Italian Bracco

Breed Description

The Italian Bracco, known for its exquisite beauty and remarkable hunting skills, is a breed of dog that has firmly embedded itself in the history and culture of Italy. The origins of this breed trace back centuries, leaving a mark in chronicles and art.

The earliest mentions of the Bracco date back to antiquity, when this breed was favored by the nobility and used for hunting large game. The Bracco was not only a reliable companion for hunters but also a symbol of luxury and nobility.

During the Middle Ages, the Italian Bracco became more common among the general populace while maintaining its outstanding hunting qualities. These dogs exhibited excellent chase instincts, and their abilities were particularly valued for hunting foxes, rabbits, and other game.

In the Renaissance, the Bracco became the subject of attention for artists and poets, who often depicted it in their works. Noble families even incorporated the Bracco into their coats of arms, celebrating this breed as a symbol of fidelity and nobility.

With the advent of new times and changing approaches to hunting, the role of the Bracco shifted somewhat. Today, the Italian Bracco remains popular as a companion and family dog. Its graceful appearance and superior characteristics make it sought after as a show dog.

Nonetheless, at its core, the Italian Bracco remains closely linked to the history of Italy, representing not just a breed but also a part of the cultural heritage of this remarkable country. The magnificent traits of this dog, its loyalty, and elegance continue to captivate and win the hearts of people, making the Italian Bracco an outstanding representative of the world of purebred dogs.The price for a puppy ranges from 50,000 to 75,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Italian Bracco, or Italian pointer, is an elegant, harmoniously built dog with an expressive appearance that reflects its hunting purpose. The Bracco’s body is muscular but not heavy, with long limbs that provide smooth and confident movements. Its head has a characteristic elongated shape with noble features, while long, soft ears that hang down alongside the head give the breed a refined and intellectual look. The coat is short, close-fitting, smooth, and shiny, highlighting the graceful lines of the body.

The average height of the Italian Bracco is 55-67 cm for males and 52-62 cm for females, making it a medium to large dog well-suited for hunting in various conditions. Its weight ranges from 25 to 40 kg, providing the ideal combination of strength and stamina. The proportions of the body emphasize the balance between grace and functionality necessary for carrying out hunting tasks.

The average lifespan of the Italian Bracco is 12-14 years. With proper care, an active lifestyle, and a balanced diet, these dogs maintain their physical abilities and playful character well into old age. The appearance of the Bracco radiates aristocracy, energy, and readiness to work, making it a striking representative of hunting breeds.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Italian Bracco is long, proportional to the body, with clearly defined lines and a noble profile. The skull is broad and slightly dome-shaped, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The overall appearance of the head emphasizes the intelligence and working nature of the breed.

Морда

The muzzle is long, wide at the base, and tapering towards the nose, with a straight or slightly curved upper line. The nose is large, with well-developed nostrils, and its color matches the dog's coat. The jaws are strong but not coarse, perfectly suited for the work of a hunting dog.

Уши

The ears are long, soft, set low, and fall along the head. They are thin to the touch and slightly rounded at the tips, giving the breed an elegant appearance. The fur on the ears is short, smooth, and closely adhering.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and deeply set. The color of the eyes ranges from amber to dark brown, harmonizing with the coat color. The expression of the eyes is friendly, attentive, and somewhat thoughtful, highlighting the calm temperament of the dog.

Зубы

The teeth are strong, even, with a proper scissors bite. The complete set of teeth emphasizes the health and functionality of the breed, as the Bracco is often used in work with game.

Корпус

The body of the Italian Bracco is muscular and strong, with a long and wide chest that provides ample space for the lungs. The back is straight and powerful, smoothly transitioning into a sturdy loin. The belly is slightly tucked, highlighting the harmonious proportions of the body.

