The Bracco Italiano, a hunting dog breed native to Italy, is also establishing a reputation as a gentle and affectionate family member. The Bracco Italiano has a striking appearance, with large ears, droopy lips, and a haunting face. In the 4th or 5th century B.C., they're thought to be an ancient breed.
Italian Pointer, Italian Pointing Dog and Bracco are just a few other names for the Bracco Italiano.
Despite their intelligence, these intelligent canines are best suited to homes with a backyard. Additionally, the Bracco is well-suited to households of all sizes, from singles to huge families. You can rely on them to alert you if something unusual happens in their immediate surroundings, but don't expect them to serve as watchdogs. The Bracco Italiano can be the perfect dog for you if you're looking for an active companion who will adore you no matter what. See below for a complete list of Bracco Italiano characteristics and facts.
Highlights
- The white Bracco can be speckled with pale orange markings or have a roan chestnut-orange coat; the short, dense and lustrous coat of the Bracco can be all one of these colours or a combination of them.
- These dogs have a lot of drive and zest for life. As a minimum, your dog should get at least one nice, energetic half-hour to hour-long walk each day with a few good, short walks sprinkled in.
- This breed was not intended to be a watchdog due to its lack of barking. Most of the time, they'll remain calmly by your side.
- When children are overly eager, the Bracco Italiano is able to handle them. Even so, these placid dogs love to be around little children or adults who can play with them in a non-threatening manner.
- They should get used to different animals as soon as possible. Bracco Italianos love to spend time with their owners rather than other smaller animals.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested about training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others "blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a de-shedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including as barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
55 to 90 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Height
22 to 26 inches
History
As the oldest European Pointer, the Bracco Italiano is an enormous Italian dog breed. Bracco Italiano-like dogs have been shown in art since the 4th and 5th centuries BC, and during the Renaissance in Italy in the 14th century, frescoes of the breed appeared. Bracco Italiano may have been a mix between Segugio Italiano and Asiatic Mastiff, according to some experts in history.
They were popular among the Italian nobility because of their lineage back to the Medici and Gonzaga families, who had bred them. They were originally used to drive prey into nets or flush birds from falconers. The Bracco was later employed to retrieve game when hunters began using weapons.
In the early years of the twentieth century, the Bracco Italiano community was rapidly dwindling. The breed was reintroduced by Italian breeder Ferdinando Delor de Ferrabouc, who formed the Societa Amitori Bracco Italiano (SABI). As a hunting and working dog, they are still popular in Europe and the United States today.
The Bracco Italiano was officially recognised as a purebred dog by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006. The Bracco Italiano Club of America was created a year later to push the American Kennel Club (AKC) to officially recognise the breed. However, even though they've allowed them to compete in a limited number of AKC-sanctioned events since 2010, the AKC has yet to offer this breed official status.
Personality & Temperament
The Bracco is a well-rounded dog that excels in many areas. When socialised at a young age, these pups are friendly with cats and other small animals, and they get along well with children and other dogs. Bringing Bracco dogs into a dog-friendly workplace or allowing them to participate in your activities will be a positive experience for everyone involved.
As a matter of fact, Braccos crave human contact, therefore you can expect to find one near you. Taking the family to the movies? It's possible that this enormous dog will try to snuggle up next to you on the couch. Is it time to mow the lawn? In the event that there are any squirrels in the neighbourhood, your pet will be eager to put its hunting and pointing skills to work for you.
Bracco Italiano is a calm and clever breed. Adorable and respectful, it has a reputation for being a good friend to children. Separation anxiety is not common in this breed. The Bracco Italiano's placid disposition allows it to coexist peacefully with other animals, especially if it was raised with them as a puppy. The breed is not commonly used as a guard dog, but because of its big stature, it can be intimidating.
Care
The Bracco Italiano is a dog that requires a lot of daily exercise. For the most part, grooming and training requirements for these dogs may be easily met if their owners keep them busy.
Health
The average lifespan of a Bracco Italiano is roughly ten years. The UK Kennel Club classifies the breed as a Category 1 breed, but it is highly suggested that dogs be tested under multiple schemes because of the following diseases that they may be susceptible to:
Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia can result from a number of distinct developmental disorders and anomalies, all of which can later on lead to joint pain and discomfort. Radiographs of the hips of dogs over a year old are evaluated by experts. The lower the score, the less likely it is that dysplasia is present. Although hip dysplasia is inherited, it can also be caused by environmental factors.
