hound, and the Asiatic Mastiff.

The Piedmontese Pointer has lighter colouration and a slimmer build, while the Lombard is generally a bit thicker in the body and forequarters. They have a short, rough coat with a nice sheen that is typically softer on the head, ears, throat, and legs.

They are typically a combination of white and roan brown though amber and chestnut patches are allowed. Standards dictate any black on the coat is a fault.

Who is a Bracco Italiano 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.

Bracco Italiano Grooming & Shedding

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, vet-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 Italianos bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Bracco Italiano dog?

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

Are Bracco Italianos easy to train?

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 fulfilment they lack from not being on the hunt.

How do Bracco Italianos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Bracco Italiano have any common health issues?

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: This genetic condition affects the hip joint, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and discomfort.
Umbilical Hernias: These occur when tissue protrudes through an opening in the abdominal muscles near the belly button.
Ear Mites: These can cause irritation and infections in the ears, requiring prompt treatment.

They are also known to be sensitive to a drug called Domitor, which is used in anesthesia.

What is the lifespan of a Bracco Italiano?

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

How much does a Bracco Italiano need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Bracco Italiano FAQs

How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?

It’s important that a Bracco Italiano receives enough exercise to satisfy their high energy levels and desire to get up on their feet and feel purposeful.

To this sort of hunting dog, exercise and activity are how they build relationships with their owners. With this in mind, the Bracco needs to be in a home where they will be active regularly, ideally across a range of different activities to keep their minds stimulated.

Do Bracco Italiano dogs drool?

Yes. The Bracco’s big jowls are prone to picking up a huge amount of slobber, so they will drool consistently throughout the day. If you’re the sort of dog owner who would rather not have to deal with cleaning up drool every day, then the Bracco Italiano is not the dog for you.