Bracco Italiano

February 15, 2024

A dog breed that is still relatively unknown in Germany is the Bracco Italiano. Despite its incredibly laid-back and lazy facial expression, this dog from Italy is a talented hunter in the group of pointing dogs. The powerful four-legged friend radiates calm and composure, but is still a sporty type and perhaps for this very reason is a very corpulent companion in connoisseur circles.

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Bracco Italiano - Profile

Character: Independent, Intelligent, Self-confident
Size: Large
Height: 67cm
Weight: approx. 40 kg
Life expectancy: 12-13 years
Coat type: Short hair
Colour: White with brown or orange spots
FCI Group: Pointing Dogs

Bracco Italiano - Special characteristics

With a height of up to 67 cm at the withers, these dogs are among the larger representatives of their species. Their muscular build means they can weigh up to 40 kg. Females are usually a little smaller and lighter. The Bracco Italiano's coat is short, dense and smooth. Its color is quite varied and is often white with orange or brown spots. On the other hand, it often wears a mask on its face. Its wrinkled face is framed by sail-like drooping ears.

His specialty is hunting birds. He can't fly any more than other dogs, but he has proven himself to be a reliable partner in the past. As a pointer , his job is to track down and indicate the game or bird. Pointers freeze and point with their noses at the game hidden in the thicket. This behavior is innate and can often be observed in young dogs. But this four-legged friend is also very relaxed and is considered a balanced and calm dog that is ideal as a family dog because he is sensitive enough to get along well with children. However, he needs enough exercise and mental challenges for this. If you don't want to keep the Bracco Italiano as a hunting dog, you have to find something else to do for this furry friend. Dog sports such as agility or tracking are available. If you like, you can even take part in competitions, but that is not a must.

Bracco Italiano - What should be considered regarding nutrition?

Large and strong four-legged friends like the Bracco Italiano have a high calorie requirement. If they also work as hunting dogs or attract attention in dog sports , their food requirements are not insignificant. In order to be able to deliver, their dog food should contain all the important minerals and vitamins. A relatively high proportion of meat , fruit and vegetables is an indication of high-quality dog food. Sugar, preservatives or other artificial additives should not be included.

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Bracco Italiano - Health and Care

The Bracco Italiano dog breed is considered to be quite easy to care for. The short fur only needs a little attention from a brush occasionally to remove dead hair. Not only does the dog like a massage like we humans do, but it also prevents the hair from spreading around the house. A dog bath, on the other hand, is only necessary if it smells. Please do not use human shampoo for this, use dog shampoo instead! The Bracco Italiano's ears are more important because, like all floppy-eared dogs, they do not get enough fresh air. There is a risk of inflammation and it is therefore important to check and clean its ears regularly. If your dog's ears smell excessively, you should not hesitate to visit the vet. An ear infection is no fun. The claws should wear down on their own if kept in a species-appropriate manner. Last but not least, you should always keep an eye on the Bracco Italiano's eyes and react to possible inflammation.

Unfortunately, this breed of dog often suffers from the well-known hip dysplasia. Since this is a hereditary disease, special attention should be paid to healthy parents when buying a dog. In addition, the Bracco Italiano is prone to joint problems. As they grow, these four-legged friends should not be given too much exercise or sporting activities. Climbing stairs is also not healthy for the physiological health of the Bracco Italiano when they are young.

Bracco Italiano - Origin & History

The history of the Bracco Italiano supposedly goes back to the 5th century BC, but it was not mentioned in writing until the 13th century by the writer Petrus de Crescientis. That is also a long story and, together with its relative, the Spinone Italiano, it makes it the oldest pointing dog breed. It originated in Italy as a mix of Molosser and greyhounds with Arabian-African roots - hence the name. For a while, there was also a smaller variant alongside the Bracco Italiano, the Bracchetto Italiano. There have been official breeding associations since the 1930s, but the Second World War almost caused the breed to become extinct. Fortunately, things turned out differently. Even today, the Bracco Italiano population is not particularly large. Only a few hundred specimens live in this country today, but the number is increasing.

Bracco Italiano - The right accessories

What you need depends, of course, on what you want to experience with your four-legged friend. However, the basic equipment should definitely include a collar or harness, long and short leashes, drinking and feeding bowls and a dog bed. For drivers, a good dog transport box should be a given, as this not only protects the life of your dog, but also that of all passengers. The dog bed is also available with memory foam, which is particularly good for the joint health of heavy dogs. Dog toys are a good way to tire out the powerhouse. Since he likes to fetch, a tennis ball or a stick found in the forest will also do.

Conclusion

The floppy-eared Bracco Italiano is a likeable companion who not only wins over hunters. With his calm and balanced nature, he also makes an impression as part of a family. His athletic disposition is obvious, but he doesn't come across as ostentatious. However, with his intelligence and strong need for exercise, he needs to be kept busy in order to stay fit and alert. He returns the favor by motivating his owners to exercise more and at the same time looking after their health.

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