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Breed profile

Bracco Italiano

Italy's ancient pointer: long-eared, soft-natured and a steady worker in the field. Expect some drool.

Orange and white Bracco Italiano standing in profile on grass in front of ivy
An orange roan Bracco standing in profile.Photo: Gábor Essösy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
25–40 kg55–88 lb
Height
55–67 cm22–26 in
Lifespan
10–14 yrs
Group
Gundog / Sporting
Origin
Italy
Popularity
#136 US#103 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsWorking dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Gentle, Affectionate, Steady, Determined.

Health problems to know about

  • Kidney disease (including amyloidosis)
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Ear infections

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour or two of exercise a day with room to range and sniff. Weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning and a towel for the jowls.

A good fit for

Active families, hunters, people who like a gentle, affectionate gundog.

Probably not ideal for

Flats, the house-proud (drool), owners who want a dog that works fast and flashy.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Bracco Italiano
  2. PetMD (vet-reviewed): Bracco Italiano
  3. Wikipedia: Bracco Italiano

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Shaggy, sociable all-round gundog with a harsh, low-shed coat. Happiest working close to its people.

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Flat-Coated Retriever

A glossy black or liver retriever that stays puppyish for years. Joyful and friendly, but the breed has a high cancer rate.

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Spinone Italiano

Bearded Italian pointer with a soft heart and a steady trot. Easygoing with people and dogs; less so with your clean floors.

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