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Bracco Italiano Breed Summary
Affectionate, Loyal, Gentle, Friendly and Stubborn
These dogs are very athletic and were originally bred in Italy to both point and retrieve. Though they are fairly rare in the UK, they remain highly prized and very popular in other European countries, mainly because of their fantastic retrieving skills.
Because they are such a large breed, they need to be placed in a larger home where they will have plenty of room to run around. Additionally, they need lots of exercise and daily walks in order to remain fit and healthy.
Fun Fact: The first dog from this breed to enter the UK was called Zerbo in 1988!
| Kennel Club Group | Gundog |
| Lifespan | 12 - 14 Years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males 58cm - 67cm, Females 55cm - 62cm |
| Weight | Males and Females 25kg - 40kg |
| Coat | Coats are Short, Dense and Glossy. It is Shorter and Much Finer Around Their Heads, Ears and on the Front of the Legs and Feet |
| Colour | Brown Roan, Chestnut, Chestnut Roan, Orange, Orange & White, Orange Roan, White, White & Amber, White & Chestnut, White & Orange |
| Eye colour | Dark Ochre or Brown |
| Common health issues | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Eye disorders, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Entropion ( Eyelids Folding Inwards ), Ectropion ( Eyelids Roll Outwards ) , Cherry Eye, Kidney Problems, Bendy legs, Ears problems, Bloat |
| Other Names | Bracco, Italian Pointer, Italian Pointing Dog |
Bracco Italiano's are known for their affectionate and loyal natures towards their 'hooman' families. Though they may seem large, they are truly big, friendly giants. They are also excellent pets to have with kids, due to their calm and gentle ways. However, they can also be extremely stubborn characters, so to avoid this behaviour, they will need to be trained as soon as possible, to lessen their slightly negative traits. However, once they are trained and socialised correctly, they are able to live with other animals and will make lovely pets.
These distinguished-looking fellows are a fairly old breed and thought to have dated back to the 4th and 5th centuries recognised as a breed exclusive to Italy up until the Middle Ages. They were originally bred by wealthy families and only ever offered up as gifts to foreign royals, making them a highly sought-after breed. During the Renaissance was when this breed truly peaked, becoming a hugely popular choice of pointing dog with Aristocracy in Italy. Although numbers fell dramatically during the 19th century, one breed enthusiast, Ferdinand Delour de Ferrabouc, managed to save them from extinction. Bracco Italiano's were first introduced to the UK in 1988 and the first doggy was released from quarantine in 1989, to avoid any contaminated dogs coming into the UK. Since then, they have slowly grown in popularity, although anyone wanting to adopt one would need to add themselves to a waiting list and there are only a few registered pups per year!