Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano is a large hunting dog that originated in Italy where it was used to hunt a variety of game. It is known by a number of different names, which include the Bracco Italiano, Italian Pointing Dog, Italian Pointer, Italian Setter and simply the Bracco. There is written evidence in Italy that proves the Bracco Italiano has been in existence since about the 4th or 5th century BC. It is thought that the breed may be related to such other dogs as the Asiatic Mastiff, Seguguio Italiano and the St. Hubert Hound. There are two varieties of Bracco Italianos: Piedmontese Pointers and Lombard Pointers. While Piedmontese Pointers originated in Piedmont, Lombards came from Lombardy. The Piedmont Braccos are lighter in color than the Lombards, and they are a bit smaller. Italiano Braccos were favored by aristocracy; however, they nearly faced extinction during the late 19th century. Nevertheless, the breed was saved by several dedicated breeders, and a standard was written in 1949.

The Bracco Italiano is a large, muscular gundog that is often called the "Italian Pointer" that was bred to hunt. It has square proportions and well-defined muscles. This dog breed has a large, long muzzle and large pendulous ears and lips, which give it a solemn expression. It has a short, glossy coat that usually comes in orange and white or Roano Brown. In terms of grooming, the Bracco's coat is a breeze. The Bracco's Ears should be checked regularly. This is a somewhat large hunting dog that can weigh anywhere between 55 and 88 pounds or more fully grown. These dogs have short, stiff hair that comes in such colors as orange and white, chestnut and white, brown and white, or brown roan. This is a muscular dog that has floppy, long ears that should reach the shoulder blades. The muzzle of the Bracco Italiano should be square-shaped with pendulous lips and a self-colored nose. The eyes should be a dark brown or ochre color and have a passive expression. The tail is typically docked medium-length, but some breeders prefer to leave their pups' tails long.

Personality

The Bracco Italiano thrives on human interaction and enjoys human companionship. They are very loyal and intelligent. They are affectionate towards children and are patient, gentle, and playful, which make good pets for older children. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. They are happiest when they can hunt or have a task. They are not necessarily aggressive but may growl. Bracco Italianos love people and enjoy human companionship. They are great with older kids, which makes them good family pets. However, due to their large stature, they are not recommended for people who have young children. Additionally, since they have a strong hunting instinct, they may not interact well with cats, rabbits or rodents. These dogs are eager to please and do fairly well with obedience training. Although this is not an aggressive dog, it will alert you if there are strangers about. It is essential to note that if you do not hunt, your Bracco may become quite bored. As such, you need to keep your pet busy with other activities. While the Bracco Italiano is best suited for someone who is looking for an all-around great hunting dog, it can also make a terrific family pet. However, if you do choose to add one of these dogs to your home, you will need to make sure to keep it busy. Braccos can become bored rather quickly.

Breed Characteristics

Bracco Italiano Build Information

The Bracco Italiano is a large, muscular gundog that is often called the "Italian Pointer" that was bred to hunt. It has square proportions and well-defined muscles. This dog breed has a large, long muzzle and large pendulous ears and lips, which give it a solemn expression. It has a short, glossy coat that usually comes in orange and white or Roano Brown. In terms of grooming, the Bracco's coat is a breeze. The Bracco's Ears should be checked regularly. This is a somewhat large hunting dog that can weigh anywhere between 55 and 88 pounds or more fully grown. These dogs have short, stiff hair that comes in such colors as orange and white, chestnut and white, brown and white, or brown roan. This is a muscular dog that has floppy, long ears that should reach the shoulder blades. The muzzle of the Bracco Italiano should be square-shaped with pendulous lips and a self-colored nose. The eyes should be a dark brown or ochre color and have a passive expression. The tail is typically docked medium-length, but some breeders prefer to leave their pups' tails long.

Behaviour and Personality

The Bracco Italiano thrives on human interaction and enjoys human companionship. They are very loyal and intelligent. They are affectionate towards children and are patient, gentle, and playful, which make good pets for older children. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. They are happiest when they can hunt or have a task. They are not necessarily aggressive but may growl. Bracco Italianos love people and enjoy human companionship. They are great with older kids, which makes them good family pets. However, due to their large stature, they are not recommended for people who have young children. Additionally, since they have a strong hunting instinct, they may not interact well with cats, rabbits or rodents. These dogs are eager to please and do fairly well with obedience training. Although this is not an aggressive dog, it will alert you if there are strangers about. It is essential to note that if you do not hunt, your Bracco may become quite bored. As such, you need to keep your pet busy with other activities. While the Bracco Italiano is best suited for someone who is looking for an all-around great hunting dog, it can also make a terrific family pet. However, if you do choose to add one of these dogs to your home, you will need to make sure to keep it busy. Braccos can become bored rather quickly.

Appearance

The Bracco is a low-maintenance dog that requires little grooming. It should only need a bath about once or twice a month if needed. During shedding season, you can "pet" your dog with a hound glove to get rid of any dead hair in its coat. Check your Bracco's ears frequently for signs of infection and clean out any excess wax with a damp cloth. If you need to cut your Bracco's nails, you can do so using a pliers-style nail clipper.

Bracco Italiano Common Health Conditions

The average lifespan for a Bracco Italiano that is in good condition and health is about 12 years. This is a breed that suffers from few genetic health issues, but a small percentage of them may be prone to developing the following conditions: Gastric Torsion (Bloat), Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections, Skin Allergies, Anesthesia Sensitivity, Ectropian/Entropian and Brucellosis.

Bracco Italiano Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Tri-colored Braccos and Braccos with black in their coats are considered faults with the major kennel clubs. The Bracco Italiano has been used for all types of hunting and will point as well as retrieve game. Braccos were not introduced to England until 1989.