Bracco Italiano
An ancient Italian pointing gundog with a noble, houndy look. Gentle, affectionate and sociable, making a good family gundog, but it needs plenty of exercise and can be sensitive and a little stubborn in training.
Bracco Italiano scorecard
Overview
The Bracco Italiano is an ancient Italian pointing gundog, often described as one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe. Substantial and noble in build, it combines the working ability of a versatile hunting dog with an unmistakably houndy appearance: a long, lean head, long pendulous ears, loose skin and soulful eyes give it a gentle, almost serious expression quite unlike the sharper, more athletic English pointers and setters. Standing around 55 to 67 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 25 to 40 kg, it is a powerful but elegant dog that moves with a distinctive, extended trot when working in the field.
Away from its hunting heritage, the Bracco is above all a gentle, affectionate and sociable companion. It is people-oriented and thrives on being part of family life, generally good-natured with children and other dogs, and far softer in temperament than its size and working drive might suggest. It does, however, remain a genuine working gundog at heart, with real exercise and mental-stimulation needs, a sensitive nature, and a streak of independence that can make training a test of patience. In the UK it is recognised by the Kennel Club within the Gundog Group, where it has been steadily gaining admirers.
Good to know — a Bracco Italiano needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Bracco Italiano's roots reach far back into Italian history; pointing dogs of this type are thought to have existed for many centuries, with origins sometimes traced to crosses between ancient scenthound (segugio) and mastiff-type dogs. Two regional varieties developed - a heavier, often white-and-orange type associated with Piedmont in the north-west, and a more lightly built brown-and-white (roan) type associated with Lombardy - and these were eventually unified into the single breed recognised today. By the Renaissance, dogs of this kind were prized by the Italian nobility for hunting, and the breed's history is closely tied to the long tradition of Italian field sport.
As a versatile gundog, the Bracco was bred to find, point and retrieve game over varied terrain, working methodically and in close partnership with the hunter. The breed nearly declined in the early twentieth century but was revived through the efforts of dedicated Italian breeders, and a national breed society has long worked to preserve its type and working ability. It has since spread beyond Italy, and in the UK it earned full Kennel Club recognition, with a growing community of owners valuing it as both a working gundog and a family companion.
Temperament & family fit
The Bracco Italiano is renowned for its sweet, affectionate and sociable nature. It bonds closely with its family, loves human company and tends to be patient and gentle, which - together with its generally good relations with children and other dogs - makes it a popular choice as a family gundog. It is typically friendly rather than aloof with people, and many are notably soft and people-pleasing in the home, enjoying being close to their owners and often forming strong attachments. This sociability has a flip side: the breed does not like being left alone for long periods and can be prone to separation-related distress if its need for companionship is ignored.
Beneath the gentle exterior is a sensitive, sometimes comical character that matures slowly, often remaining playful and puppyish well into adulthood. The Bracco is a thinking dog that can be a little stubborn or independent, and it is easily disheartened by harsh handling - a raised voice or rough correction can dent its confidence and set training back. As a true gundog it carries a strong instinct to use its nose and follow scent, and it can be single-minded once it picks up a trail. With early socialisation it is usually sound and friendly all round, but owners should expect a tender-hearted, attention-loving dog rather than an independent, low-maintenance one.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training a Bracco Italiano works best when it is patient, gentle, consistent and motivating. The breed is intelligent and willing to work with people it trusts, but it is also sensitive and can be slow to mature, so owners need realistic expectations and a sense of humour rather than a drill-sergeant approach. Positive, reward-based methods that keep sessions varied, upbeat and rewarding get far more out of a Bracco than repetition or correction; harsh handling tends to make the breed anxious or shut it down, undoing progress. Building a strong, trusting relationship is the foundation of everything else.
The main challenges are the breed's streak of independence, its slow maturity and its powerful scenting drive. A Bracco that catches an interesting scent can become temporarily deaf to recall, so reliable recall and steadiness take time, patience and plenty of practice, ideally begun early and proofed gradually around real distractions. Early socialisation and basic manners are important while the dog is still young and biddable, and many owners find that channelling the breed's instincts through gundog training, scent work or other structured activities gives the dog the outlet it needs and makes for a calmer, more responsive companion at home.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Bracco Italiano typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Bracco Italiano is easy to keep looking smart. Its short, dense, glossy coat needs only routine care - a weekly brush with a bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair and keep it shining, and a bath only when needed. It is a moderate, fairly steady shedder rather than a heavy seasonal moulter. The features that need a little extra attention are those that come with its houndy build: the long, pendulous ears trap moisture and debris and should be checked and cleaned regularly to help prevent ear infections, and the loose facial skin and lips mean some Braccos can be a touch drool-prone and benefit from a wipe around the mouth. Otherwise, routine nail trimming, eye checks and regular dental care complete a straightforward grooming regime.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
As a large, deep-chested and active gundog, the Bracco Italiano should be fed a complete, good-quality diet suited to its size, age and activity level, with growing puppies raised on large-breed puppy food and kept lean to protect their developing joints. Working or very active dogs may need more calories, while a less active companion will need its intake watched to avoid weight gain, since excess weight strains the joints and undermines a working dog's fitness. Like other deep-chested breeds, the Bracco carries a recognised risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), so it is sensible to feed measured meals - typically dividing the daily ration into two - and to avoid strenuous exercise immediately before and after eating. Fresh water should always be available, and treats counted within the daily allowance.
