Bracco Italiano

Italy’s longstanding pointing dog

A pointing dog shows a hunter where game is hiding. After detecting its scent, the dog pauses and directs its body towards the location. This behaviour is called pointing. The Bracco Italiano was also selected to retrieve shot game, linking its history closely with bird hunting. Similar Italian pointing dogs appear in frescoes dating from the fourteenth century.

There were once distinct regional types, including those from Piedmont and Lombardy. They were brought together as one breed during the twentieth century. The Italian breed society Società Amatori Bracco Italiano, usually called SABI, was founded in 1949. The Bracco remains notable for a broad, powerful trot that covers ground without requiring a constant gallop.

The international canine organisation FCI gives a shoulder height of 55 to 67 centimetres and weight of 25 to 40 kilograms. Its head is long and clearly sculpted, with ears extending down along the cheeks. The short coat can be white or carry orange or brown patches and fine speckling.

Many Bracchi enjoy being close to their families. Outdoors they remain alert hunting dogs interested in birds and other animals. Small prey pets should therefore be kept physically separate. An adult should guide interactions with children. With this dog’s size and weight, even a friendly jump can knock a small child over.

Everyday life

The Bracco suits people who enjoy substantial daily outings and want to provide mental activity too. Walks with time to sniff, gradually developed search tasks and retrieving exercises make use of its abilities. A soft retrieving dummy can be useful, meaning a training object for the dog to pick up and bring back.

Hunting is a natural working role. The American Kennel Club also identifies dog sports as possible activities for dogs that are not worked in the field. An instructor can help you build suitable tasks. Sharp turns and high jumps should be avoided while the dog is still growing.

Returning when called should begin in easy surroundings and be rewarded consistently. Where game scents or birds taking flight are distracting, a long lead attached to a harness offers room to explore with security. Free running should be possible in an appropriately fenced area. At home the Bracco needs adequate space, undisturbed sleep and companionship. Time alone should be introduced in small steps, with care arranged for longer absences.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Day-to-day care

Regular brushing makes the short coat straightforward to maintain. You should also inspect the skin and paws. After an outing, plant material can become trapped between the toes or around the ears. Damp skin areas should be gently dried. Food or saliva left around the lips can be removed with a soft damp cloth.

The long hanging ears deserve regular attention. Redness, frequent head shaking or an unpleasant smell should be assessed by a vet. The practice can show you whether your dog needs an ear cleaner and how it should be used. Cleaning indiscriminately with household remedies may further irritate sore ears.

Nails should not interfere with movement. Teeth should be brushed regularly with dog toothpaste. Care is easiest when the dog has become comfortable with handling through short, pleasant exercises.