Bracco Italiano

Quick Take

• This ancient breed's hunting role has shifted dramatically across the centuries, and its current skill set might surprise you. See its activity needs →
• Two noble Renaissance families shaped this breed, and their rivalry may have saved it from extinction. Discover the noble history →
• The Bracco's eagerness to please is its greatest training asset, though that same trait can completely backfire if you use the wrong approach. Get the training approach →
• Owning a Bracco Italiano comes with a hidden physical demand that catches most families off guard. Check the daily exercise demands →

Few dogs have a history like the Bracco Italiano. An ancient Italian hunting breed dating back to images from the 4th and 5th centuries BC, this member of the sporting group is known for its tireless gait and excellent nose. Its hunting role evolved from assisting net hunters to assisting falconers, to hundreds of years of gun hunting. It now points and retrieves, and can even retrieve waterfowl thanks to its strong swimming ability.

The Bracco also loves people. A good family dog, the Bracco Italiano loves to play, is reliable, intelligent, gentle, and easy to train. It also does well with children and pets. Its primary drive is to please its family.

The 2 Different Types of Bracchi Italiani

There were actually two types of Bracco Italiano a hundred years ago or so: the Piedmontese and the Lombard pointers. These two breeds were combined to unify the traits of the breed.

Bracco Italiano Fun Fact 

It is considered the oldest European pointer. It was a popular hunting dog during the Renaissance, bred by both the Medici and Gonzaga families.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Bracco Italiano 

Size and Weight

The Italiano is a large-breed dog, with males and females standing about 21 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55 to 88 pounds.

Common Health Issues

This is a relatively healthy dog, apart from conditions that many large breeds are susceptible to, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. They also tend to develop eye conditions such as entropion (where the eyelid curls inward, causing irritation and possibly ulcers) and ectropion (where the lid curls outward, allowing irritants and debris to enter the eye and possibly cause infection). Other health concerns in the breed include kidney issues (such as amyloidosis), skin conditions, and sensitivity to anesthesia.

Temperament

The Bracco is a gentle, playful dog that gets along with small animals and other dogs. It loves to play and is good with children. Bracchi Italiani are happy with their families and need to be close to people.

They are also very active and need to work. They are highly trainable, though they can become stubborn when their minds are set on something else.

How To Take Care of a Bracco Italiano  

The Best Dog Food

Vets recommend a nutritionally balanced, high-quality dog food appropriate for the Bracco Italiano’s age, size, and activity level, with adequate protein and healthy fats.

Maintenance And Grooming 

The Bracco Italiano has a thick, short coat, which requires minimal care. Brushing it weekly with a hound glove should be enough for periodic care. The long floppy ears tend to get dirty, so you should periodically use a cloth and some shampoo or soap to clean them. The occasional bath will keep them clean.

Keep the interior of the ears free of wax and debris to prevent infection. Also, brush the dog’s teeth a few times a week and trim the nails periodically.

Training 

The Bracco Italiano is a very trainable dog, but it can also be stubborn. Training requires patience and calmness. It is eager to please, but tends to get absorbed in its own tasks. Don’t be harsh with it, because it is very sensitive, and will be heartbroken to know it has let you down. If you want to combine training with exercise, try enlisting it in obedience, agility, or rally work.

Exercise 

Bracchi Italiani have high energy levels, so they require at least 1 to 2 hours of physical and mental activity daily, such as long walks, hunting, swimming, or scent work. When hunting, they have a long, loping gait that eats up the miles, making them good jogging companions. They also enjoy swimming. Be careful to avoid high-impact activities that might hurt their bones or joints.

Puppies

Like many puppies, Bracco Italiani tend to chew, though they are not excessive about it if kept busy. The puppy stage is a good time to start socializing and training them. When exercising the puppies, avoid letting them run or jump on hard surfaces. This can cause damage to their developing joints and bones. Finally, be sure to purchase them from a reputable breeder and get their health history.

Bracco Italiano And Children

The Bracco Italiano is very good with children. As a matter of fact, in many households, the Bracco and the kids are inseparable playmates! The dog is gentle with kids and protective of them as well. They can tolerate a lot of tugging and pulling that would cause many dogs to snap. They are incredibly patient animals.

Dogs Similar to the Bracco Italiano

• Spinone Italiano: This Italian pointer has much in common with the Bracco Italiano. Like the Bracco, it is affectionate and energetic. It is also one of the world’s oldest hunting breeds.
• English Setter: The English Setter is also a high-energy, affectionate European hunting breed. While not as ancient as the Bracco or Spinone, a history of 400 to 500 years is still quite respectable.
• English Pointer: A European hunting breed, the English Pointer is also a lovable family dog. It has high energy needs, but it makes a wonderful addition to an active and responsible family.