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Bracco Italiano - MAIN HUB

Meet the Bracco Italiano: a noble, soulful hunter from Italy. Calm at home and tireless in the field, this devoted pup is a true family treasure.

BREED GROUP

Sporting Dogs

Country of origin

Italy

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

21 -

27 IN

53 -

69 cm

BREED WEIGHT

55 -

90 LB

25 -

41 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Bracco Italiano is a powerful and athletic sporting breed from Italy, characterized by its calm and devoted nature. Known for being patient and gentle with children, they make excellent family companions but are generally not recommended for novice owners due to their stubborn streak and need for consistent training. As large hunting dogs, they require significant space and at least one to two hours of daily exercise, making a fenced yard essential. While social and docile, their strong hunting instinct necessitates caution around other pets like cats.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 2022.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1956.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs?

Above Average

6 out of 10

The Bracco Italiano is an excellent family dog known for being calm, devoted, patient, and gentle with children. However, they are best suited for active families who can provide significant space and one to two hours of daily exercise. They may also require consistent training due to a stubborn streak and caution around small pets like cats.

Average

6 out of 10

Bracco Italianos are excellent with children, known for their patient, gentle, and soulful nature. They often instinctively gravitate toward kids and are sturdy enough to be great playmates. While they are famously kind and docile, their large size and strong hunting instinct mean supervision is recommended during play.

Good

6 out of 10

Bracco Italianos are generally not recommended for first-time owners due to their significant exercise needs, stubborn streak, and requirement for consistent training. They are best suited for experienced handlers who can provide the space and mental stimulation necessary to manage this large, powerful hunting breed.

Fair

3 out of 10

Bracco Italianos are not recommended for apartment living due to their large size and high energy levels. They require significant space and at least one to two hours of vigorous daily exercise, making a securely fenced yard essential for their physical and mental well-being.

Highly Recommended

9 out of 10

A fenced yard is highly recommended for a Bracco Italiano because they are large, athletic hunting dogs that require significant space and at least one to two hours of daily exercise. While they are calm indoors, having a secure outdoor area allows them to burn off energy and satisfy their natural instincts to roam and explore.

Poor

2 out of 10

A Bracco can be re-homed relatively easily due to its loving nature despite its susceptibility to separation anxiety.

Great

8 out of 10

Bracco Italianos can coexist peacefully with cats if raised with them from puppyhood, as they often learn to respect their feline companions. However, due to their strong hunting ancestry and high prey drive, they may instinctively chase outdoor cats or unfamiliar critters. Consistent training and supervision are essential, especially when introducing a new cat to the household, to ensure a safe and harmonious multi-pet environment.

Gentle

9 out of 10

Bracco Italianos are generally gentle and not prone to aggression. They are friendly and eager to please, though they can be protective if their family is threatened. Early socialization is key to ensuring they remain well-mannered.

Very High

9 out of 10

Bracco Italianos are high-energy, athletic hunting dogs that require significant daily physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They are tireless in the field and thrive when given a job to do, such as tracking or retrieving. Without at least one to two hours of vigorous activity, like long walks, hiking, or field training, they can become bored and develop destructive behaviors.

~105 min a day

9 out of 10

The breed does not necessarily require a tremendous amount of physical exercise if mental stimulation and family inclusion are provided.

Good

6 out of 10

Bracco Italianos have a reasonable tolerance for hot weather due to their endurance and ability to adapt to different climates. Their short, dense coat and efficient trotting pace help them sustain activity in warm, dry conditions. However, owners must still provide ample shade and fresh water, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating.

Good

6 out of 10

Bracco Italianos have a reasonable tolerance for hot weather due to their endurance and ability to adapt to different climates. Their short, dense coat and efficient trotting pace help them sustain activity in warm, dry conditions. However, owners must still provide ample shade and fresh water, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating.

Likely Banned

3 out of 10

Bracco Italianos are rarely subject to specific breed bans, but they are frequently restricted by apartment weight limits as they typically exceed the common 50-pound threshold. Their large size and high exercise demands also make them a poor fit for compact living spaces. Always check with individual landlords regarding specific weight limits or requirements for large sporting breeds.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Bracco Italianos are noble and devoted companions, but they are predisposed to several serious health conditions that require proactive veterinary care. As a veterinarian, I prioritize monitoring for Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested breeds; owners should use slow feeders and learn to recognize signs of a distended abdomen. They are also uniquely susceptible to renal amyloidosis, a potentially fatal kidney disease, making annual bloodwork and urinalysis essential for screening. Their iconic long ears frequently trap moisture, leading to chronic infections, which necessitates regular cleaning. Furthermore, I strongly recommend choosing puppies from health-tested parents screened for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye conditions like entropion. Maintaining a lean body condition is critical to minimize joint stress and support lifelong mobility."

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