Italy is famous for being home to two famous hunting breeds, of which one is the Spinone Italiano and the other the Bracco Italiano.
A dog who was brought up with the purpose of hunting and took a certain delight in hunting, the Bracco Italiano is still the companion of choice for many of the serious hunters of Italy even to this day.
Not just a hunter, these dogs are also known for their agreeable attitude and make wonderful family dogs.
They spend most of their time running about and playing. These friendly pups are great with almost everyone, even strangers.
With their developed sense of scenting and their capability of retrieving, these dogs are excellent for tracking.
Their agility makes them great in sports as well. They can be used as therapy dogs as well as search and rescue dogs.
They are not known to be friendly with other pets, and if left alone for too much time are, creating a fuss in the neighborhood with their barking and destructive behavior.
About The Breed
The Bracco Italiano dogs come in a beautiful mix of colors – white with splashes of amber or orange; white with chestnut patches; white with pale orange speckles; etc.
Their coats are short, dense, and shiny. They have high energy to spend, and therefore, it becomes acute that these dogs are given the right amount of time to run off some of it.
It would do them good if they were taken for an hour-long or half an hour walk every day. They require playtime too.
They are known to be nuisance barkers, but that happens only when they are left to their means for a long time.
They are generally known to be a warm and calm breed. They can get a tad too excited among children, and therefore, it is advised that they are not left to engage with small children without adult supervision.
Bracco Italiano Dog Breed History
Most believe that the Bracco Italiano may have existed as long back as the 4th or the 5th century.
This claim is proved by paintings in which they often appear. Dogs that resemble the Bracco Italiano appear in paintings from the 14th century as well.
There are mainly two kinds of Bracco Italiano breed, the orange and white and the brown and red type.
The orange and white Bracco might have originated in Piedmont, and the brown and raon from Lombardy.
The orange and white line was historically used for hunting in the mountainous regions of Italy.
They are of lighter build and are hence able to move easily through the rough landscape. The other line of the Bracco is heavily boned and were hunters in the marshy lowlands.
They were famous amongst the nobility as hunting dogs. The Gonzaga and Medici were among some of those famed novels.
They were also used to drive games into the waiting nets. Upon the emergence of firearms, these intelligent hunter-dogs began to be used for pointing.
The Bracco Italiano is believed to be the ancestor of many of the European pointing breeds.
The breed faced a decline in its popularity in the 20th century but was revived by the Italian breeder Ferdinando Delor who experimented by cross-breeding the two varieties and increasing the genetic diversity of the Dracco Italiano.
Bracco Italiano Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Brocco Italiano |
| Other Name | BraccoItalian Pointing DogItalian Pointer |
| Dog Breed Type | Purebred; gun dog |
| Origin | Italy |
| Parent Breeds | Bracco Italiano |
| Height | 22 – 26 inches |
| Weight | 55 – 90 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 14 years |
| Coat Type | Short and dense coat |
| Common Colors | White; brown; and black |
| Grooming Needs | Does not require much grooming |
| Shedding | Shedding is moderate |
| Temperament | Playful; loyal; affectionate; stubborn; trainable; companionable |
| Apartment Living | Not ideal for apartment living |
| Pet Friendly | No, they are not good with other pets |
| Health Concerns | Medium; 30 minutes of daily activity |
| Overall Health | Healthy breed |
| Intelligence Level | Average intelligence |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | Average |
| Activity | Medium ; 30 minutes of daily activity |
| Litter Size | 1 – 8 puppies |
What To Know
• ? Bracco Italianos have a distinctive appearance, with their long, pendulous ears and expressive eyes. They come in various coat colors, including chestnut and white, making them both elegant and endearing.
• ? Historically bred as versatile hunting dogs, Braccos are adept at tracking game, from upland birds to waterfowl. Their keen sense of smell and sharp instincts make them a formidable partner for hunters.
• ? While their hunting skills are top-notch, Bracco Italianos are also known for their loving and friendly nature, making them great family pets. They thrive on human companionship and are eager to please.
• ?♂️ Bracco Italianos require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their affectionate disposition and striking looks make them a cherished addition to households that can provide them with the love and activity they need.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Bracco Italiano ? is a highly adaptable breed known for its ability to fit into various living situations.
These versatile dogs effortlessly transition from the open fields to a cozy home environment.
Their moderate energy level means they can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, but they’re equally content lounging indoors with their human companions.
Bracco Italianos are sociable, making them great additions to families and solo dwellers alike.
