Bracco Italiano — breed guide
One of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, in Italian art since the 1400s — a soft, houndy gundog that works at a trot.
At a glance
- Group
- sporting
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–40 kg (55–88 lb)
- Life span
- 12–13 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, glossy coat with heavy dewlap
Living with a Bracco Italiano
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Moderate shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Gentle · Sociable · Sensitive · Deliberate
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion/ectropion
- Bloat (GDV)
- Ear infections
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Bracco Italiano good with kids?
Generally yes. Bracco Italianos are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Bracco Italiano good with cats?
Usually yes. Bracco Italianos typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Bracco Italiano handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Bracco Italiano's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.