Bracco Italiano health & costs
Before bringing a Bracco Italiano home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Bracco Italiano is generally a robust, healthy breed with a typical life expectancy of around twelve to fourteen years, though as a large, deep-chested gundog it shares some of the predispositions of its size and type. Responsible breeders take health seriously, and in the UK the Kennel Club and the breed clubs support relevant health screening of breeding stock; prospective owners should always buy from breeders who test their dogs and can show the results.
Key health considerations include hip and elbow dysplasia, which are screened for through the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club hip and elbow schemes, and eye conditions, for which eye testing is advised. As a deep-chested breed the Bracco is also at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a sudden, life-threatening emergency that owners should learn to recognise. The breed's long, pendulous ears make it more prone to ear infections, so regular ear care is part of routine health management. When choosing a puppy, ask the breeder for evidence of hip and elbow scoring and eye testing of the parents, ask about any history of bloat or other issues in the lines, and look for healthy, well-reared, well-socialised pups raised in a home environment.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia - a developmental hip condition common in large breeds; ask for BVA/KC hip scores of the parents.
- Elbow dysplasia - a developmental elbow condition that can cause lameness and arthritis; elbow grading of breeding stock is advised.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) - a life-threatening twisting of the stomach to which deep-chested breeds are prone; learn the signs and treat as an emergency.
- Ear infections - the long, hanging ears trap moisture and debris, making regular cleaning and checking important.
- Eye conditions - certain hereditary eye problems can occur; choose a breeder who eye-tests breeding dogs.
- Joint and growth issues - as a large breed, careful diet and controlled exercise during puppyhood help protect developing joints.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Bracco Italiano; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Bracco Italiano puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Bracco Italiano
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, affectionate and sociable
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- Needs lots of exercise as a working pointer
- Sensitive and can be slow to mature
Compare the Bracco Italiano
See how the Bracco Italiano measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the temperament of a Bracco Italiano?
The Bracco Italiano is renowned for its sweet, affectionate and sociable nature. It bonds closely with its family, loves human company and tends to be patient and gentle, which makes it a popular family gundog. Beneath the gentle exterior is a sensitive, sometimes comical character that matures slowly, often staying playful and puppyish well into adulthood.
How big does a Bracco Italiano get?
The Bracco Italiano is a substantial but elegant gundog, standing around 55–67 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 25–40 kg. It has an unmistakably houndy look, with a long, lean head, long pendulous ears, loose skin and soulful eyes, and moves with a distinctive extended trot when working.
Are Bracco Italianos easy to train?
They can be, but they need patience. The Bracco is intelligent and willing to work with people it trusts, but it is sensitive, slow to mature and a little independent, so owners need realistic expectations and a sense of humour. Positive, reward-based methods work best, while harsh handling can make the breed anxious and undo progress. Its strong scenting drive means reliable recall takes time.
How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?
As a working pointing breed, the Bracco needs plenty of exercise, well over an hour a day for a fit adult, including chances to range and use its nose rather than just lead walks. It is built for stamina and suits active owners who enjoy long country walks. Scent games and gundog-style training are excellent outlets, and a bored, under-exercised Bracco can become destructive.
Do Bracco Italianos drool a lot?
Some do. The loose facial skin and pendulous lips that give the Bracco its soulful expression mean a number of individuals are a touch drool-prone and benefit from a wipe around the mouth. It is part of sharing your home with this big, affectionate, slightly clownish dog, though the amount varies between individuals.
How much grooming does a Bracco Italiano need?
Very little for the coat. The short, dense, glossy coat needs only a weekly brush with a bristle brush or grooming mitt, and a bath when needed. The main attention goes to the long, pendulous ears, which trap moisture and debris and should be checked and cleaned regularly to help prevent infections, alongside routine nail, eye and dental care.
What health problems are common in the Bracco Italiano?
Key considerations include hip and elbow dysplasia, screened through the BVA/Kennel Club schemes, and eye conditions, for which eye testing is advised. As a deep-chested breed it is also at risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), and its pendulous ears make it more prone to ear infections. Always buy from breeders who hip-score, elbow-score and eye-test their dogs.
How long do Bracco Italianos live?
The Bracco Italiano is generally a robust breed with a typical life expectancy of around 12–14 years. Buying from health-tested parents, keeping the dog lean, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and maintaining routine ear and veterinary care all help support a long, healthy life.
Are Bracco Italianos good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Bracco Italianos tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Bracco Italiano needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Bracco Italianos shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Bracco Italianos easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Bracco Italianos are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Bracco Italianos bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Bracco Italianos good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Bracco Italianos suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Bracco Italiano really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) - Bracco Italiano breed information and breed standard (Gundog Group): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) - Bracco Italiano breed standard (Group 7, Pointing Dogs): https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/ITALIAN-POINTING-DOG-202.html
- PDSA - dog health, large-breed care and bloat advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross - dog breed and care guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass - canine health research, including hip/elbow disease and bloat in large breeds: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.