They’re quick learners, often picking up house rules and commands with ease. In essence, their adaptability and friendly nature make them a wonderful choice for those seeking a loyal and adaptable furry friend. ?❤️
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Novice Owners
Sensitivity Level
Tolerates Being Alone
Tolerates Cold Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
Friendliness
The Bracco Italiano ? is renowned for its exceptional friendliness and affectionate nature.
This breed is like a warm, welcoming hug in dog form. Their gentle temperament and love for human companionship make them perfect family pets.
Bracco Italianos thrive on forming close bonds with their owners and often exhibit an endearing eagerness to please. ?
They are known for their sociable disposition, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers.
With their wagging tails and loving eyes, these dogs bring joy and warmth to every household, embodying the essence of a true canine friend. ??
All About Friendliness
Review 2
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
A reliable and hardy hunting breed, the Bracco Italiano is not just an excellent hunter but also a most adorable and playful family dog.
They will thrive in a home where they are given at least half an hour of walking intermixed with long playtime regularly.
Their instinctual urge to snap at prey requires them to spend their energy running about.
A house with a large yard and some sturdy fence would be the perfect home for the Bracco Italiano. They are a methodical and efficient dog breed.
They love their humans and are often seen to be highly devoted to their families. They are usually very friendly but can get a little wary of strangers sometimes.
They require socialization at an early age to tone down this. They are good with children, but they do tend to get excited easily, and therefore, it will be better than their interaction with children being supervised by adults.
Given their friendliness with humans, these dogs are not the best with other pets, be it other dogs or other smaller dogs. They love their space, and everyone must respect it too.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
The Bracco Italiano ? is a breed known for its gentle nature, making it incredibly friendly with children.
These dogs are like big, lovable teddy bears, often displaying patience and affection around kids.
Their sweet temperament and loyalty make them wonderful family pets. They create strong bonds with children, providing a sense of security and companionship. ?
The Bracco Italiano’s loving disposition and playful spirit make it a perfect addition to a family with little ones.
Amicable to Other Pets
The Bracco Italiano ? is not only a loyal companion but also amicable to other pets.
Their friendly nature and gentle disposition make them a great addition to a multi-pet household.
These dogs tend to get along well with other dogs, cats, and even smaller pets, creating a harmonious and happy pet environment.
Their affectionate personality and calm demeanor promote peaceful coexistence, making them an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a furry friend for their existing companions. ?
Barking Tendencies
The Bracco Italiano ? is known for being amicable with other pets in the household.
Their friendly and easygoing nature makes them great companions for cats. and other dogs?
With their gentle disposition, Bracco Italianos typically get along well with furry friends, fostering a harmonious atmosphere at home.
This breed’s social and tolerant personality extends beyond their human family, making them a welcoming addition to any multi-pet household.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Living alone with a Bracco Italiano ?? offers endless possibilities for a fulfilling companionship.
These affectionate and loyal dogs are the perfect partners for solo living. They provide a friendly presence and endless love, ensuring you’ll never truly be alone.
Their playful nature brings joy, while their watchful instincts offer security. With a Bracco Italiano by your side, you’ll experience the warmth of a loyal friend, making every day brighter. ?
Pros And Cons Of The Bracco Italiano Dog Breed
Pros
- Exceptional hunting and tracking skills.
- Loyal family companion.
- Low grooming and shedding needs.
- Calm and affectionate demeanor.
- Robust health and longevity.
Cons
- High energy, needs regular exercise.
- May be reserved with strangers.
- Prone to separation anxiety.
- Requires mental stimulation.
- Potential stubbornness in training.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The male Bracco dogs are slightly bigger than the female Bracco Italiano dogs. Female dogs are known to be more independent, while male dogs are more affectionate.
Female dogs are also known to show more aggressiveness than their male counterparts when it comes to hunting and other such activities.
Appearance
General Appearance
?? The Bracco Italiano, known for its striking appearance, exudes an air of gentle strength and elegance. With its distinct short and dense coat, they’re easy to recognize. ??
These dogs have a robust yet harmonious build, standing tall with expressive eyes that convey their friendly nature.
They flaunt a well-defined head, long ears, and a broad nose, which enhances their exceptional scenting abilities.
Their limbs are strong and muscular, a testament to their agility and stamina. The Bracco Italiano’s coat comes in a variety of colors, often showcasing rich, solid hues.
Their unique appearance perfectly complements their role as devoted companions and skilled hunters.
Coat Color
The Bracco Italiano has a thin and short mane. They are strong and muscular. Their skin is tough and elastic, with thinner skin on the head, throat, armpit, belly, and groin.
Weekly grooming would be required to ensure that there isn’t any loose hair.