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteoarthritis develops as a result of the abnormal growth of the elbow joints. The illness has a strong hereditary component. To the best of one's ability, only dogs with a zero score and no evidence of the ailment should be used for breeding.
Eye Problems
Other eye issues that can affect the breed include:
Entropion & Ectropion
As a result of these situations, the eyelids turn either inward (entropion) or outward (extropion) (ectropion). In the case of entropion, this can signify that the eyelashes irritate the eye, whereas in the event of ectropion, it can mean that the eye is excessively dry. In the end, both disorders harm the eye's surface, necessitating medical therapy or corrective surgery, depending on the severity.
Cherry Eye
Third eyelid protrusion, which looks like cherries, can be produced by large eyes and is called cherry eye.
Recommended Health Test
- Blood and Urine Protein Screens
- X-Rays
- Eye Examination
- Physical Examination
- Blood Tests for Organ Function
Nutrition
Dog food for Bracco Italianos should be high in protein to keep them healthy and active. Make sure that the first ingredient in the cuisine is actual meat (such as chicken and beef or turkey). When it comes to dogs that aren't allergic to fish, fish is an excellent option. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the best sources of nutrition for your dog and will keep them well-nourished for the long term. In order to keep this energetic dog well-hydrated during the day of exploring, playing, and working, fresh, clean water should be readily available both indoors and outside.
Grooming
The short, shiny hair of the Bracco Italiano is simple to maintain. Remove loose hair from your dog's coat by brushing it with a de-shedding glove or a boar-bristle brush on a regular basis. If you don't want to deal with your dog's constant drooling, this breed may not be the best option for you.
When it comes to ear infections, the Bracco Italiano has among of the longest ears in the dog world. Floppy ears are a breeding ground for bacteria, so owners must keep an eye on them on a weekly basis and clean them when they become clogged with dirt and debris. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the delicate inner ear structure, and instead go for an animal-safe ear cleaning that comes with a cotton ball. Besides trimming the nails and brushing the teeth, pet owners should also do so.
Exercise
Large, athletic dogs like the Bracco Italiano may labour all day in the field, but when given adequate regular exercise, they become calm and obedient indoors as well as in the field. It is recommended that owners spend at least two hours a day engaging in intense activities like hunting, but even walking, running, and swimming are acceptable alternatives. Because of this, if you don't provide your Bracco Italiano enough physical and mental stimulation, they may get bored and disruptive in your home.
Training
The Bracco Italiano is a steadfast companion and an eager participant in your life. Although these dogs are very easy to teach, owners should be aware that they do not respond well to harsh methods of training that involve punishment. The sensitive side of this amiable hunter is best served by repetition and gentle administration of positive reinforcement. Treats, attention, and playtime are all effective ways to encourage your dog to behave properly.
Eight-week-old puppies should begin basic obedience training. You should begin training your Bracco Italiano as soon as possible if you plan to use it for hunting. Besides hunting, this breed is excellent at field trials, tracking and nose work.
Children and Other Pets
When children are overly eager, the Bracco Italiano is able to handle them. Even so, these placid dogs love to be around little children or adults who can play with them in a non-threatening manner. For youngsters who are taught how to approach and play with large dogs early on, the Bracco Italiano can be a fun, energetic pet to have around.
Bracco Italiano can get along with other animals if introduced carefully and calmly; early socialisation helps this process go more easily. They should get used to different animals as soon as possible. Bracco Italianos love to spend time with their owners rather than other smaller animals.
In the end, it's all about how well you train your dog to interact with other animals and the luck of the draw.
Puppies
A Bracco Italiano puppy's average price ranges from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on factors such as where they were bred and who bred them as well as their ancestry and overall health. It is possible that puppies being sold for less than $1,000 are not purebred or have underlying health problems.
It's critical that any puppy you're thinking about purchasing be examined by a veterinarian whose opinion you can rely on. A veterinarian will be able to tell if the pup is healthy and of the purported ancestry of the breeder. A money-back guarantee should be included in the breeder's contract, in case your veterinarian recommends that you return the puppy.
Dog Breeds Similar to Bracco Italiano
- Spinone Italiano
- Pointer
- German shorthaired pointer
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
