The Bracco Italiano dog breed, also known as the Italian Pointer, are affectionate animals who long for interaction and mental stimulation. They are calm and intelligent, and because of this do well with hunting and training.
Size:
Male: 55-88 lbs.
Female: 55-88 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 23-26 in.
Female: 22-24 in.
Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: Over 30 minutes/day
Energy Level: Average
Longevity Range: 10-12 years
Tendency to Drool: Average
Tendency to Bark: Low to Average
Social/Attention Needs: Average to High
Bred For:
Hunting
Coat:
Length: Short, shiny
Characteristics: Roan markings
Colors: White, White and chestnut, or white and orange
Overall Grooming Needs: Low
Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Sporting
UKC Classification: Gun Dog Group
Prevalence: Common
The Bracco Italiano is a large dog, with short, shiny hair. Height ranges from 22 to 26 inches and weighs between 55 and 80 pounds.
They have dangling ears that fall close to their face. The breed's hair is short and shiny, and the fur on their head and ears, as well as on the front of the legs and feet tends to be finer than the rest of their body. Their coloring is either white, white and orange, or white and chestnut, and some have roan markings.
The Bracco has an elongated and distinguished slow trot, though this trot can develop into a gallop as he picks up speed. When they hunt, they'll raise their noses to the air to smell for game while trotting.
Personality
The Bracco breed is smart, efficient, and pleasant. These pups get along well with children and other dogs, and if they're socialized at a young age, they are gentle with cats and other small animals. Bracco dogs are social and will hit it off with new humans, so bringing them into a dog-friendly work environment or including them in your activities is an experience everyone will enjoy.
In fact, these dogs long for human interaction, so expect to have a Bracco underfoot. Watching a movie with the family? This large dog might try to snuggle up on the couch alongside you. Cleaning the yard? Your pet will be sure to join you, hoping to put those pointing and hunting skills to work to alert you of any squirrels in the area.
Living With
Bracco Italiano dogs are well-suited for individuals and families. They do well in houses with yards that have plenty of space for them to burn energy or with active humans who regularly exercise, especially if Braccos are left alone for long periods, such as when their owner goes to work. While they aren't known for regular barking or watchdog duties, the pointers will alert you to changes in their environment. If the dogs are abandoned too often and for too long, they may develop destructive habits, such as digging, excessive barking, or other undesirable habits.
These dogs don't need to be bathed often; however, their ears can get dirty frequently and may need to be wiped clean from time to time. Grooming should include a few moments of brushing once or twice a week to remove dead hair and keep it looking its best. Nails should be clipped weekly or every other week.
Training at an early age is key for this breed. Puppies are known to be curious and take well to training and socialization. However, you shouldn't wait too long. The older he is when you start training, the more headstrong he may be during his lessons.
Most dogs need to wait until they get their vaccines to begin group classes, but you can bring a trainer into your home or practice yourself with your pup until he is of age to join an obedience class with other dogs. For instance, work with your pet on understanding that the outside is for running and burning off energy, but the home is for relaxing. Additional training for pointing and hunting would be good for families who live active and outdoorsy lifestyles.
History
This Italian Pointer is an ancient breed hailing from Italy, hence the name. In fact, Bracco Italiano translates to Italian Pointer. The breed first appeared in frescoes and texts from as early as the fourth and fifth century BCE. Later, they were bred by the Gonzaga and Medici families and then bought by aristocrats and royal families, notes the American Kennel Club. It's possible that this breed may be the ancestor to European pointer breeds, as they were often gifted to noble families in France and Spain.
It's believed that the white and orange dogs hailed from Piedmont, and they were smaller in stature to better navigate the mountain areas, while the white and chestnut roan dogs were bred in Lombardy, which has more lowland and marshes.
Bracco Italianos were bred as hunting dogs with the mission to drive birds into nets and flush game for falconers. After guns were introduced into the hunting world, the dogs were then trained to point and retrieve.
Bracco Italiano dogs make for loving and well-trained family pets, though that doesn't mean they wouldn't still enjoy a day of hunting. With proper training, as well as mental and physical exercise, your pet will live a happy and fulfilled life with your family.
