Bracco Italiano: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano is a large, heavily built pointer with a long head, a pronounced Roman nose, loose lips and long, folded ears set low. The skin is thick and a bit loose, which adds to the dog's solid, noble look. The short coat is white, or white with orange or chestnut patches, often with fine ticking or roaning.

It is among the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, bred to find game and indicate it, and to retrieve. Unlike light, quick pointers, the Bracco works at a long trot rather than a gallop, which keeps it close to the hunter. It still hunts in Italy and elsewhere and is also kept as an affectionate, if somewhat uncommon, companion.

Temperament and family life

A Bracco is gentle, affectionate and calm in the house, and typically attached to its family. It is usually good with children and with other dogs, though its size demands supervision with small kids. Strangers are met politely rather than with enthusiasm. The Bracco is not a guard dog but can be watchful.

The breed is sensitive. Harsh words or rough handling can leave a Bracco hurt or stubborn. It needs company, and a lonely dog may drool, whine or become destructive. Wet days are a trial, because the pendulous lips drool, especially around food and water. Early exposure to varied settings helps the dog grow up confident.

Exercise and training

An adult Bracco needs a daily walk or two and some chance to run, but its needs are moderate by pointing-breed standards. Hunters will find it a steady worker over long days. Pet owners can satisfy it with brisk walks, hikes and play in a secure area. Joints should be protected while puppies grow, so avoid forced running or repetitive jumping.

Training is best done with calm, reward-based methods. The Bracco is intelligent, but it can be slow to mature and takes time to settle on a lesson. It may be easily distracted by scent, so recall requires work and a fenced yard. Early manners are particularly important because an adult is a big, strong dog. It enjoys field work and tracking.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat takes very little care. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry or soft brush clears loose hair, and a bath is needed only when the dog is dirty. Shedding is moderate.

The skin folds around the lips and face should be wiped dry, and the drool cleaned from the muzzle and neck. The ears are long and folded, so check and clean them weekly, especially after wet outings. Check eyelids and eyes for irritation. Keep the nails trimmed, and provide a soft bed for a dog with thin elbow skin.

Health

As a large, deep-chested breed, the Bracco is at risk of bloat and of hip dysplasia. Eyelid problems such as ectropion can need veterinary attention, and ear infections are frequent. Cerebellar ataxia, an inherited neurological disease, has been reported, and responsible breeders use DNA tests and screen hips, elbows and eyes. The breed's lifespan is average for a dog of this size. Treat this as general information and ask a veterinarian about the dog in front of you.

History

The Bracco Italiano is generally traced to Italy, where it is the traditional pointer of the peninsula and was a prized hunting dog at noble courts during the Renaissance, among them the Medici and Gonzaga families. The Italian registry recognizes two coat types, white and orange and chestnut roan. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2022 as its 200th.

Is the Bracco Italiano right for you?

A Bracco suits a family or hunter with a large home and a fenced yard who wants a calm, loyal pointer and does not mind drool. It is a good choice for owners who like the Italian look and a methodical worker.

It is not suited to small apartments, to people who want a high-energy sport dog or to anyone who dislikes slobber. The Spinone Italiano is another Italian breed with a rough coat. The Pointer is lighter and faster, and the Weimaraner is similar in size with more intensity.