Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano originates from Italy, although accounts vary as to their exact roots. While some believe the dog to be a result of pairings between mastiff-type dogs and Egyptian sight hounds, others suggest a mixture of local Italian hounds and gundogs. While it is possible that a crossing of mastiff and sighthound types could produce something resembling the Bracco, it is more likely given their history as all purpose gundogs, and the availability of local working gundogs and hounds, that this is their true ancestry. 

They were originally used to drive game into nets but later with the invention of guns and the change that brought to hunting they became a more all round flushing, pointing and retrieving dog. The breed fell out of favour towards the end of the 19th Century, and only the efforts of Fernindando Delor, enthusiast, breeder and instrumental in the foundation of the Italian Kennel Club, saved them from extinction. 

First brought to the UK in 1989 they are slowly growing in popularity as a working, show and companion breed. 

Bracco owners need some experience with hound types despite the breed being a gundog – so expect a strong sense of humour and a delight in all things scent-based. Despite their distinguished and wise appearance, the Bracco is capable of next-level airborne ninja moves and so requires a large secure garden and a fit, active owner who enjoys long walks. Owners must be comfortable with drool. 

Two hours plus, with a variety of interesting terrain covered, the opportunity to follow scent, retrieve and even swim should be provided each week. This is not a dog to be kept happy and fulfilled with a plod around the same route each day. With sufficient exercise and entertainment, the Bracco will be happy to relax at home, and will easily be a polite member of society, but without it they are likely to be boisterous, demanding and rude. 

This is a big dog, who will be spending large portions of each day outside in all weathers, so a suitably sized house with a large secure garden is a must. Somewhere warm and cosy for wet dogs to dry off will be important if you like a clean house. Better suited to country and rural suburbs, with access to a wide variety of walking locations, including secure space for off lead running and games.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Bracco is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. 

The coat of the Bracco Italiano is smooth and short and therefore low-maintenance. Any dead or loose hairs can be removed using a grooming mitt every week or so. 

This is a sensitive breed and for all that they look a tough, raw-boned and strong animal, they need patience and kindness. To handle a Bracco harshly or to try to force them into compliance will result in a depressed and shut down dog who is miserable, confused and unhappy.  

They take a while to mature as many larger dogs do, so take things steadily. Braccos will enjoy retrieval games, scent work, in particular man-trailing and finding hidden scented objects. Pay careful attention to early socialisation with pets, livestock and small children, and work hard on teaching a solid recall and a reliable retrieval to hand. Like most gundogs, the Bracco loves to carry objects in their mouths and care should be taken to teach them to swap for treats or toys so they never feel intimidated or inclined to guard. 

Due to the time commitment required to exercise, entertain and train a Bracco each day, plus their large and boisterous nature when young, this is not a breed for busy families with very small children. For the outdoor, active family who already have some dog experience and have older more resilient children who enjoy long walks and dog training, this could be a fun companion. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.