Breed profile

Bracco Italiano

An ancient Italian gundog, possibly the ancestor of other European pointers. Short coat, long ears. Calm and devoted temperament. An excellent water retriever.

Origin: Italia Size: Grande Lifespan: 11-13 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Hunters
✓Sports enthusiasts (canicross, running)
✓Very active families

Reconsider if

×Sedentary families
×Flats without long exercise

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Is the Bracco Italiano a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

70-110 €/month

Food 40-60 €, ear cleaners and antiparasitics 12-18 €, veterinary fund 18-28 €, accessories 5-10 €. The easy coat saves on grooming; set aside a fund for ears and digestive emergencies.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Italy. An ancient Italian gundog, possibly the ancestor of other European pointers.

Temperament and character

Active, intelligent and loyal. Devoted to its family. Needs a daily mental AND physical 'job'. Forms a strong bond with its reference person.

Living together

Children: good with its own. **Other dogs:** sociable with socialisation. **Other animals:** with early socialisation.

Life stages of the Bracco Italiano

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 11-13 años.

Puppy

0-15 months

Controlled growth and low-impact exercise; socialisation of this even-tempered pointer.

Young

1.5-3 years

Daily exercise and pointing work; split meals (torsion risk); cleaning of the long ears.

Adult

3-7 years

Weight control, joint health (hips/elbows) and eyelid checks (entropion/ectropion).

Senior

7+ years

Joint support, ophthalmological monitoring and periodic general check-ups.

Care

Exercise: 90-120 min/day plus scent stimulation.

Brushing: weekly (more with a coarser coat).

Feeding: active-dog food.

Vet: annual check-up plus ear monitoring (long ears).

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food for a large, active breed, split into 2-3 meals to reduce the risk of gastric torsion, with weight control to protect the joints.

✂️ Grooming

A very simple short coat: weekly brushing. The focus is on the long ears and facial folds, which need cleaning regularly.

🎓 Training

Calm, devoted and sensitive: learns quickly with positive reinforcement and gentle handling; harsh methods shut it down. It needs a daily 'job'.

🏃 Exercise

90-120 min of daily exercise with scent work and running; a versatile gundog that suffers from a sedentary lifestyle and being left alone.

Breed-specific health

Recurrent otitis. Dysplasia. Bloat. Life expectancy 11-13 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦴Displasia de cadera 🦴Displasia de codo 👂Otitis (infección de oído)🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)👁️Entropión

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Bracco Italiano

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Official hip and elbow radiograph (dysplasia)
✓Ophthalmological examination (entropion/ectropion from loose eyelids)
✓Ear examination (otitis from long, drop ears)
✓Monitoring for gastric dilatation (bloat) and renal assessment

Prevention

Plenty of exercise and scent work, regular ear cleaning, split meals to reduce bloat and weight control. Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with blood work from age 5; two visits a year from age 8.

Warning signs

!Swollen abdomen with retching but no vomiting (bloat: EMERGENCY)
!Head shaking or foul-smelling ears (otitis)
!Reddened eyes or everted eyelids
!Lameness, stiffness or exercise intolerance

Bracco Italiano gallery

Foto de la raza bracco italiano — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Bracco Italiano

How long does a Bracco Italiano live?

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The life expectancy of the Bracco Italiano is 11-13 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Bracco Italiano weigh?

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An adult Bracco Italiano weighs between 25-40 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande.

Where does the Bracco Italiano breed come from?

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The Bracco Italiano originates from Italia. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Italy. An ancient Italian gundog, possibly the ancestor of other European pointers.

How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?

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The Bracco Italiano has alta energy. **Exercise:** 90-120 min/day plus scent stimulation.

Is the Bracco Italiano good with children?

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**Children:** good with its own. **Other dogs:** sociable with socialisation. **Other animals:** with early socialisation.

Who is the Bracco Italiano NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Sedentary families. Flats without long exercise. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Bracco Italiano have?

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Recurrent otitis. Dysplasia. Bloat. Life expectancy 11-13 years.

Is it only good for hunting?

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No. It is an exceptional versatile gundog, but also a calm and very affectionate family dog, wonderful with children. The condition is giving it the exercise and scent work it needs every day.

How much exercise does it need?

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A lot: 1.5-2 hours a day combining running, walking and scent work. It is high-energy and becomes frustrated in sedentary households or when left alone for long hours.

Why does it get ear infections?

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Its long, drop ears ventilate poorly and retain moisture, encouraging otitis. Regular cleaning and drying well after baths or water outings prevent it.

Does it drool a lot?

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Yes, its loose flews and eyelids make it drool quite a bit, especially after drinking or eating. It is something to accept with the breed.

Is it easy to train?

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Yes, it is intelligent and eager to please, but also sensitive. It learns quickly with patience and positive reinforcement; rough handling makes it withdraw and ruins its confidence.