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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Bracco Italiano
Bracco Italiano's (aka Italian Pointer and the Italian Setter) are large muscular
dogs with fine short coats with striking coloring features. They can be brown and
white or orange and white, with freckles on the coat. This muscular dog has a unique
shaped head with long ears. They have well-developed jowls or dewlaps that are similar
to a blood or basset hound. Their noses can be brown or pink. The ears are long
and drooping but will perk up a bit when they are listening. They are squarely built
with a strong topline. The tail tapers and is often docked to half its length.
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Temperament
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Bracco Italiano's are calm, obedient, faithful, gentle and loving dogs. They are
excellent with children and other dogs. They are a friendly breed, although they
are cautious of strangers. They are best suited to country living although they
can live in an apartment or flat if adequately exercised. Bracco Italiano's are
not happy unless they are working. They have been used in search and rescue missions,
aids in falconry and as therapy dogs. They are a great breed for obedience, agility
and other canine sports. Because they are friendly towards most people, they do
not make good watchdogs. They need an owner who is dog-experienced and active. Harsh
training is not suggested for this breed.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 23-26" ; Weight: 55-88 lbs.
Female Height: 22-24" ; Weight: 55-88 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Health concerns with this breed include entropion hip dysplasia, kidney disease
and bloat. Bloat is a major health issue with most dogs, second only to cancer as
the largest killer of dogs. This breed is particularly susceptible because of their
deep chests.
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Living Conditions
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The Bracco Italiano is not made for city living. They need lots of space to run
and hunt in a rural or suburban home.
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Exercise
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This breed needs lots of daily exercise as well as a job to do.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-13 years
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Grooming
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Regular brushing is required.
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Origin
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Bracco Italiano's are an ancient breed originating from lighter Egyptian coursing
sighthounds and heavier Molossus breeds. Records and paintings show this breed was
in existence during the 4th and 5th centuries BC. This breed was originally used
to drive game to the hunters nets. During the 1700s, Italian breeders evolved this
dog into a hound and gun dog mixture. They were versatile, retrieving both on land
and water. This breed was close to extinction for many years until an enthusiastic
Italian breeder by the name of Ferdinando Delor saved the breed from vanishing.
In the 20th century, although still small in number, the breed has gained a lot
of support and is currently shown in Italian and European shows. They are recognized
by the FCI and the UKC and have been accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation
Stock Service®.
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Group
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AKC/FSS Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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