Breed History:

The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in the world, originating in Italy. Its history dates back to at least the 4th and 5th centuries, making it one of the earliest specialized gun dogs developed in Europe.

The breed was refined during the Renaissance by noble families such as the Medici Family and Gonzaga Family, who valued it for bird hunting. The Bracco Italiano was bred to locate game birds, point them for hunters, and later retrieve after the introduction of firearms.

Despite a decline in numbers during the World Wars, dedicated breeders preserved the breed. Today, the Bracco Italiano is recognized worldwide as an exceptional hunting companion and affectionate family dog.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	58–67 cm	25–40 kg
Female	55–62 cm	22–35 kg

Size: Large

Life Expectancy: 10–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Bracco Italiano is a powerful yet elegant sporting dog with a distinctive noble appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Long sculpted head

• Pronounced stop and Roman nose

• Large expressive eyes

• Long pendulous ears

• Deep chest and strong athletic frame

• Thick tail, traditionally docked in some countries

Its coat is short, dense, and glossy.

Common coat colours include:

• White

• White and orange

• White and chestnut

• Roan orange

• Roan chestnut

The breed's loose skin and long ears contribute to its distinctive appearance.

Breed Type – Pointing Gun Dog:

The Bracco Italiano is an intelligent, gentle, and versatile hunting breed.

It is known for being:

• Affectionate and loyal

• Intelligent and trainable

• Patient and gentle

• Energetic and determined

• Friendly and sociable

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and generally gets along well with children and other dogs.

Its natural pointing instincts are exceptionally strong.

Training:

The Bracco Italiano is intelligent and eager to please.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• Obedience training

• Retrieval exercises

• Scent-work and field activities

The breed excels in:

• Pointing and bird hunting

• Tracking

• Field trials

• Obedience

• Canine sports

The breed responds best to gentle and consistent training methods.

Health & Care:

The Bracco Italiano may occasionally be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Ear infections

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

• Kidney disorders (rare)

Routine veterinary care, healthy weight management, and regular ear care help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Bracco Italiano is best suited to active households.

Ideal environments include:

• Family homes

• Rural properties

• Houses with secure yards

• Active outdoor households

Apartment living is possible only if the dog receives substantial daily exercise.

The breed thrives when included in family activities and outdoor adventures.

Exercise:

The Bracco Italiano has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks or runs

• Hunting and field work

• Hiking and outdoor exploration

• Retrieval games

• Scent-work activities

Mental stimulation is equally important because of the breed's intelligence and hunting heritage.

Grooming:

The short coat is relatively easy to maintain.

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional bathing as needed

• Frequent ear checks and cleaning

• Routine nail trimming

• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Excellent hunting and pointing abilities

• Gentle and affectionate temperament

• Intelligent and trainable

• Good with children and families

• Loyal and devoted companion

• Low-maintenance coat

Disadvantages:

• High exercise and mental stimulation requirements

• Prone to ear infections due to long ears

• Can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often

• Requires space and regular outdoor activity

• Potential risk of bloat and joint issues

• Not ideal for sedentary households or inactive owners