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 |
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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.
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58 - 67 cm
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25 - 40 kg
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55 - 62 cm
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25 - 40 kg
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| 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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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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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.
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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.
Read more on this topic
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The risks to your dog if they are obese
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/