Bracco Italiano
Alternative Names: Italian Pointer) (Italian Setter)
(Italian Pointing Dog)The Bracco Italiano (or Italian Pointer) is a strong, sturdy breed having a gentle disposition. They are working dogs who enjoy hunting, pointing, and retrieving. They are calm, possess a sweet temperament, are intelligent and loving companions. Health The anesthetic Domitor has been linked to the death of several bracchi. Studies are being conducted now. A paper will be written once the studies are complete. Once this paper is available, we will post it on the NABIC site.
If you own a bracco and have to have your dog put under anestesia for any reason, please advise your veterinarian that Domitor should not be used unless absolutely necessary. If Domitor is used, the dog should be on a heart monitor to monitor his heart rate at all times. At the FIRST SIGN of any heart abnormality, stress, or reduction of a NORMAL heart rate, the dog should be brought out of sedation IMMEDITATELY!
Habitat Italy and Europe Behaviour N/A Origin Italy and Europe History The Bracco Italiano is one of the only two native Italian Gundog breeds. The other is the Spinone. It belongs to the Hunt, Point and Retrieve Group of dogs. The Bracco is an ancient breed with writings about it dating back to the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. It is considered an antecedent of many of todays modern sporting dogs.
They are a strong, deep chested dog with muscular hindquarters. They range in height from 21.5" to 26.5" inches and weigh from 55 to 88 pounds. Their coat is glossy, short, dense and fine. Their colors are all white, orange and white, orange roan, chestnut and white or chestnut and roan.
They have a docile and gentle temperament yet a strong working nature. Training a Bracco requires patience and a calm nature. They are intelligent and quick to learn but can be stubborn and will lose ground if not handled correctly. They have superb noses and hold a staunch point as well as retrieve well to hand. They are excellent family pets living in the house and adapt to the outdoors just as well. Their calm good nature does not mean they can not be a deterrent to unwanted strangers with their sometimes used deep bark.
They are tireless in the field and appear not to expend energy unnecessarily. They are strong swimmers and can prove to be a very Versatile dog.
The are presently recognized by NAVHDA, ARBA, UKC, CKC and other registries in the United States (see the Dog Club Recognition link at the left), as well as ENCI in (Italy and Europe).
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