Конечности

Конечности длинные, сильные и прямые, с хорошо развитыми суставами. Передние ноги имеют ровные линии и сильные плечи, задние — мощные, с выраженными углами сочленений, что обеспечивает собаке плавность и выносливость движений. Лапы компактные, округлые, с твёрдыми подушечками, адаптированными для работы на различных типах местности.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and tapering towards the end. When at rest, it hangs down, but in motion or when excited, it lifts horizontally or slightly higher. The tail is covered with short, smooth fur that harmoniously integrates with the overall appearance of the dog.

Шерсть

The coat of the Italian Bracco is short, dense, and closely fitting, without an undercoat. It feels smooth to the touch, is shiny, and easy to maintain, making it ideal for working in outdoor conditions. The fur on the ears and head may be slightly thinner.

Окрас

The coat of the Italian Bracco varies from white with orange or chestnut spots to a uniformly red or chestnut color. Spots and flecks are acceptable as long as they are evenly distributed across the body, highlighting the individuality of each dog. The coat always appears natural and harmonious.

Character

The character of the Italian Bracco is a remarkable combination of grace, skill, and devotion, making this breed not only an exceptional hunting partner but also a wonderful family companion. These dogs exude elegance and resilience, which makes them unique in the world of purebred dogs.

One of the key aspects of the Italian Bracco’s character is its intelligence and trainability. These dogs have an outstanding ability to learn and quickly grasp commands. They are hunters at heart, which implies dedication and excellent scenting abilities. However, their cleverness also shows in their rapid understanding of household rules and owner commands.

In addition to their intelligence, the Italian Bracco is known for its affectionate nature and loyalty. They have a gentle temperament, making them excellent family companions. These dogs often become devoted caregivers for children and affectionate friends to all family members. Their patience and kindness make them ideal companions for kids and other pets.

While the Italian Bracco might exhibit some independence, this does not diminish its remarkable sociability. They are truly social animals and usually get along well with other dogs. Their character is also distinguished by playfulness that remains with them throughout their lives.

Despite their elegance, the Italian Bracco retains the spirit of a hunter. They are energetic and enjoy active pursuits like walks and outdoor games. This balance of intelligence, devotion, and energy makes the Italian Bracco a unique and appealing choice for both hunters and loving families.

Care and Maintenance

Care and maintenance of the Italian Bracco is a nurturing process that requires attention to its physical needs, social well-being, and health. Proper care lays the foundation for a happy and active life for this breed, known for its elegance and intelligence.

The Italian Bracco is an energetic breed, and daily physical activity is essential for maintaining its health and happiness. Long walks, running, and active play will help satisfy its natural need for movement and strengthen its physical condition.

The Italian Bracco has exceptional intellectual abilities, and its mind requires constant stimulation. Regular training will not only develop its intellect but also strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

This breed has a friendly disposition, and socializing with other dogs and people will not only make it more balanced but also help prevent potential behavioral issues. Regular visits to dog parks and interactions with various surroundings will help your Italian Bracco feel confident in different situations.

The coat of the Italian Bracco is short and smooth, making grooming easier. Regular brushing to remove dead hair and bathing when necessary will help maintain the cleanliness and shine of its coat. It’s also important to pay attention to its ears and teeth, keeping them clean and healthy.

Regular veterinary visits, up-to-date vaccinations, and preventive measures will help maintain the health of your Italian Bracco. Special care should be taken regarding its ears and eyes, as well as monitoring its weight to avoid potential health issues.The Italian Bracco is a breed that requires not only physical activity but also emotional attention. Care, love, and training will help you build a strong bond with your pet and ensure a happy, healthy life in your company.

Training and Education

Training and education of the Italian Bracco is not only the key to managing its energy and intelligence but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and this exquisite companion. The Italian Bracco, with its outstanding mental capabilities, responds to training with enthusiasm, eager to not only follow commands but also to please its owner.

Training an Italian Bracco requires consistency and patience. Since these dogs possess a certain degree of independence, it is essential to provide them with enough time to understand and absorb commands. A gradual approach, along with encouragement through affection, praise, or treats, becomes a powerful motivator for this breed.

