Bracco ItalianoCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Bracco Italiano is the traditional pointing dog of the Italian peninsula. Frescoes from the 14th century show very similar dogs, which proves how old the breed is.

The first dog entered in the stud book of the Kennel Club Italiano, founded in 1882, was a Bracco Italiano. At the time there were two types: a larger, heavier one and a smaller, lighter one.

How the breed developed

• 14th century – Italian frescoes show dogs similar to the Bracco.
• 1882 – The first dog in the Kennel Club Italiano stud book is a Bracco Italiano.
• 1890s – Ferdinando Delor writes a standard for the large type.
• 1949 – A national standard is approved and the breed society is founded.
• 7 June 1956 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1990s – The breed reaches the United States.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a strong, harmonious dog, almost square: the body is as long as, or slightly longer than, it is tall. It has lean legs, well-developed muscles and a “chiselled” head.

General appearance

The long ears reach the tip of the nose. The upper lips are long and hang below the lower jaw. The fairly large eyes have a gentle, submissive expression.

The accepted colours are white, white with orange or amber patches, white with brown patches, and white finely flecked with orange or brown. For white and brown, the standard prefers a warm brown, like a monk's habit.

The standard describes it as docile, easy to train, reliable and with a great capacity for understanding. The AKC says it can be a little independent, but wants to please its owner.

It needs a calm, patient trainer, gentle but firm.

Tips for effective training

• Be calm and patient. It helps it understand quickly.
• Give it a job. Hunting or dog sports keep it content.
• Use praise. It is happy when it sees it has pleased you.
• Try agility, obedience or rally. They give it exercise and mental activity.

The AKC recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, preferably more: free running in a safe, fenced place or a daily jog. It also needs time with the family, playing or training.

Tips for a balanced life

• Puppies should not run on hard surfaces such as concrete until they are a year old.
• Avoid repeated jumping in puppies, to protect their joints.
• It is gentle indoors and tireless in the field.

Coat and skin care

The short coat needs very little grooming. The long ears should be cleaned with a solution recommended by the vet once or twice a week, so that they stay clean and dry.

Common health problems

The AKC says the Bracco Italiano is generally healthy. Responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Trim the nails regularly so they do not split.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Wipe its pendulous lips after meals.

Puppies grow fast, so they need a balanced diet that does not overload their joints. The AKC warns that some dogs put on weight easily.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The first dog in the Italian stud book. The first dog entered in the Kennel Club Italiano stud book was a Bracco.
• Painted 700 years ago. Frescoes from the 14th century show dogs like it.
• The colour of a “monk's habit”. For the brown variety, the standard prefers a warm brown, like a monk's habit.
• A fast, ground-covering trot. It was selected for a fast trot that covers a lot of ground.
• A retriever too. The standard says it is by nature an excellent retriever.

In the frescoes of Italy

According to the FCI standard, the Bracco Italiano appears in Italian frescoes from the 14th century. That makes it one of the oldest pointing dogs depicted in art.

What is a Bracco Italiano?

An Italian pointing dog with long ears and pendulous lips, used to hunt birds.

How big does it get?

Males measure 58–67 cm and females 55–62 cm; they weigh 25–40 kg.

How much exercise does it need?

At least 30 minutes a day, but more is better.

Is it easy to train?

Yes. It is docile and wants to please its owner, if it is handled calmly.

How long does it live?

Its life expectancy is 10–14 years.