Bracco Italiano

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A fairly new breed to the UK, the Bracco Italiano 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

Bracco Italiano Breed Clubs and Puppy Register

Friends of the Bracco Italiano Contact Anne Macfarlane on 01383 849534 or email with any enquiries. Puppies can be seen on the Puppy Register.

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.

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