Bracco Italiano
Description
Have you ever met a dog with a history as rich as the Bracco Italiano? This breed dates back to ancient times, with roots tracing to Egyptian dogs traded through the Mediterranean. Known as the Italian Pointer, it was prized by Renaissance nobles and even Leonardo Da Vinci himself. The Bracco Italiano is a sturdy, medium-large dog weighing between 55 and 90 pounds, built for pointing and retrieving game. Despite its hunting heritage, the Bracco is surprisingly calm indoors. They’re gentle and friendly, making them great family companions. They get along well with kids and other pets but need plenty of daily activity to stay happy. This breed thrives when included in family outings and dislikes being left alone for long stretches. Isn’t it amazing how a dog bred for the hunt can be so affectionate at home?
Grooming
The Bracco Italiano sports a short, smooth coat that’s easy to maintain. Shedding is light to moderate, so weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush keeps loose hairs under control and the coat shiny. Bathing every 4 to 8 weeks is enough—overdoing it can dry out their skin. Their coat colors range from white to white with orange or chestnut roan patterns, which don’t require special stain care but do benefit from regular grooming to keep the coat looking fresh. Nail trims every 2 to 4 weeks prevent overgrowth, and monthly ear checks help avoid dirt buildup. Pro tip: tidy up whiskers and around the eyes as needed to keep your Bracco looking sharp without fuss. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, avoid over-bathing - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Tidy whiskers and facial hair as needed
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need? Plan for about 100 minutes daily, split into two sessions. This breed loves to explore and use its nose, so walks that include sniffing and light tracking games will keep them mentally and physically satisfied. A brisk morning walk of 50 minutes followed by a 50-minute evening stroll works well. Example routine: Start with a 50-minute walk around the neighborhood, mixing in some obedience commands and sniff breaks. Later, take a 50-minute hike or visit a dog park where your Bracco can safely explore new scents and sights. This variety keeps walks interesting and taps into their natural hunting instincts without needing a full hunt. Regular walks help prevent boredom and keep your Bracco balanced indoors. Don’t skip them, or you might find a restless dog eager to entertain themselves in less desirable ways.
Boarding
When boarding a Bracco Italiano, a crate of at least 48 inches is recommended to accommodate their medium-large size comfortably. They enjoy active play sessions, so plan for two energetic play blocks daily combined with scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. This breed thrives on interaction and mental challenges, so enrichment activities are essential. Staff should note the Bracco’s friendly and sociable nature—they do best with gentle handling and plenty of positive attention. They’re not fans of long isolation and appreciate being included in group activities or supervised playtime. Providing chew toys, puzzle feeders, and scent trails can help keep them engaged and happy during their stay. A well-structured routine with exercise, mental stimulation, and social time ensures your Bracco remains calm and content while away from home.