Bracco Italiano (Italian Pointer)
The Bracco Italiano is a fairly large continental pointer with outstanding working abilities, a good temperament, and a distinctive appearance. It adapts easily to any type of hunting, is obedient and reliable, and can be a great companion for active people. Other names for the breed include the Italian Pointer and the Italian Pointer.
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History of origin
14th-century frescoes depict hunting dogs similar to the modern Italian Bracco. The modern breed likely originates from them. The most popular theory about the origin of the Italian Pointer is that the breed was developed in the late 17th century from various Italian hunting dogs. They were infused with the blood of local and imported hounds and pointers. And judging by the ears, basset hound It wasn't without its uses here. Retriever blood was used to improve the delivery.
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bracco dog was virtually extinct. Italian breeder Ferdinando Delor de Ferrabouc (1838–1913) played a key role in preserving and reviving the breed. He was also the author of the first standard and one of the founders of the Italian Kennel Club. The first standard for the breed was officially adopted in 1949. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed under the name Bracca Italiano (Italian Pointing Dog) in 1956.
Usage
The Italian Bracco is a keen hunter with an excellent nose. Before gun hunting, its job was to mark the game it had found, wait for the hawk to be released or the nets to be prepared, and flush the bird on command. Today, Braccos raise birds for shooting and then retrieve them, including from water. The dog has a fairly gentle grip. It's important to keep in mind that the Bracco's coat isn't suited for retrieving birds from cold water. With proper training, it can hunt small fur-bearing animals, locate large ungulates, and follow a blood trail.
The Bracco Italiano is a virtually universal gundog that adapts easily to all types of hunting, but is primarily used for field birds.
The Italian Pointer is a relatively slow dog, but has a wide, sweeping gait. It has a long, fast trot with powerful hind legs. Upon sensing game, it positions itself on the scent line and freezes. The Italian Pointer's stance is beautiful, composed, focused, and balanced. It stalks game silently.
The Italian Bracco is also a wonderful companion. Besides hunting, it can join its owner in various sports, such as tracking and agility.
Appearance
The Bracco Italiano is a strong, fairly large dog. Its appearance is powerful yet harmonious. Its head has clearly defined features that make the breed easily recognizable. The body is square. Females are allowed to be longer. Sexual dimorphism is well-defined.
- Height at the withers of males is 58-67 cm, weight is 30-40 kg;
- The height at the withers of bitches is 55-62 cm, weight is 25-30 kg.
The length of the head is 4/10 of the height at the withers. The skull has a pronounced occipital protuberance. The muzzle is straight or slightly convex, of good width. The nose is voluminous, with well-opened nostrils, slightly protruding above the lips, from flesh to brown in color. The upper lip is well developed, thin, hanging freely, covering the lower jaw. A scissors bite (a straight bite is allowed). The eyes are fairly large, oval with tightly fitting eyelids. The iris is brown. The ears are well developed, reaching to the tip of the nose. They are narrow at the base, widening towards the middle, where the greatest width is at least half the length. The front edge of the auricle is turned inward, the outer edge is rounded. The neck is powerful, truncated cone-shaped, making up 2/3 of the length of the head, with a double soft dewlap.
The body is square and strong. The topline from the withers to the 11th vertebra is sloping and straight, then slightly convex at the loin. The loin is wide. The croup is long and wide, sloping at a 30-degree angle. The chest is deep, wide, and reaches down to the elbows. The underline is almost horizontal, rising slightly at the belly. The tail is thick at the base, straight, and tapers to the tip. The tail must be docked to 15 cm from the base in countries where this is not prohibited. The limbs are strong and proportionate, with sturdy, oval paws. The toes are arched and pointed toward the ground. The nails are strong. The pads are firm and elastic.
The coat is short, shiny, and dense. It is shorter and finer on the head, ears, front of the legs, and paws. Colors:
- White with orange spots;
- White with orange speckles (melato);
- White with chestnut spots;
- White with chestnut speckles (Roano Marrone).
Spots of any size and location. A symmetrical mask on the face is desirable, but its absence is acceptable.
Character and behavior
The Bracco Italiano is an energetic, balanced, and highly intelligent dog with a friendly and docile nature. It forms a strong bond with its owner but also loves other family members. Its behavior and preferences reflect a hunting instinct, a drive to search, retrieve, and retrieve.
Its character is characterized by stubbornness, persistence, and courage. However, the dog doesn't possess obvious watchdog or guard qualities. It doesn't always bark or bite. It is very people-oriented and requires regular interaction. It gets along well with other dogs, but isn't content with their company alone. Among family members, the Brakke is affectionate and devoted, but calm at home. It is attentive and kind with children of all ages, but isn't a nanny. Not all pointers will be. children's companions in games.
The Italian Bracco gets along well with animals it's raised with, including cats. However, don't expect it to be loyal to neighbor cats, pigeons in the park, or other unfamiliar creatures.
Education and training
Italian pointers are fairly easy to train. They do not tolerate harsh treatment. It is important to train a Bracco so that it does not lose trust in its owner. This can be challenging. At a young age, it can sometimes display unusual stubbornness. The Italian Bracco strives to be obedient, but when it comes to following commands, it can feign stupidity and resort to all sorts of tricks to get left behind.
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The Italian Bracco is best suited to country living and will happily live in a family home and spend a lot of time in the yard, but not completely alone. The Bracco requires regular physical and mental exercise. Without long walks and the opportunity to run freely in a field from time to time, it can become unruly. It tolerates short periods of solitude well, provided it is given about an hour daily. The Italian Bracco is a moderate drooler, which is more noticeable after drinking, eating, or when excited. Its coat has a faint, distinctive odor only when dirty.
If an Italian Pointer isn't used for its intended purpose, it's a good idea to find a way to utilize its hunting skills and talents in everyday life. The dog can be trained to point to anything, including lizards and butterflies. It will also enjoy searching and tracking tasks.
Care
Overall, grooming is simple. Braccos are brushed periodically with a special mitten for short-haired dogs. Bathe every 2-3 months or less frequently. Keep an eye on their ears. Inspect them weekly and clean them when needed. Their nails usually wear down on their own. If they don't, it's important to trim them regularly to maintain proper paw alignment.
Health and life expectancy
Italian Braccos are quite strong and hardy dogs. The breed is considered to be among the most prosperous. Life expectancy is 11-13 years. A predisposition to certain diseases is noted:
- hip dysplasia;
- elbow dysplasia;
- ophthalmological diseases;
- ear infections;
- kidney disease;
- gastric torsion;
- von Willebrand disease.
Where to buy a Bracco Italiano puppy
The Italian Bracco is a fairly popular breed in its homeland. The majority of the population is concentrated there, along with numerous kennels and breeders. To unite current and future owners, the Italian Bracco Fanciers' Club (Società amatori bracco italiano) was created, collecting information about the breed and breeders worldwide. Italian Braccos are found in the UK, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the United States, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile, and even Japan. Recently, several dogs were imported to Ukraine and Russia, and their first litters have already been produced.
Price
In Russia, it's rare to find an ad for a Bracco Italiano puppy for sale online. On the Ukrainian marketplace OLX, prices range from 20,000 to 30,000 UAH (approximately 50,000 to 75,000 rubles). In Italy, a puppy from a breeder costs an average of 2,000 euros.
Photos and videos
You can see more photos of Italian marriages in the gallery. The photos feature dogs of different sexes, ages, and colors.
Video about the Bracco Italiano dog breed
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