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Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, depicted in Italian art from the fourteenth century, and was used by nobility for hunting with nets and falcons before firearms.

It has a distinctive slow, high-stepping trot at working pace.

It stands 55 to 67 centimetres, weighs 25 to 40 kilograms and lives ten to fourteen years, with a short dense coat in white with orange or chestnut markings, long pendulous ears and considerable facial skin. It is gentle and affectionate at home and thorough and methodical in the field — a serious hunting breed with a notably soft temperament that does not tolerate harsh training.

Origin
Italy; one of Europe's oldest pointing breeds
Size
55–67 cm; 25–40 kg
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Short and dense; white with orange or chestnut
Temperament
Gentle and affectionate; methodical in the field
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, entropion and ectropion

2 bracco italiano photos, newest first

  • Kiwi, a bracco italiano

    Kiwi

    Kiwi was promoted to hotel concierge receiving impossible luggage; unfortunately, a basket of yarn unravels around everything.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Kiwi, a bracco italiano

    Kiwi

    The face Kiwi makes when the walk ends.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a bracco italiano

The loose facial skin and heavy ears need attention. Entropion and ectropion — eyelids rolling in or out — are common and often need surgery, and the long ears trap moisture and infect readily. Clean the ears weekly.

Deep chest means bloat risk. Learn the signs: unproductive retching, a swollen abdomen, restlessness and pacing. It kills within hours.

They are soft-tempered and shut down under pressure; training works with patience and reward.

They need real work. An hour or more of exercise daily, and gundog or scent work if possible.

Ask for hip and elbow scores. Grow puppies slowly on a large-breed diet.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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