Bracco Italiano

Genetic Predispositions and Health

The Bracco Italiano is a generally healthy breed, but may be prone to ear infections, so ears should be kept clean and dry. Like many other breeds, Braccos can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, renal disorders such as hyperuricosuria or the more rare disorder renal amyloidosis. They can also be prone to eye conditions including progressive rod-cone degeneration, entropion, ectropion, and cataracts. Before one year of age, Bracco puppies shouldn’t exercise on concrete or similar hard surfaces, as they can be prone to orthopedic stress during fast growth spurts. As for all breeds, genetic screening is recommended to assist veterinarians with diagnosis and proactive care, as well as help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Personality and Behavior

The Bracco Italiano is known for its gentle, friendly, and affable personality. They are known to be extremely devoted to their family and are typically good with children and other animals. They are intelligent dogs, eager to please, which can make training easier, although their training should always be conducted with a gentle hand and positive reinforcement.

Braccos are active and energetic dogs, needing plenty of exercises. They are excellent hunters but also enjoy activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking exercises. They enjoy being included in all family outings and activities and aren't a breed that enjoys being left alone for long periods.

Despite their hunting background, Braccos are known to be calm and balanced indoors, making them excellent house dogs, provided they get plenty of daily exercise. They are very sociable dogs, who love being with their family, and they are not suitable for an environment where they are left alone for long periods of time.

Fun Facts

This ancient breed was beloved by the Gonzaga and Medici families, who bred them and made them available for nobles and royal families of Italy.

During the 1800s and early 1900s, the Bracco Italiano faced a decline due to poor breeding practices. However, in the mid-20th century, thanks to a few dedicated breeders who worked to rejuvenate the breed, the Bracco Italiano began to flourish again in Italy.

References

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/breed/bracco-italiano?page=1 https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bracco-italiano/ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/bracco-italiano/ https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=BRI
https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/202g07-en.pdf