Socialization plays a crucial role in the education of the Italian Bracco. From an early age, it is important to introduce it to various situations, allowing it to meet other dogs and interact with different people. This helps shape a stable and balanced behavior in the dog.

The Italian Bracco brilliantly combines an elegant appearance with remarkable intellectual abilities. Tasks that present it with mental challenges, such as searching for objects, performing various tricks, and engaging in scent work, not only develop its mind but also satisfy its need for active thinking.

Given the breed’s hunting background, teaching the Italian Bracco hunting skills can be both enjoyable and beneficial. This may include training commands related to tracking and finding game, which supports its natural instincts.

The Italian Bracco responds well to positive reinforcement, so it is important to emphasize successful moments rather than focus on the negative. Encouragement for correct command execution creates a positive experience for the dog, making the learning process pleasant and effective.Training an Italian Bracco is a mutual process that requires understanding, trust, and love. The owner’s dedication and patience, combined with an understanding of the breed’s characteristics, will make the training of the Italian Bracco engaging and successful. We offer the best programs that care for each puppy from the first days of its life.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy of the Italian Bracco breed is a responsible step that requires attention to various aspects to ensure you have a loyal and devoted companion. Here are some key points to consider when selecting a puppy of this noble breed:

The first step is to research reputable breeders of the breed. Recommendations from experienced owners and attending dog shows can provide useful information. Reliable breeders take good care of their dogs, monitor their health, and ensure compliance with breed standards.

The Italian Bracco, like many breeds, is prone to certain hereditary diseases. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the puppy’s parents have undergone the necessary health checks, including screenings for eye, joint, and heart issues. Request the pedigree and health information of the ancestors from the breeder.

Get to know the parents and the future puppies. The temperament of the Italian Bracco is important for a successful integration into your family. Observe the puppies, their interaction with the mother and their environment. The puppy should be curious, friendly, and well-socialized.

Study the breed standards for the Italian Bracco to understand what traits are considered typical. Pay attention to the puppy’s compliance with these standards, such as head shape, size, coloring, and body characteristics.

Have an open conversation with the breeder. Ask about the conditions in which the puppies are kept, get information about vaccination plans, breeding, and nutrition. A reputable breeder is willing to share knowledge about the breed and help you choose the right puppy.If possible, visit the place where the puppies are raised. Observe their behavior, how they interact with each other, and how they respond to people. This will give you insight into the socialization and care of the puppies.Choosing an Italian Bracco puppy is a long-term investment in your life and the life of your future four-legged friend. Careful preparation and research will help you make the right choice, ensuring harmony and happiness in your future canine companionship. Want a purebred pet? You can find them at Zooinika with documents from trusted breeders.

Health and Diseases

Caring for the health of the Italian Bracco is a fundamental aspect that ensures it has a full, active life. This breed is known for its elegance, but like any other dog, Italian Braccos can be susceptible to certain diseases and hereditary issues.

The Italian Bracco is prone to some heart conditions, including mitral valve calcification. Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor heart health can help identify problems at an early stage.

Some individuals of this breed may experience eye issues, such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. Regular eye examinations can help detect such problems and take necessary actions.

Like many large breeds, Italian Braccos can be at risk for hip dysplasia. Regular physical check-ups and monitoring the dog’s weight can help reduce the risk of developing this disease.

Italian Braccos, having short coats, may be more susceptible to heat than other breeds. It is important to provide them with coolness and ensure they do not overheat in hot weather.

Italian Braccos, like many other breeds with long ears, may experience ear infections. Regular hygiene, including cleaning the ears, helps prevent potential issues.Osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor, can occur in Italian Braccos. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial, so regular veterinary visits and examinations can play a key role in maintaining the dog’s health.Regular veterinary visits, attentive care, and awareness of changes in the Italian Bracco’s behavior – all these measures will help maintain its health and ensure it has a long and happy life. Following preventive measures and paying close attention to its physical and emotional well-being is key to the longevity of the Italian Bracco in your home.