Sporting group

Bracco Italiano

An ancient Italian pointer — soulful, gentle and a devoted sofa companion off duty.

The Bracco Italiano is a powerful, hound-like pointing dog with droopy ears and a kind expression. It works tirelessly in the field, is affectionate and easygoing at home, and brings the drool and independence of its scenthound ancestry.

Height
21–27 in53–69 cm
Weight
55–88 lb25–40 kg
Life expectancy
10–12 years
Size
Large
Group
Sporting
Origin
Italy

Coat: Short, dense, glossy coat. Colours: White, White with orange, White with chestnut, Orange roan, Chestnut roan.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency4.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Braccos are gentle, affectionate and people-oriented. They are usually friendly with strangers and patient with children, and they love comfort — expect a large dog trying to share the sofa.

In the field they are determined, methodical hunters with a strong nose and a distinctive trotting gait. They can be stubborn and are sensitive to harsh handling. Their prey drive means secure fencing and careful off-lead work.

Living with a Bracco Italiano

Exercise

An hour or more a day of walking, running and free sniffing in safe areas. They love field work and tracking.

Grooming

Minimal coat care, but wipe the lips and jowls daily and clean the long ears weekly. Expect drool, especially after drinking.

Training

Willing but independent. Use patient, positive methods and plenty of scent-based games. Recall needs ongoing work.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and usually good with other dogs. Many will chase cats and small animals unless raised with them.

Time alone

Braccos dislike isolation. They tolerate moderate alone time after exercise, but prefer to be with their people.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Bracco Italiano right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Bracco Italiano matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Bracco Italiano typically lives 10–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Common in the breed; screened parents and controlled growth reduce risk.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    A deep-chested breed at risk of this emergency; feed smaller meals.

  • Eyelid abnormalities

    Entropion and ectropion occur and may need surgical correction.

  • Kidney disease

    Renal problems have been reported in the breed; ask breeders about kidney screening.

  • Ear infections

    Long, heavy ears trap moisture and need regular cleaning.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Bracco Italiano; Bracco Italiano Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Pointing dogs resembling the Bracco appear in Italian frescoes from the Renaissance, and the breed is one of the oldest pointers in Europe. Wealthy families, including the Medici and Gonzaga, kept Braccos for bird hunting.

The breed declined in the late 1800s but was rescued by Italian breeder Ferdinando Delor de Ferrabouc. It remains a working gun dog in Italy and was recognised by the AKC in 2022.

Did you know?

  • Braccos appear in Renaissance-era Italian paintings and frescoes.
  • The breed hunts at a fast, extended trot rather than a gallop.
  • “Bracco” is Italian for pointing dog.

Library guides for Bracco Italiano owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Do Bracco Italianos drool?
Yes, noticeably — especially after drinking or when anticipating food.
Are Braccos good family dogs?
Yes. They are gentle, affectionate and patient with children, provided they get enough exercise.
Can a Bracco Italiano live in an apartment?
It is possible with a lot of daily exercise, but they are large, active dogs that do best with outdoor space.