Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is one of Europe's oldest pointing breeds, with origins tracing back to the Italian Renaissance and possibly beyond.
Developed in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions of northern Italy, this elegant gundog was favoured by Italian aristocracy and appears in artwork from as early as the fifteenth century.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Bracco Italiano
Traditionally used to point and retrieve game birds across varied terrain, the breed remains a treasured sporting dog in its homeland. A large, substantial dog standing 51–61 centimetres tall and weighing 25–34 kilograms, the Bracco Italiano presents a distinctive appearance with its long, pendulous head, deep-set amber or brown eyes, and long ears that frame a thoughtful expression. The short, dense coat comes in white, white and orange, white and chestnut, or roan variations. In temperament, the breed is gentle, affectionate, and sociable, forming strong bonds with family members and typically showing great patience with children. The Bracco Italiano is a willing, trainable working dog with an enthusiastic nose and naturally steady pointing style. As a pet, the breed requires considerable daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive, making it best suited to active households. Interest in the breed has grown steadily throughout the United Kingdom in recent years.
Bracco Italiano at a Glance
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Bracco Italiano Lifestyle
The Bracco Italiano is best suited to a larger home and does best with a large outdoor space to burn off energy. A country setting suits them well.
Dog Food for Bracco Italiano
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Bracco Italiano
Bracco Italiano Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Bracco Italiano weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Bracco Italiano Characteristics
The Bracco Italiano needs at least one good run or long walk every day and trains well and tends to enjoy learning new skills. They love children and tend to get on brilliantly with them, but cope reasonably well on their own as long as they're well exercised first. The coat is manageable with a regular brushing routine and is neither a heavy nor light shedder. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Bracco Italiano Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loyal and devoted with a gentle, patient nature that suits family life well
- Highly intelligent and trainable with consistent positive reinforcement
- Wonderful with children across all age groups
- The short coat is easy to maintain and needs minimal grooming
Cons
- Rarely available in the UK, with puppies often expensive and in high demand
- Needs significant daily exercise and space, making them unsuitable for flat living
- Better suited to experienced owners familiar with large, active breeds
- They carry a distinctive musky odour that some owners find difficult to manage
