GROUP 3 - GUNDOGS

Brief History
A hunting, pointing and retrieving gundog, the Bracco Italiano is of an ancient and noble lineage. The origins of the breed are unclear, but it is believed to have been developed from the Egyptian hound and the Mollosus or Persian Mastiff. The white and orange is thought to originate from the Piedmont region (Piedmontese Pointer) and was a lighter, smaller dog, thus enabling him to work more easily in this mountainous region. The white and chestnut came from the Lombardy region (Lombard Pointer) and was a heavier taller dog. Over time the two types were combined to create a breed of more uniform size. Originally the breed was used to drive birds into nets, but as hunting methods changed, and with the development of guns, the Bracco’s working style has adapted.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The Average life span is 13 to 16 years.

Temperament
They are very willing to please. Obedience training is a must for a Bracco, and the more that is asked of them, the better they do. Harsh reprimands do not work with this breed. Many Braccos will alert if there is a reason, and some will bark or growl. The breed loves to hunt, and they excel at it! They are an active breed but require more mental exercise than physical exercise to keep them happy.

General Breed Description
The Bracco is of strong and harmonious construction, with powerful appearance. This breed has lean limbs, well developed muscles, well defined lines, with a markedly sculpted head. The colours of the Bracco Italiano are white, white with patches of orange, dark amber or chestnut, white speckled with pale orange, white or speckled with chestnut.

Coat and Care Requirements
Bracco Italiano are easy to groom. Their short coats require minimal care; their long ears require routine cleaning to minimise the risk of ear infections.

An occasional bath will keep them clean.

Size
Height: Males 58 to 67cms, Females: 55 to 62cms.

Weight: Between 25 and 40kgs depending on size.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Bracco Italiano is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Hip Dysplasia (HD), Elbow Dysplasia, Eye Anomalies such as Entropion, Ectropion, and Cataracts, Kidney Disorders such as Renal Amyloidosis, Bloat and Skin Conditions.

Suitability
The Bracco Italiano is an active hunting dog that needs constant exercise; a large property is preferred as they like lots of space to move around. They are very much a people-loving dog and thrive on human companionship, having a strong need to be close to their owners. They would suit an active family, or an active single person. They are content to be outside but enjoy coming inside to spend time with their owner. They are accepting of strangers.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard: https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/110