Italian Bracco

One of the oldest hunting dog breeds in Europe, the Italian Bracco is prized for its grace, devotion, and exceptional hunting abilities. For centuries, hunters and dog lovers have loved this breed due to its distinct appearance and keen sense of smell.

The Italian Bracco is a wonderful addition to any family, despite its hunting heritage. It is also a gentle and loving companion. It can form strong bonds with both adults and children due to its calm and amiable disposition, all the while retaining its innate curiosity and need for activity.

The Italian Bracco is a remarkable animal for families seeking a devoted companion or a proficient hunter due to its intelligence, adaptability, and close relationship with its owners. This essay will examine the traits, background, and maintenance requirements of this exceptional breed.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Italy
Size	Large, strong build
Coat	Short, dense, smooth
Color	White with orange or brown markings
Temperament	Friendly, loyal, intelligent
Exercise Needs	High, requires daily activity
Lifespan	12-14 years
Training	Responsive, but needs patience
Purpose	Hunting and companion dog

General characteristics of the Italian Bracco breed

One of the oldest hunting dogs in Europe is the Italian Bracco. According to some researchers, this is where all European pointers descended from. During the Middle Ages, aristocrats loved these dogs. The breed is also known as the Bracco Italiano or Italian pointer.

They can follow a blood trail, hunt with a gun, and are skilled hunters. primarily effective for tracking birds, but also useful for small mammals. Their job is to locate game, frighten it away, and then deliver it to its owner. They move slowly, but they are resilient and have an excellent sense of smell, unlike many other pointers.

These days, Braccos are frequently kept as pets. They are submissive, composed, devoted, and amiable. Ideal for engaging in a variety of sports, such as trekking and agility. Can be applied to both canistherapy and search and rescue missions.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	Italian Bracco (Italian. bracco italiano)
Country	Italy
FCI classification	Pointer group, continental pointer section
Use	Hunter, companion
Life expectancy	11-13 years
Height	Males 58-67 cm, females 55-62 cm
Weight	25-40 kg

Pros

The Italian Bracco is a multipurpose hunter with many admirable traits. It functions well in all environments, including fields, swamps, rough terrain, and forests. Active dog breeders like these dogs because they are popular and unpretentious. Owners observe the following benefits:

• strong, hard-working;
• calm and balanced;
• easy to train;
• loyal and obedient;
• get along well with children;
• get along with other pets;
• good-natured, not aggressive;
• easy to care for;
• bark little;
• hardy, have good health.

Disadvantages

Italian Braccos are hunting dogs; as such, they should not be kept in cities and require regular exercise. Inexperienced dog owners or homebodies shouldn’t own them. Braccos are not without their drawbacks:

• cannot be a guard or security guard;
• do not tolerate loneliness;
• need long walks;
• drool, eat sloppily;
• often show stubbornness;
• due to a strong hunting instinct, they chase cats and birds.

Differences from similar breeds

Although Italian Bracchi are related to pointers, not all of these dogs share the same physical characteristics. There are dogs with long hair, wire hair, more elegant builds, and sharp muzzles. While some of their ears are hanging, not all of them are. The Italian Braque is not similar to many other breeds. The image illustrates how they differ from them:

• the basset hound is short, the ears are longer, there are many folds on the body;

• the bloodhound has a different color, a more powerful build, the presence of a dewlap on the neck;

• the French Braque has a different muzzle structure, shorter ears;

• the Kurzhaar has a different color, a more graceful build, no folds of skin;

• the Burgos pointer has a different color, short ears.

History of the breed"s origin

Among the ancient breeds is the Italian Braque. However, little is known about its past, and there are conflicting theories regarding its genesis. One version claims that they are descended from molossoids in the east. According to some researchers, the dogs from the Phoenician frescoes were their ancestors. When falconry hunting with nets, they assisted in locating prey.

The Middle Ages saw a particularly high demand for these tips. They were valued by hunters for their obedience and stamina. They were adept at tracking prey and would freeze in a distinctive stance. The injured bird was then brought without any teeth marks on it.

There were two breed varieties at the time. In Piedmont, lighter ones with orange spots were bred. were designed to hunt in the highlands. bigger, stronger, and able to hunt in any terrain thanks to its dark Lombardy markings. The differences between the varieties vanished as they interbred over time.

The first clubs appeared in the eighteenth century. Breeders crossed Braccos with pointers, hounds, and retrievers in an effort to improve the breed. According to some researchers, basset hounds played a role in the selection process. However, the breed’s appeal dwindled over time, and by the end of the 1800s, it was in danger of going extinct. It was rescued by enthusiasts from Italy. Once the population had recovered by the late 1940s, a standard had emerged.

Worldwide acknowledgment In 1956, the breed was acquired. Italian Bracco (eng. Italian bracque) was her given name. It was not recognized by the English Kennel Club until 2000. The breed is regarded as uncommon and rare in several nations.

