Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointer, is a breed of dog developed in Italy as a versatile gun dog. The breed has a rich history that dates back to the 4th or 5th century B.C. It is believed to have descended from dogs used by the ancient Egyptians, who traded them with the Phoenicians. From there, the breed made its way to the Mediterranean, where it was further developed in Italy. It's one of the oldest pointing breeds known, and its history can be traced back to Renaissance Italy, where it was bred to be an excellent hunting dog, used for pointing and retrieving game. Famous Italian nobles and even Leonardo Da Vinci are said to have kept and praised the breed.
- Origin
- Italy
- Alternate Names
- Italian Pointing Dog, Bracco
- Life Expectancy
- 10-14 years
- Average Male Height
- 21-27 inches
- Average Female Height
- 21-27 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 55-90 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 55-90 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Smooth
- Coat Colors
- White, White & Orange, White & Chestnut
- Coat Pattern
- Roan
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Bracco Italiano is a generally healthy breed, but may be prone to ear infections, so ears should be kept clean and dry. Like many other breeds, Braccos can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, renal disorders such as hyperuricosuria or the more rare disorder renal amyloidosis. They can also be prone to eye conditions including progressive rod-cone degeneration, entropion, ectropion, and cataracts. Before one year of age, Bracco puppies shouldn’t exercise on concrete or similar hard surfaces, as they can be prone to orthopedic stress during fast growth spurts. As for all breeds, genetic screening is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.
Personality and Behavior
The Bracco Italiano is known for its gentle, friendly, and affable personality. They are known to be extremely devoted to their family and are typically good with children and other animals. They are intelligent dogs, eager to please, which can make training easier, although their training should always be conducted with a gentle hand and positive reinforcement.
Braccos are active and energetic dogs, needing plenty of exercises. They are excellent hunters but also enjoy activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking exercises. They enjoy being included in all family outings and activities and aren't a breed that enjoys being left alone for long periods.
Despite their hunting background, Braccos are known to be calm and balanced indoors, making them excellent house dogs, provided they get plenty of daily exercise. They are very sociable dogs, who love being with their family, and they are not suitable for an environment where they are left alone for long periods of time.
Fun Facts
This ancient breed was beloved by the Gonzaga and Medici families, who bred them and made them available for nobles and royal families of Italy.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, the Bracco Italiano faced a decline due to poor breeding practices. However, in the mid-20th century, thanks to a few dedicated breeders who worked to rejuvenate the breed, the Bracco Italiano began to flourish again in Italy.
References
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/bracco-italiano?page=1 https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bracco-italiano/ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/bracco-italiano/ https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=BRI
https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/202g07-en.pdf