Bracco Italiano
One of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe and Italian to the bone. It works at a long trot rather than a gallop, and it has a face full of loose skin.
Photo by Svenska Mässan, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, documented since the Renaissance, and it works at a distinctive extended trot rather than a gallop. That gait is written into the standard, and it is why the breed was favoured for hunting on foot.
It is a large hound like gundog with long pendulous ears, loose skin and a serious expression, and it is far more sensitive than it looks.
Temperament
Gentle, affectionate and notably soft. Braccos are patient with children, sociable with other dogs, and deeply attached to their families.
The softness matters in training. This is a breed that shuts down under pressure and works beautifully with encouragement, and it is not a dog for a heavy handed trainer. They are also slow to mature and can be goofy well into adulthood.
Care and grooming
A short glossy coat that needs a weekly brush. The long ears need cleaning weekly and drying carefully.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur, and this is a deep chested breed, so bloat is a real risk. Entropion and ectropion are also seen. Ten to fourteen years is the expectation.
Living and exercise
Ninety minutes to two hours a day with room to range. They are hunting dogs with real stamina.
They are affectionate house dogs when the work is done and they do badly kennelled. The breed is uncommon outside Italy and gaining ground slowly elsewhere.
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