Bracco Italiano
🧠 Temperament & character
The Bracco Italiano is calm, gentle and decidedly people-oriented, a sensitive dog who seeks the closeness of his family. At work he shows himself concentrated, enduring and with a leisurely, elegant trot, but needs daily exercise. He is intelligent and willing to learn, yet reacts sensitively to a harsh tone and blossoms with friendly, patient leadership. He usually gets on well with children and other dogs.
📜 Origin & history
The Bracco Italiano is among the oldest pointing dogs of Europe and was already highly valued at the courts of Italy in the Renaissance. Historically there were two strains: the lighter, white-orange Piedmontese and the more powerful, brown-roan Lombard, which were later united into today's breed. After a low point at the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was deliberately rescued and stabilised. Today it enjoys growing popularity internationally.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Bracco Italiano's short, glossy coat is easy to care for; regular brushing and checking of the long ear leathers suffice. He needs extensive daily exercise and loves long rambles in which he can use his nose. As a clever, sensitive dog he benefits from varied activity and calm, motivating training. The long ears are prone to infections and should be cleaned regularly.
🩺 Health
The Bracco Italiano is generally healthy, but has some breed-typical themes. As a large dog with a deep chest there is an increased risk of the life-threatening gastric torsion; in addition, hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eyelid malformations such as entropion and ectropion occur. The life expectancy is about eleven to thirteen years. Reputable breeders examine hips, elbows and eyes and provide information about the gastric torsion risk.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Bracco Italiano is an affectionate family dog who wants to live closely integrated and does not like being left alone for long. He suits active people with time for long walks and loving, consistent training; thanks to his gentleness he is also conceivable for committed first-time dog owners. Ideal is a home with a garden and plenty of exercise; for a small city apartment without exercise he is unsuitable. In Switzerland he is gaining popularity as a versatile hunting and companion dog.