Bracco Italiano - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Old history
Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest of all poiting dog breeds and it is believed that they were present in Italy since Middle Ages. They were very popular during the renessaince era, when the nobility used them for bird hunting. Later they adapted to modern hunting method and they became great gun dogs as well. We are not sure about the breeds ancestry, but it is very possible, that the Bracco Italiano might be an ancestor of many other European pointing breeds, because they were often times gifted to nobility of France and Spain.
2) Two types
It is believed that there are two types of Bracco Italiano. The first one was developed in Piedmont region and it is the orange and white type. The second type, brown and roan Bracco Italiano was developed in Lombardy. The orange Piedmont type was used to hunt in very mountainous terrain and they had lighter built. On the other hand, the Lombardy type hunted in marshy lowlands and those dogs are little bit heavier.

3) Family Companions
Today, Bracco Italiano is still sometimes work as a hunting dog, but most of the time, they make great companion dogs. And they are actually very good companions for active people and families. They are smart, gentle and pleasant and they like to be around kids. Of course, you should always monitor the situation between a small child and any dog breed. Bracco is very social and loyal dog and they will want to spend as much time as possible with their people. You can expect them to become your shadow.

4) Exercise
I said, that the Bracco Italiano is a good companion for active people and indeed, this breed is highly energetic and needs daily phyiscal and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They definitely need daily longer walks accompanied with some playtime, task oriented games, training session or just something that will occupy their mind.

5) Size
The Bracco Italiano is pretty large dog breed with athletic body and average height between 52-67 cm, which is 22-26 inch and weight is typically between 25-40 kg, which is 55-88 pounds. Females are little bit smaller than males.

6) Other pets
Even though the Bracco Italiano is a hunter, they can happily live with other household pets if they are raised together from the puppyhood or if you will slowly and carefully introduce the two together. They typically do not have problems with other dogs, but they can also live with cats or even rodents. It is true, that they have higher prey drive, but this is very adaptable dog that can be trained and socialized to live with almost any other animal, even though birds might be problematic.

7) Training
This is a very smart dog who likes to please its owner, but also pretty sensitive one. Oh, and they know how to be stubborn. Because of that, they are not total pushovers to train and they should be trained by a person with experiences. Because of the Braccos sensitive temperament and very long memory, it is not very wise to use harsh traning methods. Firm and patient training is the key.

8) Maintenance
The grooming of Bracco Italiano is fairly simple. Their short and dense coat does shed moderately. Regular brushing once or twice a week will minimize the shedding and keep the coat in top condition. Just like with all dogs you should regularly check their ears, eyes and nails and clip them or clean them. You should také proper care about their floppy ears and wipe them clean and dry to prevent infections.

9) Not a watchdog
This breed might be an excellent companion and hunter, but they are not the best guards and watchdogs. Typically they are calm and quiet. The Bracco Italiano is not known for barking much, or to be agressive towards strangers.

10) Health
Bracco Italiano is relatively healthy dog breed with average lifespan between 12-13 years. Just like all dogs they can suffer from some health problems, for example hip and elbow dysplasia, kidney problems, entropion or bloating.