Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointer)
Bracco Italiano
- Alternative names: Italian Wirehaired Pointer, Italian Pointer.
History of the breed
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds in the world, with roots dating back to medieval Italy. This breed was bred by the Italian nobility for both tracking and retrieving game. A symbol of elegance and efficiency in the hunt, the Bracco Italiano is prized today as a versatile working dog and loyal companion.
Character and temperament
The Bracco Italiano is a friendly, gentle, and intelligent dog. It's energetic and dedicated in the field, but calm and loving indoors. This breed is sociable, loyal, and forms strong bonds with its family. It's good with children and other pets, but can be somewhat reserved with strangers.
Physical characteristics
- Shoulder height : 55-67 cm.
- Weight : 25-40 kg.
- Coat : Short, dense and fine.
- Colors : White with orange or chestnut markings, or white with speckled patterns.
- Sizes for collars and harnesses : Neck circumference 40-55 cm, chest circumference 70-85 cm.
Care
The Bracco Italiano has a low-maintenance coat. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat shiny. Regularly check the long, drooping ears for dirt and infection. Keep the nails trimmed and ensure good dental care. It's important to check the skin and paws after outdoor activities, especially in rough terrain.
Movement and activity
This breed needs plenty of exercise and thrives on an active lifestyle. Long walks, runs, and activities like tracking or field work are ideal. The Bracco Italiano has a natural aptitude for dog sports like obedience, retrieving, and lure coursing. Sufficient physical and mental stimulation is essential to keep them happy and healthy.
Health
The Bracco Italiano is generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections (due to drooping ears)
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
The average life expectancy is 10-14 years.
Power supply
A balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats is essential. On average, they eat 400-600 grams of food per day, depending on their weight and activity level. Divide the food into two meals to prevent digestive problems.
Training and socialization
The Bracco Italiano is a smart and eager-to-learn dog, making it relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement and consistency work best. Early socialization is crucial to building confidence in various situations. Due to its sensitive nature, it doesn't respond well to harsh corrections.
Suitability for owners
The Bracco Italiano is ideal for active and experienced dog owners who appreciate its energetic and sociable nature. It needs an owner with sufficient time and space to provide it with daily exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy hunting, dog sports, or other outdoor activities. Thanks to its calm and gentle nature, it also fits well in families with children, provided it gets enough exercise. However, the Bracco Italiano can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently. Therefore, it is less suitable for owners who spend long days away from home. A home with a spacious yard and access to outdoor areas will make it happiest.
Share your experience with us!
Do you own a Bracco Italiano? Send a photo of your dog to customerservice@fidello.nl and receive a 10% discount on your next purchase. Want to contribute to a video for FidelloTV? Schedule an appointment using the same email address and receive €20 in store credit as a thank you for participating!