Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest gundog breeds in the world, with a documented history in Italy stretching back to the fourth and fifth centuries. Developed in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions of northern Italy as a versatile pointing and retrieving breed, it combines an aristocratic appearance - a distinctive large, rounded head, pendulous ears, loose skin and a powerful, athletic body - with one of the most genuinely gentle and affectionate temperaments in the gundog group. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group, it has grown in popularity in the UK over recent decades as its qualities have become more widely recognised.

The appearance is unmistakable. The Bracco's domed skull, long pendulous ears, deep-set eyes and loose skin around the neck and throat give it a dignified, slightly mournful expression that is entirely misleading as to the breed's actual character. In personality the Bracco is warm, enthusiastic and emphatically social. It is a breed that wants to be involved in household life, bonds closely and warmly with its family, and is consistently good with children and other dogs.

The Bracco's working ability is genuine and impressive. It is a hunt, point and retrieve breed of considerable field competence, with a nose that is particularly highly regarded among European gundog enthusiasts. For owners who want to work their dog in the field, the Bracco offers a genuine dual-purpose capability - a sensitive, trainable working gundog that is equally at home as a devoted household companion.

Exercise requirements reflect the breed's working heritage. An adult Bracco Italiano needs 1.5 to two hours of vigorous daily exercise, and the breed genuinely thrives with variety - gundog work, scent activities, swimming and running in open countryside all suit it well. Mental engagement through training is as important as physical output. A Bracco without sufficient activity becomes restless, and the breed's attachment to its owners can become anxious dependency if it lacks adequate stimulation.

The breed's strong attachment to people is also its primary vulnerability. The Bracco does not thrive when left alone for extended periods and can develop separation anxiety without careful independence training from puppyhood. Building tolerance to time alone must begin from the first days in the home, starting with minutes and extending gradually over weeks.

The long, pendulous ears are the most important routine care commitment. The hound-type ear structure creates a warm, enclosed channel prone to bacterial and yeast infection, particularly after swimming. Ears must be cleaned at minimum once weekly and dried thoroughly after any water exposure. Skin folds around the neck and face should be cleaned and checked regularly for moisture accumulation.

Renal Amyloidosis is the most important breed-specific health concern for the Bracco Italiano. This hereditary condition causes abnormal protein deposits in the kidneys, leading to progressive renal failure. A DNA test is available and all breeding stock should be tested before mating. Ask for evidence of testing for both parents before purchasing a puppy. Hip dysplasia can also occur and hip scoring of parents is recommended. Lifespan is typically 10 to 14 years.

Purchase prices from KC-registered breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Insurance of £40 to £75 per month. Monthly running costs average £160 to £260.

The Bracco Italiano Club of Great Britain is the primary UK resource for breed information, health testing guidance, responsible breeders and rescue contact. For active owners who want a beautiful, gentle and capable gundog with outstanding family temperament, the Bracco is one of the most rewarding choices available.

Gentle, affectionate and deeply loyal to its family. Excellent with children. Sociable with other dogs. Can be clingy and prone to separation anxiety. Enthusiastic in the field and calm at home. A genuine dual-purpose companion and working gundog.

Highly trainable and responsive to positive methods. Natural gundog instincts make field and scent work particularly rewarding. Sensitive to harsh handling - positive reinforcement works best. Early socialisation important for a well-adjusted adult. Excels in hunt, point, retrieve work.

1.5 to two hours vigorous daily exercise. The Bracco needs proper off-lead running and thrives with gundog work, scent work and field activities. Swimming is excellent. Mental engagement through training as important as physical output.

Renal Amyloidosis is the most significant breed-specific concern - a hereditary kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure. DNA testing is available and breeding stock should be tested. Hip dysplasia can occur. Ear infections common without regular maintenance. Lifespan 10-14 years. Insurance £40-£75/mo.

High-quality complete gundog or large-breed food. Adults typically need 400-600g dry food daily across two meals. Avoid overfeeding - obesity worsens joint problems. Two meals daily. Monitor weight closely. Fresh water always available.

The short dense coat requires minimal grooming - brushing once or twice weekly. The long ears must be cleaned weekly and dried thoroughly after water exposure to prevent infection. Skin folds around the neck and face should be checked and cleaned regularly.

Purchase price: £1,000-£2,500 from KC-registered breeders. Monthly costs: food £55-£85, insurance £40-£75/mo. Average total £160-£260/mo. Renal Amyloidosis testing of parents is important - ask for evidence.

Excellent for active families, individuals or gundog enthusiasts. Good with children and other dogs. Needs 1.5-2 hours of daily vigorous exercise. Can be prone to separation anxiety - needs company. Not suited to low-activity households.