Let's talk Bracco Italiano Dogs
A distinguished expression and congenial disposition mark the Bracco Italiano. The storied breed from Italy has so much going for them: Hugely energetic with a fairly substantial body, they nonetheless carry themselves beautifully, with their signature large head marked by hefty jowls and a thoughtful gaze. Once trained properly, they enjoy having children and other pets in their midst. Their docile, gentle manner makes them wonderful family dogs, along with a high level of intelligence, a valued trait for any canine.Official name: Bracco Italiano
Other names: Italian Pointer, Italian Pointing Dog
Origins: Italy
Drooling tendencies | Warm weather? | ||
Shedding level | Suited to apartment living? | ||
Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
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Compatibility with other pets | Can stay alone?* |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
Mature age: | 5 to 8 years |
Senior age: | From 8 years |
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Get to know the Bracco Italiano
All you need to know about the breed
A lovely breed with a noble carriage, the Bracco Italiano dog has enjoyed a loyal following in their home country of Italy, with a reputation that quickly spread worldwide throughout the ages.
It’s hard to land on which is the more charming trait, the contemplative stare or the fetching jowls hanging aside their composed face. The devoted manner isn’t bad either. This is a low-key breed that’s most content being by your side.
That said, the Bracco Italiano is on the alert where their family is concerned, and will use their voice if need be. A protector ... well ... let’s just say that’s not their strong suit—not that they aren’t aware of what’s going on around them, they’re just a very serene dog who is quite friendly to almost everyone who crosses their path.
Despite being easy-going when it comes to their temperament, the Bracco Italiano is a high-energy breed and requires a good amount of exercise each day. They are pointers, raised as sporting dogs, so are a great match for active owners. Early morning runs? No problem. After-work jogs? Let’s go. Frolicking in the yard with the kids? OK! They’ll let you know when it’s time to quit and take to the couch for a cuddle or two.
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2 facts about Bracco Italiano Dogs
1. A watchdog they are not
The Bracco Italiano has many superb attributes but don’t count on one being a great capacity as a guardian. Known to be calm, and not a barker, the Bracco Italiano is very intelligent but also very welcoming so may make too many friends rather than be wary when it is warranted.
2. A pointer they are
The Bracco Italiano also goes by the name of Italian Pointing Dog and is considered the oldest European pointer. Raised as a sporting breed, they will point, meaning stop, stare, raise their tail straight out, and raise a paw as if to point to alert their owner. It’s a fascinating turn of nature—and harmless when done, especially in the living room.
History of the breed
In 1882, when the Kennel Club Italiano was founded, the first breed registered was the Bracco Italiano. Developed in northern Italy, they’re said to be the oldest pointing breed in Europe, with a history that supposedly dates to the 4th century B.C. Although their story is a bit hazy, the breed is known to be a cross between a Segugio Italiano and the Asiatic Mastiff.Separate types of Bracco Italiano dogs, from Piedmont and Lombardy, existed but were eventually bred into one. Hugely popular, they faced extinction at the end of the 1800s but were revived by breed devotees. The Societa Amatori Bracco Italiano was founded in 1949 and the official breed standard was then inscribed.
The breed made its way to the U.S. in 1994 and was registered by the AKC in 2001, with the first gathering of the Bracco Italiano Club of America in 2007.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Bracco Italiano
1. Ears
Ears set low on head, rounded ends, supple to the touch.
2. Coat
Short, dense, glossy coat in distinctive orange and white speckled pattern.
3. Body
Strong body with broad deep chest, powerful neck.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bracco Italiano
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Caring for your Bracco Italiano
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Bracco Italiano has a short, easy-care coat so grooming them is a no-brainer. Baths should be taken a few times a year or more if they get into something messy. Keeping nails trimmed, as with all breeds, is vital, especially when they spend time outside, and check their paw pads for debris that may get picked up while there. Those luscious long ears will need checking as well, and a regular dose of good cleaning to keep infections at bay.
The Bracco Italiano breed will need at least two good walks a day to get their fill of exercise. If kept in a less rural setting as a pet, make sure to give them a good amount of mental stimulation. They are game to participate in anything the family is doing, so play for everyone is encouraged!
Training them for competitions like rally, obedience, and agility is super for Bracco Italiano dogs. This is a dog that’s delighted to please their owner so good training is key to their contentment. The breed is slightly independent but give them a job to do and they’ll be all too glad to oblige.
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All about Bracco Italiano Dogs
The Bracco Italiano is very celebrated in their native Italy, adored for their devotion and steadfastness. They were, in fact, the very first breed registered by the Kennel Club Italiano, founded in 1882. Through the year 2018, almost 32,000 registrations of the breed have been made with the club.
The words “trusted companion” come immediately to mind with the Bracco Italiano. Their great attributes are many: They are very smart, great family dogs, and take direction well, although gentle commands are preferred to stern ones. Most of all, the Bracco Italiano is a proud breed so adjusts well anywhere they feel right at home.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/