A fairly new breed to the UK, the Bracco Italiano (right, Braccanza Mazzo di Fiori owned and bred by Jan Hayward)did not arrive here until the 1990s. He is a member of the HPR (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) group of European gundogs who were bred to be multipurpose, fulfilling functions of hound and gundog. When looking at some dogs, such as the Segugio Italiano, a member of the KC Hound Group and the Italian Spinone, who belongs to the Gundog Group it is clear that there is considerable overlap.
The Bracco Italiano has been bred for hundreds of years in Italy and references are found to him in the third and fourth centuries BC; he was much favoured during the Renaissance, valued for his elegance as well as his working skills. The Bracco Italiano developed in Piedmont and Lombardy, possibly using the Segugio Italiano as the basis for the breed. Some claim that the Segugio was bred to the ancient Asiatic Mastiff to enhance substance and introduce pointing skills. Others believe that the Bracco goes back to the St Hubert Hound, who was bred by monks in Belgium and was the foundation of the modern Bloodhound.
He is a solidly built dog, giving an appearance of lean and muscular strength; his height ranges between 55 - 67cm and he weighs between 55 - 88lbs. The Bracco Italiano has a true gundog temperament; quiet and gentle and capable of great loyalty. Before the introduction of guns his task was to find game and drive it into the hunters' nets.
The coat is in the red spectrum; either orange or chestnut roan or orange and chestnut as solid colours with white. Short and fine, it is easily kept with a bristle brush and a chamois leather to give it a polish.
Popular in his own country, the Bracco Italiano is so recently introduced into the UK that there is still limited information about him. During the first ten years after his introduction to the UK only seven litters were bred. He is very much a working dog and it should be remembered that he will be happiest when he is physically and mentally occupied.
To read the Bracco Italiano Kennel Club Breed Standard click here.
Bracco Italiano Breeders
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Shaneco is a small family kennel in Norfolk where all the dogs are part of the family. Shaneco have been showing and breeding English Springer Spaniels and Field Spaniels for over 25 years, winning Challenge Certificates and Reserve Challenge Certificates.
Shaneco have owned Bracco Italiano since 2000, and bred two litters. All puppies are hip and eye tested and tattooed. Left is Shaneco Doinio - the image enlarges if you point your cursor at is. For more information call Edna Craske on 01328 878601 or email. Visit their website for more information.
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Bracco Italiano Breed Clubs
Bracco Italiano Society
Bracco Italiano Breed Rescue
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your dog then do get in touch with the Breed Society or your dog's breeder. They are best placed to help you find a good home for him.
If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions. If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.
