What Does a Bracco Italiano Look Like?
The Bracco Italiano is a large dog breed with droopy lips and long, floppy ears. They have a very expressive face that often looks sad, but these dogs are actually quite happy-go-lucky. Their build is muscular, and they have a lot of energy. They weigh anywhere from 55 to 90 pounds and stand about 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their coat is short and smooth, and doesn’t shed much. They come in a variety of colors, including white, orange roan, and chestnut roan, but will always have some white in their coats. They’re often mistaken for German Shorthaired Pointers, but they have a much longer muzzle and a more expressive face.
What Kind of Temperament Does a Bracco Italiano Have?
These dogs are very energetic and need plenty of exercise. They’re happiest in homes with yards, as they love to run and play. They’re also very intelligent, and they excel at obedience trials and make great working dogs.
The Bracco Italiano is also a very affectionate dog breed. They love spending time with their families and are great with children. They’re not considered watchdog material, but will bark if they sense something strange going on.
Bracchi Italiani Are Known for Their Energy
These dogs were bred for hunting and have an endless supply of energy. If you don’t have a yard, be prepared to take your dog for a long walk or jog every day. Because of their intelligence, mindless running won’t satisfy them – they need a good mental workout, too. Try teaching them complex tricks or giving them puzzle toys to solve.
You’ll Need to Be Gentle and Consistent with Their Training
The Bracco Italiano is a smart dog, and they will quickly learn what you want them to do. However, they need a strong and confident trainer, and you’ll need to be consistent. Be gentle but firm, and make sure your commands are clear and concise. These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats or praise.
The Health and Lifespan of a Bracco Italiano
The average lifespan of a Bracco Italiano is 10-14 years. They’re a generally healthy breed, but can be prone to certain conditions that are common in pointing dogs, such as:
- hip dysplasia (an abnormality of the hip joint where the socket and the ball don’t fit together snugly),
- entropion (an eyelid disorder where the eyelid rolls inward and causes eye irritation),
- renal amyloidosis (a kidney disorder where protein deposits build up in the organ and can cause renal failure).
Like all large dogs, they’re susceptible to bloat, so you’ll need to be careful about how much they eat and make sure they get plenty of water. To prevent joint disorders, keep your pup at a healthy weight and don’t make them run on hard surfaces (like concrete) while they’re growing.
The above conditions can be screened for by your veterinarian, so be sure to ask about them during your dog’s regular check-ups. However, they’re unlikely to show in puppies bought from a responsible breeder, so do your research before getting a dog.
Grooming and Caring for Your Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano doesn’t require a lot of grooming, but you may want to brush their coat with a hound glove once a week to keep it shiny. They don’t shed much, and they only need an occasional bath.
Apart from that, you’ll want to clean their ears frequently to prevent infection, as they’re prone to ear mites and debris buildup. Their droopy lips can also trap food and debris, so make sure you check their mouth for anything unusual.
Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to maintain their dental health, and clip their nails before they start to overgrow and crack. If you can hear them clicking loudly on the floor, they’re too long.
Breeders and Pricing of Bracco Italiano Puppies
The Bracco Italiano is a lesser-known breed, so you may have difficulty finding puppies for sale. They’re not as popular as German Shorthaired Pointers, and most breeders only have one or two litters per year.
Puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on the breeder. Be sure to do your research and only buy from a reputable breeder who screens the parent dogs for genetic conditions and provides puppy health guarantees.
If you’re interested in adopting a dog in need of a home, you might find one through the Bracco Italiano Club of America (BICA). They run a rescue that will give you a form to fill out and let you know when a pup is available for adoption.
A Short History of the Bracco Italiano Dog Breed
The Bracco Italiano is an ancient breed, considered to be the oldest European pointer. Similar dogs were depicted in paintings dating back to 400-500 BC and in Renaissance frescoes. The breed might have descended from a cross between the Segugio Italiano and the Asiatic Mastiff.
Bracchi Italiani were used by Italian noblemen (especially the Medici and Gonzaga families) for hunting in the 1800s and became a popular breed in Italy. Their job was to flush birds, drive game into nets and retrieve shot game. They dropped in popularity in the early 1900s, but a breeder named Ferdinando Dolor de Ferrabouc rebuilt its population.
The first dogs of this breed came to America in the early 1900s, but they didn’t really gain popularity until the 1980s. They’re now recognized by the American Kennel Club and are considered a versatile hunting dog that can be used for upland bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and even deer hunting. They’re also great companions in the home.
Is This the Right Dog Breed for You?
The Bracco Italiano is a great dog breed for all kinds of families. They’re good with singles, couples, and large families with children. They make wonderful companions and are always happy to be around people. If you’re looking for an energetic, intelligent, and affectionate dog, the Bracco Italiano might be the right breed for you.
However, you need to be aware of their high energy levels and be prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise. They also need a lot of space, so they’re not suited for apartments or small homes. They can get along with other pets, but may be too rambunctious for some dogs. Be sure to socialize them early and often with other animals.
Fun Facts about Bracchi Italiani
Is there anything else to learn about these long-eared hunting dogs? Here are a couple more facts!
- There are two varieties of the breed – a lighter one originating from Piedmont and a heavier one from Lombardy.
- In Renaissance, Italians gave these dogs out to the French and Spanish as gifts.
- It’s one of the two hunting dogs native to Italy, the other being Spinone Italiano.
- They’re also known as the Italian Pointer or Italian Pointing Dog.
Ready to Give a Bracco Italiano a Loving Home?
If you’re interested in bringing a Bracco Italiano into your family, be sure to do your research first. These dogs are not as popular as other breeds, so your best bet is to check with the Bracco Italiano Club of America to find out about available litters or rescues. Be prepared for a high-energy, intelligent, and affectionate dog that will bring lots of love into your life.
Have you ever met a Bracco Italiano? Share your stories in the comment section below!
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