Bracco Italiano

An ancient gundog from Italy, the Bracco’s roots trace to noble kennels that prized a versatile hunter able to track, point, and retrieve game birds. Often depicted in Renaissance art, the breed was refined into today’s steady, cooperative “trotter,” capable of covering ground efficiently in varied terrain. Modern Bracchi compete in field trials across Europe and are increasingly popular companions in North America for active, training-minded families.

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An athletic, substantial pointing dog with distinctive head planes and loose skin at the throat.

• Weight: 55–90 lb (25–40 kg)
• Height: Males 23–26.5 in (60–67 cm); females 22–24.5 in (55–62 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, dense, sleek, low-maintenance
• Coat Colors: White; white & orange; white & chestnut; orange roan or chestnut roan; small facial/body patches or ticking acceptable
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Long, low-set ears; sculpted “Roman” profile; deep chest; defined sternum; slight dewlap; thick tail carried level; long, elastic trot

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Easy coat care, but consistent ear/skin attention is key.

• Brushing: Weekly rubber mitt or bristle brush to lift dander and shine coat
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; rinse after muddy hunts/swims
• Ear Care: Clean/dry 1–2×/week—long ears + field work = moisture/debris risk
• Skin/Folds: Wipe and dry throat folds after meals/water; monitor for irritation
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Light to moderate, heavier seasonally

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A purposeful athlete built for sustained, efficient movement.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes (mix of brisk walks, off-leash runs in secure areas, field drills)
• Ideal Activities: Field training/steadiness, tracking/nose work, hiking, canicross, swimming retrieves
• Suitability: Apartments possible with robust daily outlets and enrichment; happiest with trail access

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Gentle, eager, and scent-driven—make it positive and structured.

• Approach: Reward-based training; short, varied sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Field Skills: Quartering pattern, recall, steadiness to flush/shot, delivery to hand
• Manners: Loose-leash walking, door/guest impulse control, calm “place/settle”
• Socialization: Early, broad exposure to people/dogs/environments and cooperative care (ears, paws, mouth)

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Fuel an athletic body while keeping a lean outline.

• Food Type: High-quality performance kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium/large breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2.5–4 cups/day split into two meals (adjust to workload/season)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for joints/skin; avoid intense exercise 60–90 min before/after meals to reduce bloat risk; maintain BCS 4–5/9

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Seek health-tested, temperament-sound dogs with field aptitude—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated/preservation breeders who provide orthopedic/eye results, socialize pups, and offer lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Sporting-breed rescues; Bracco breed clubs sometimes rehome retired adults
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club directory (limited listings), provincial field/obedience clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training days and referrals; North American Bracco clubs for education and networking

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Generally robust; responsible screening matters.

• Common Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion/ectropion, ear infections (moisture), skin irritations in folds, occasional bloat (GDV) risk in deep-chested dogs
• Other Watch-outs: Dental tartar (use chews/brushing), allergies in some lines
• Life Expectancy: 10–14 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), ophthalmologist (CAER) exams; discuss family history of eyelid conformation and GDV prevention

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Are Bracco Italianos good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, training, and enrichment.

Do Bracchi drool?
A little—pendulous lips (“flews”) mean occasional drool, especially after water or exercise.

Do Bracco Italianos shed?
Light to moderate; weekly brushing keeps hair and dander down.

Are Bracco Italianos hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Bracco need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily, ideally with field drills or scent games.

Bracco vs German Shorthaired Pointer—what’s different?
Bracchi are heavier-boned, trot-focused “trotters,” typically calmer off duty; GSPs are lighter, versatile all-rounders with more galloping style.

How are Bracchi with kids and other pets?
Affectionate family dogs with early socialization; supervise around small pets due to prey drive.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows and CAER eye exams; discuss eyelid conformation and any family history of bloat/GDV.

Do their ears need special care?
Yes—clean and dry weekly (more often for swimmers) to prevent infections.

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