A devoted and adaptable hunting dog breed, the Italian Bracco is prized for its sharp mind, strong work ethic, and loving disposition. This breed is excellent in the field due to its unique muscular structure and expressive face, but it is also a loving family friend. Italian Braccos are a great option for active dog owners who want a gentle, devoted companion in addition to a capable hunting partner because they are easy to train and eager to please.

Description of appearance

The Italian Bracque is a big dog with a well-balanced, powerful physique. The male can weigh up to 40 kg and reach a height of 67 cm. The body has a square shape and is strong and muscular. These dogs have a distinctive, recognizable look. The breed standard lists the following characteristics of them:

• the head is large, with a convex forehead and a noticeable occipital protuberance;
• the muzzle is long, wide, rectangular in shape, the stop is smooth, the lips form flews;
• the bridge of the nose with a small hump, the lobe is large, the color matches the coat – from dark pink to brown;
• the eyes are medium in size, almond-shaped, dark;
• the ears are set low, long, wide at the base, hang down and twist slightly;
• The neck is powerful, conical, with a double suspension on the throat, the withers are well developed;
• the back is straight, wide, muscular, the croup is slightly rounded;
• the chest is wide and deep, the bottom line is almost straight;
• the tail is thick, carried horizontally or with a slightly raised tip, often docked;
• the limbs are muscular, the movements are with a powerful push and a strong swing;
• the paws are oval, the toes are collected, with curved claws;
• the coat is short, thick, with a glossy shine, on the head and ears it is thinner;
• the color is preferably two-colored: white with spots and specks of different shades of red – from orange to chestnut, a mask on the muzzle, ears are always dark.

The description of these dogs’ appearance is enhanced by photos:

Character and upbringing

The Italian Bracco breed of dog is composed and serene. He is amiable, devoted, kind, and outgoing. He develops a deep bond with the owner and every member of the family. Even with strangers, he never acts aggressively toward them. It cannot, therefore, serve as a watchdog or guard. Brakk is not mistrustful or suspicious; in fact, he won’t even bark. He has a great affection for kids and treats them with patience and affection. He will never offend, play, and try to spend time close by.

Brakks make excellent hunters because they are tenacious, devoted, and always prevail. However, they are quiet and non-obtrusive at home. They prefer to snooze on plush couches. They are emotional, touchy, vulnerable, and have a sensitive nature. They cannot stand being alone and require interaction and attention.

There are no issues when training is done correctly. This dog is curious, tries to please its owner, and loves him. He can exhibit independence, stubbornness, and laziness during adolescence. He also frequently gets sidetracked. But Brakks is generally easy to train. They alone need to be treated calmly and gently. Rudeness is not tolerated, and physical punishment is not permitted.

Brakk is a courageous, persistent, and passionate hunter. He enjoys hunting and pursuing prey. Going for regular walks in the outdoors with your pet is advised. He will gladly chase after a bike and go hiking with its owner.

It is not appropriate to keep Italian Bracchi in the city. They require room and the ability to move around a lot. They require regular mental and physical stimulation. The dog will become unruly if it gets bored. However, because of its modesty, it will fit in with apartment living. All that’s needed are long walks and physical activity. Two walks a day for 1.5–2 hours are advised for an adult dog.

Maintaining Bracchi is easy, just follow the standard cleaning protocols:

• brush the coat every week with a brush or rubber glove;
• bathe once every 2-3 months;
• examine and clean the ears several times a week, do not allow dirt to accumulate there;
• regularly wipe the eyes with a clean napkin;
• wipe the muzzle from saliva after eating and drinking;
• If the claws are not ground down, they need to be trimmed as they grow.

Nutrition

Nutritionally, Bracco Italiano is unpretentious. Premium or super-premium dry food can be fed to them. This is useful for trips hunting and hiking.

Lean meat ought to be the primary food source if the owner chooses to feed naturally. It ought to occupy two thirds of the daily allotment. Not more than 1 kg per day, but roughly 30 g for every kg of the pet’s weight. Add extras like veggies, cereals, and fermented dairy products. Providing eggs, greens, and cottage cheese is beneficial. To prevent the dog from gaining weight, you shouldn’t overfeed it.

Health

The Italian Bracco is a resilient and robust canine. There are no breed-specific illnesses, and hereditary diseases are uncommon. The pet will live for 12–13 years if given the right care. However, braccos occasionally suffer from the following illnesses:

• joint dysplasia;
• allergy;
• intestinal volvulus;
• otitis;
• obesity;
• von Willebrand disease.

Strong hunting instincts and a loving disposition make the Italian Bracco a versatile and devoted friend. This breed is a great option for people who enjoy outdoor activities and require a dog that can keep up because it blends elegance and athleticism.

The Italian Bracco is a patient and gentle dog that enjoys an active lifestyle and develops close relationships with its family. Because of this, homes with kids or other pets would benefit greatly from it. However, maintaining this breed’s happiness and health will require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

All things considered, the Italian Bracco is a loyal and versatile breed that is prepared to be a loving family member as well as a trustworthy hunting companion. With the right care and attention, it can be a lovely addition to any home because of its special blend of warmth and energy.

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