Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano's family tree is a bit of a whodunnit. Some theories suggest they're a mix of powerful mastiffs and speedy Egyptian hounds, while others believe they're descended from local Italian hunting breeds. While the mastiff-sighthound combo sounds like something out of a canine superhero comic, the local hunting dog theory seems more likely considering their history as all-around hunting champs. The exact origin is a bit fuzzy, but most sources trace back to the 4th or 5th century B.C., making them one of the oldest pointing dog breeds. Originally, they helped herd prey into nets for their human pals. But when times and hunting tools changed, the Bracco Italiano went with the flow, becoming a triple-threat hunter: flushing out game, pointing them with pride, and even retrieving the spoils. They first appeared in the States in the 1990s.

The Bracco Italiano dog’s ideal owner is someone who matches their energy level such as active families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a good game of fetch. Be prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep those playful spirits happy. While their eagerness to please makes them trainable, their independent streak means patient and experienced owners will be most successful. Experience with dog training is a plus, but most importantly, be ready to shower them with love and laughter—they'll return it tenfold.

Aim for at least two hours of exercise each week. They aren’t the type of pup that finds pleasure in routine, so be sure to switch it up with hikes of interesting trails, opportunities to follow intriguing scents, and even a refreshing dip in the water. With enough physical and mental stimulation, they'll happily cuddle up at home and be model canine citizens. Skip the exercise routine and you might find yourself living with a boisterous, demanding pup who's more interested in creating their own fun.

These energetic companions were born to roam and crave wide open spaces. Bracco Italianos truly shine in the country or suburbs with tons of walking trails and a large, fenced-in backyard for letting out all their off-leash zoomies, which they seem to have all the time.

Despite their tough appearance, Bracco Italianos are sensitive souls who thrive on patience and kindness. So when it comes to training, harsh corrections will only lead to a confused and unhappy pup. Positive reinforcement will get you much further with these brawny brainiacs. Bracco Italianos can’t get enough of fun activities like fetch and scent work. Since they love carrying things, teaching them to swap objects for treats will keep everyone happy and prevent any potential resource-guarding issues.

Bracco Italianos can be fantastic furry family members, but it's important to consider your lifestyle before welcoming one home. Their playful energy is a blast for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures and playtime. However, these giants require a significant time commitment for exercise, training, and entertainment, so if your days are jam-packed and your house is filled with little ones, a Bracco might not be the best fit. The ideal Bracco family is outdoorsy and active, with older children who can join in on the fun of training and walking.

The cost of a Bracco Italiano from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.