Bracco Italiano

A.K.A. :italian pointer

Size

Grooming requirements

Exercise requirements

Good with other dogs

Watchdog ability

Energetic

Training requirements

Playful

Affectionate

Good with other pets

Good with children

Good with strangers

Winter

Summer

Healthiness

Protective

Life Span

Pure Breeds	Member
Breeds A - Z	B
Breeds by Group	Sporting

Bracco Italiano Puppies for Sale Bracco Italiano Dogs for Adoption

Overview:	The Bracco - or Italian Pointer- should be athletic and powerful in appearance, most resembling a cross between a German Shorthaired Pointer and a Bloodhound, although it is nothing like them in character. It has pendulous upper lips and long ears that create a serious expression. It should be "almost square", meaning that its height at the withers should be almost the same as the length of its body. It should not however be actually square as this would render its famous rear driving push off and front/rear extension to be compromised, thus losing much of its powerful grace. The tail has historically been docked, mostly due to the strong possibility of injury in rough/dense terrain when hunting, however there has been a sea-change in the European Union, with some now working the breed with full tail.
Breed Group:	Sporting
Weight (lbs):	55-88
Height (in):	22-26
Colors:	White or white with orange, amber or chestnut markings.
Coat:	The coat is short, dense, and glossy. The texture should be fairly hard, though somewhat shorter and softer on the head, throat, ears, legs, and feet. Shedding happens a couple of times a year, and a hound glove really helps in removing dead coat.
Character:	The Bracco Italiano is extremely good with children and has a docile, gentle character. It is sociable and usually gets on well with other dogs but should be well socialised from puppyhood if it is expected to live alongside other small animals, as its hunting instincts are strong. The breed has a short, easy-to-care-for coat that sheds but does not require any specialist grooming.
Temperament:	Braccos are very much a people-loving dog and thrive on human companionship, having a strong need to be close to their people. They are a particularly good family dog, and many have a strong love of children. They get along well with other dogs and pets, if trained to do so - it is, afterall, a hunting breed - and must be taught what to chase and what not to. They are very willing to please as long as they have decided that your idea is better than theirs. Obedience training is a must for a Bracco, and the more is asked of them, the better they do. Harsh reprimands do not work with this breed unless the reprimand is a fair one - and harshness must occasionally be used with some dogs to remind them who is actually in charge. Although not an aggressive breed, many Braccos will alert if there is a reason, and some will bark or growl if there's a good reason. The breed loves to hunt, and they excel at it - in fact, a non-hunting Bracco is not a happy Bracco, and will act out in various other ways. Hunting without a gun is an area in which the Bracco can excel and this can be a great opportunity for training the dog to connect with the owner. They are an active breed, but require more mental exercise than physical exercise to keep them happy. A Bracco owner can teach games like hide-and-seek (an object or person) which fits into the breed's original and current usage, and keeps them mentally active.
Care:	The breed has a short, easy-to-care-for coat that sheds but does not require any specialist grooming
Training:	The Bracco Italiano is intelligent and eager to please its owner, which makes training relatively easy. The breed is quick to understand what is being asked of it and has exceptional scenting abilities, which continue to make it a very good working dog. Its willing character means that it is usually quick to learn recall, and that house training is not usually a problem. However, the breed’s origins must not be forgotten and it can be prone to picking up scents and being tempted to follow them if not properly trained.
Activity:	The Bracco Italiano is a very energetic breed that requires around two-hours of walking or exercise a day. As much of this time as possible should be spent off the lead to allow dogs to properly tire themselves out. The breed’s hunting roots and reputation for having good stamina mean that it is not suited to city life and is happiest as part of an active household. It is important that the Bracco Italiano is kept mentally stimulated and it enjoys having a purpose in life.
Country of Origin:	Italy
Health Issue:	The Bracco Italiano has an average life expectancy of around 10 years of age. The breed is classed as a Category 1 breed by the UK Kennel Club, but it is strongly recommended that dogs are tested under several schemes, as they can be affected by the following diseases: Hip Dysplasia (HD) – This condition occurs when there is an abnormal development of the hips, which can include several different developmental problems and abnormalities that lead to the development of joint problems and pain later in life. Dogs of at least a year old have radiographs of their hips scored by experts. The maximum score is 106 and the lower the score the fewer the signs of dysplasia are present. Hip dysplasia is transmitted genetically but its development can also be influenced by environment. Elbow Dysplasia – This condition is an abnormal development of the elbows, which eventually leads to osteoarthritis. There is a large genetic component to the condition. Ideally only dogs given a score of 0 with no signs of the condition present should be used for breeding. In addition the breed can also suffer from the following eye problems: Entropion/Ectropion – These conditions cause the eyelids to turn either inwards (entropion) or outwards (ectropion). This can mean the eye becomes irritated by the eyelashes in the case of entropion, or overly dry in the case of ectropion. Ultimately, both conditions cause damage to the surface of the eye and may need treatment either in the form of medical management or corrective surgery. Cherry Eye – Cherry eye is caused by the protrusion of the third eyelid, which has a cherry like appearance, caused by over sized eyes.
Life Expectancy:	12-13