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Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointing dog)

Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointing dog)

The Bracco Italiano is a pointer dog that adapts to a number of different hunting styles. Although they are rarely used as pets they prove to be rather docile and affectionate despite their reputation as difficult dogs. Sometimes a little bipolar, they know how to be calm in a family setting but also how to unleash their energy and give it their all at work.

Key facts about the Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointing dog)

Life expectancy :

5

19

10

14

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

This is an ancient breed, mainly selected from the North of Italy, this dog was around in the Middle ages and common during the Renaissance. Brunetto Latini described the Bracco Italiano as orange and white in 1260. Their direct ancestors probably come from the Oysel dog, a hunting dog that has been around since the second Crusade. The breed was officially recognised by the FCI in 1956.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs

Section

Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs

Physical characteristics of the Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointing dog)

    Adult size

    Female : Between 22 and 24 in

    Male : Between 23 and 26 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 55 and 88 lb

    Male : Between 55 and 88 lb

    Coat colour

    White

    Type of coat

    Short

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    The Bracco Italiano is built harmoniously, they are a solid dog, noble and elegant. They have a long and supple body, a large neck with a dewlap, a big chest and a robust frame. Their head is angular with an unpronounced stop and divergent craniofacial axes.  

    With droopy lips and oval eyes, they have a good-natured expression. Their ears are long and dangling sitting towards the back of the head.

    Good to know

    Going to a good breeder to buy a Bracco Italiano puppy is important. If not, you may end up with a shy or stubborn dog. Today, this dog has been bred to a high standard, in terms of both how they look and their work ethic.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      Here is a dog that knows how to be loved by all, with a simple look they could melt even the hardest of hearts. 

      Although this pointer dog is independent by nature, they love being a part of the family.

    • 66%

      Playful

      Playing with a Bracco Italiano puppy is a great way to start their training. Even when they are older, combining playful yet educational games is a great way to enhance their education especially if they are stimulated physically, mentally and use their sense of smell.

    • 66%

      Calm

      The Bracco Italiano knows how to be calm at home, as long as he’s well exercised. On the other hand, out on the hunting field they are anything but calm and demonstrate exceptional levels of endurance and resistance.

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      The Bracco Italiano has a number of commendable skills that they put to good use for their owner when tasked with various activities, especially hunting.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      This Pointing dog is as well adapted to mountainous landscapes as they are to open plains: they hunt with their head high up. They have an elegant elongated trot, a recognisable trait of this breed.
      They Bracco Italiano is a versatile and skilful dog, not settling for just being a pointer they are also a good retriever. This makes them the perfect hunting partner.

    • 66%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      Very kind and friendly to those they know well, the Bracco Italiano can be distant with people that they cannot smell. Despite this, they are not usually too shy nor aggressive.

    • 66%

      Independent

      Hunting dogs are generally more independent than other types of dog. However, once adopted into the home and used to it, the Bracco Italiano enjoys family life.

      Behaviour of the Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointing dog)

      • 33%

        Tolerates solitude

        This hunting dog shouldn’t be left alone for too long, especially if they aren’t used to being away from their owners, or if they haven’t been properly exercised before being left.

      • 66%

        Easy to train / obedience

        Originally, because of poor breeding choices, the Bracco Italiano had a reputation for being stubborn and difficult to train. Today, it’s another story, they are very docile, remarkably intelligent and are quick to understand.

        However, they are still hunting dogs! With working dogs, nothing is 100% guaranteed. It is important to always stay vigilant, give regular top-up training sessions, and continue to educate them in a way that stimulates them physically and mentally.

      • 66%

        Barking

        They tend to bark when they are alone, when bored or even when they are very excited.  However, it is never too much.

      • 66%

        Tendency to run away

        If they aren’t properly enclosed and pick up the scent of something interesting they could run to follow it.

      • 66%