The Bracco Italiano breeds shed at a moderate rate, and if they are not groomed regularly, this will lead to hair floating about your home.
A stiff hairbrush would be the perfect hairbrush. Their nails grow quickly and would need to be trimmed from time to time.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to leave your Bracco Italiano’s mane looking silky and beautiful.
Shedding
The Bracco Italiano breeds shed moderately and, without weekly grooming, would cause dense hair to float about your home.
Size
The Bracco Italiano dog breed is a medium to a large sized dog that typically has a height of about 22 to 26 inches and weighs about 55 to 90 pounds.
They appear strong and muscled, with the white and orange variety being lighter than the heavily boned roan and white variety.
They have thin and elastic skin on their face, neck, and armpit.
Vital Statistics
| DOG BREED GROUP | PUREBRED DOGS |
| HEIGHT | 22 – 26 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 55 – 90 POUNDS |
| LIFE SPAN | 10 – 14 YEARS |
Health
The Bracco Italiano is a generally healthy dog breed, but they are prone to some diseases like Entropion; ectropion; bloating; kidney problems; hip and elbow dysplasia.
Health And Grooming Requirements
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
The Bracco Italiano has a habit of dirtying their coat, and therefore they must be bathed and brushed every week to remove dirt and dead hair.
Their short hair does shed moderately and will settle down on furniture and such if not groomed regularly.
A stiff, natural bristle brush should be used for a stronger and silkier mane. Leave-in conditioner and finishing spray are also good, but only those that are approved to be used on dogs.
Regular nail trimming is necessary. Often a week-to-week clipping is necessary. Avoid cracking the nails while clipping.
Check their ears regularly and clean them if needed. A routine should be kept for dental health.
Grooming
Grooming your beloved Bracco Italiano ? is a breeze due to its short, glossy coat. Regular brushing with a soft bristle brush keeps it sleek and removes loose hair.
Bathing only when necessary helps maintain their natural oils. Pay extra attention to their long, expressive ears ? by cleaning them gently to prevent dirt buildup.
Keep those pearly whites shining with dog-friendly toothpaste ?.
Trim their nails to prevent overgrowth, and don’t forget to cuddle and praise your Bracco during grooming sessions – it’s quality bonding time! Overall, this breed’s grooming needs are relatively low, making it a paw-positive experience for both you and your furry friend! ??
Food And Nutrition
A highly active breed, the Bracco Italiano will require a high-protein diet.
Real meat, such as chicken, beef, turkey, etc., is the best when it comes to protein, while fish can be fed only if you Bracco Italiano are not allergic to it.
Real whole grain is good for this breed. Vegetables and fruits will ensure that other nutrients are also being taken.
The Bracco Italiano is very active and therefore needs lots of water to hydrate themselves when they take breaks in between their running about.
Food Cost
For your dog, 2-3 cups of dog food is recommended daily. Just divide them into 2-3 meals.
Don’t make your dogs overeat. The average daily cost would be around $1.1-$1.5. The monthly costs come to be around $33-$50.
Exercise And Activity Level
At least 30 minutes of walking and occasional playtime regularly is a must when it comes to the Bracco Italiano dog breeds.
They love a run about the yard. They are very agile and love to play. Depriving them of their regular playtime can lead to them taking up barking and other destructive activities to show their protest.
Physical Requirements
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential for Playfulness
Trainability
The Bracco Italiano ? is known for its remarkable trainability. Their natural intelligence and desire to please make them quick learners.
They excel in obedience training and various dog sports. Their gentle nature and eagerness to bond with their owners create a strong connection that enhances training.
Consistency and positive reinforcement, like treats and praise ?, work wonders with these dogs.
They respond well to structured routines and commands, making them adaptable to various activities.
Whether you’re teaching basic commands or advanced tricks, the Bracco Italiano’s trainability shines through, making them a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced dog owners.
Trainability
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Conclusion
The Bracco Italiano is a purebred dog whose existence has been documented since the 4th century. They were historically used in Italy as hunting dogs and are known to be a favorite among the Italian nobility, one among them being the Medicis. The Bracco Italiano is the ancestor of many of the pointer breeds of Europe.
Explore More Dog Breeds…?
FAQs On Bracco Italiano Dog Breed…
Can Bracco Italiano dogs be fed packaged dog food?
Yes, the Bracco Italiano dogs can be fed high-quality dog food with high amounts of protein with ingredients that include meat.
Are Bracco Italiano dogs high maintenance?
Bracco Italiano dogs will need to be groomed every week.
Does Bracco Italianos get along well with other pets?
With socialization at a young age, they can get along well with smaller cats and other animals.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.