Other Names
Italian Pointer, Italian Hound, Bracco, Italian Bracco

Origin
The Bracco is an ancient Italian bird hunting breed with writings about it dating back to the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. It has developed over the ages and was first used by hunters in Italy driving game into nets, as seen in frescoes from the 14th century. Later it was teamed up with falconers, who used it to flush the falcon’s quarry, and more recently its use has developed to that of a Hunter/Pointer/Retriever, to which it has remained faithful to the present day. Although the Bracco developed to accommodate hunters’ needs, it has remained very true to type.

Description
The Bracco is most recognizable by its finely chiseled head with "roman" nose and heavy jowls as in the Bloodhound. He is somewhat heavier boned than the Pointer, for example. His gait is also unmistakable - a flowing trot with head held high, like that of a fine show horse. He has a characteristic "noble" expression, especially when sitting in an erect posture.

Training
The Bracco needs to be trained with a consistent but gentle approach. They are sensitive and react strongly to the sound of your voice. If they are trained properly, they will learn quickly.

Use Today
Hunting, Companion dog, search and rescue, agility, obedience, therapy dog

Life Expectancy
This breed can live as long as 12-14 years of age

Weight & Height
55 - 85 pounds & 21-26 inches tall at the shoulders

Known Health Problems
some lines have hip/elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, entropion, extropion (turned in or turned-out eyelids); "kinked tail" associated with kidney problems; ear infections

Temperament
Calm, easy-going, enthusiastic when working, but also methodical and thorough. If not happy, he can eat things you'd never consider edible; must be kept busy mentally, so if not hunting, he needs a job, i.e., search and rescue, agility, therapy dog. Great with children; needs obedience training to be at his best.

Living Conditions
Happiest in house with their people. Do well in all climates, altho very cold is not their favorite time; not a dog to be tied out in the back yard.

Grooming
fairly minor most of the time. Nails trimmed and ears cleaned monthly or more often. Shed heavily 2 times yearly, during which a bath and hound glove is very effective.

Exercise
mental exercise is more important than physical exercise - without something to learn, the Bracco may well learn something you wish he had not. He will do well with a daily walk and also loves to run - a great dog for hikers, bikers, etc.

Coat Texture
Short, dense and shiny coat

Coat Colors
white; white/orange spots; white/orange "roan" (ticking or many very small flecks of color over white) ; white/brown spots, white/brown "roan"; brown w/very little white; orange w/ very little white.

Puppies
anywhere from 2-10 pups per litter, with 6-8 being most frequent

Recognition
Continental Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Fédération Cynologique Internationale

Thank you to Dan Koon of
Courtesy of Cerca Trova's Bracco Italianos for providing us with photos and information for this breed.