Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano has a strong body and an eye-catching head. With their droopy ears and a bit of loose skin, they may seem like they just woke up, but beneath their short and simple coat is a lively explorer who thrives on play and needs some patience to show their best side. These playful dogs are full of affection and loyalty towards their families. Those who have experience with dogs and can offer steady guidance, positive training, and lots of activities will discover a wonderful friend in this breed.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Varies; Orange and white, orange roan, chestnut and white, and chestnut roan are all common coats.
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Height
21 to 27 inches
Type
Sporting
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
55 to 90 pounds
Family
Pointer

Personality

Don’t let their strong build trick you; these dogs are silly and love to play, enjoying cuddles and fun. They are loyal, full of energy, and very loving, often trailing behind you in the house like a fluffy shadow, eager to greet you with a wet nose and a wagging tail. They have lots of energy and enjoy learning new tricks (when they’re in the mood), but their sweet nature comes out with kind training. If you see them suddenly freeze in a "pointing" position, don’t worry; it’s just their old hunting instincts taking over.

History

The ancestry of the Bracco Italiano is somewhat of a mystery. Some people think they come from a blend of strong mastiffs and fast Egyptian dogs, while others argue they are related to traditional Italian hunting breeds. Although the idea of a mastiff and sighthound mix sounds like a story from a dog-themed comic book, the theory about local hunting dogs seems more credible, given their long history as skilled hunters. The true beginnings are unclear, but many experts believe they date back to the 4th or 5th century B.C., making them one of the oldest breeds that point. Initially, they were used to drive animals into nets for their human companions. As hunting methods evolved, the Bracco Italiano adapted, becoming a versatile hunter that could flush out, point at, and even retrieve game. They made their first appearance in the United States during the 1990s.

Ideal Owner

The perfect owner for a Bracco Italiano is someone who shares their lively nature, like active families, people who love the outdoors, or anyone who likes to play fetch. It’s important to give them lots of exercise and activities to keep their playful side satisfied. Although they are eager to learn, their independent nature means that patient and skilled owners will do best with them. Having some dog training experience is helpful, but what really matters is being ready to give them lots of love and joy—they will give it back even more.

Exercise Needs

Try to get in at least two hours of exercise every week. These dogs don’t enjoy doing the same thing over and over, so mix it up with hikes on different paths, chances to explore interesting smells, and maybe a fun swim. When they get enough activity for both their body and mind, they will be content to relax at home and behave well. If you don’t keep them active, you could end up with a lively, attention-seeking dog that prefers to entertain themselves.

Space Requirements

These lively dogs love to explore and need plenty of room to run. Bracco Italianos thrive in rural areas or neighborhoods that offer many walking paths and a big, secure yard where they can enjoy their endless bursts of energy without a leash.

Training

Bracco Italianos can make wonderful pets, but you should think about your way of life before bringing one into your home. Their lively nature is great for families who love being active and spending time outside. However, these large dogs need a lot of time for exercise, training, and play, so if you have a busy schedule and young kids, a Bracco might not be suitable. The best families for a Bracco are those who enjoy outdoor activities and have older children who can help with training and walks.

Grooming

Bracco Italianos may look strong, but they are gentle and need a lot of love and understanding. When training them, using harsh methods will only confuse and upset them. Instead, using positive reinforcement is much more effective with these clever dogs. They really enjoy playful activities such as fetch and scent games. Because they like to hold onto things, teaching them to trade items for treats will make everyone happy and help avoid any problems with guarding their belongings.

Suitability for Family Life

Buying a Bracco Italiano from a breeder is much more expensive than adopting one from a nearby shelter or rescue group. When you adopt, the fee often includes important services like spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

Did You know?

In Italy, the Bracco Italiano dog breed started with two main varieties: the Piedmont Bianco Arrancio and the Lombardy Roano Marrone. These dogs are sometimes called the Italian Pointer. Bracco Italianos are famous for their special way of pointing when they detect a scent. They stop in place and direct their nose towards the smell, usually looking both joyful and focused.

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Need to Know

Good for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys long walks of more than two hours a day
Medium dog
Some drool
Requires minimal grooming once a week
Chatty and vocal dog