Bracco Italiano
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Find Bracco Italiano BreedersGet to Know Bracco Italianos
- Ancient Lineage: The Bracco Italiano is considered the oldest European pointing breed, with depictions in art and literature dating back over 2,000 years.
- Renaissance Favorite: Italian noble families, including the Medici and Gonzaga, bred and kept Bracco Italianos as prized hunting companions.
- AKC Newcomer: Despite its ancient history, the Bracco Italiano was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2022.
- Trotting Gait: Unlike many sporting dogs that gallop, the Bracco has a distinctive, ground-covering trot that allows it to hunt tirelessly over varied terrain.
Breed History
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, with origins tracing back to 4th or 5th century Italy. Two distinct strains developed: the Piedmontese Pointer (lighter-built, from the mountainous Piedmont region) and the Lombard Pointer (heavier, from Lombardy). Prized by Italian nobility during the Renaissance, the breed nearly went extinct by the late 1800s. An Italian breeder named Ferdinando Delor de Ferrabouc led the revival effort in the early 20th century. The AKC recognized the Bracco Italiano in 2022.
Personality and Behaviour
- Gentle & Affectionate: Bracco Italianos are known for their sweet, loving nature. They form deep bonds and are exceptionally gentle with family members of all ages.
- Eager Worker: In the field, they are focused and driven. They work methodically, covering ground with their distinctive extended trot and pointing game with classic style.
- People-Oriented: They crave human companionship and do not thrive when isolated. Left alone too long, they can become anxious or destructive.
- Sensitive Soul: They respond best to calm, patient training. Harsh corrections can damage their confidence. Positive reinforcement brings out their best.
Care
- Exercise: At least 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. They thrive with running, hiking, and swimming. Field work or organized hunt tests provide ideal physical and mental stimulation.
- Grooming: Their short, dense coat requires minimal grooming—weekly brushing suffices. Check and clean their long, pendulous ears frequently to prevent infections.
- Diet: Feed a high-quality food for active large breeds. They can be voracious eaters, so measured meals prevent overeating. Adjust portions based on activity level.
- Health: Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion/ectropion (eyelid conditions), ear infections, bloat, and kidney issues (renal amyloidosis). Choose breeders who test for these conditions.
Bracco Italiano Summary
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Bracco Italiano Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Bracco Italiano is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Bracco Italiano
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Bracco Italiano puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Bracco Italiano, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Bracco Italiano is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.










