The Bracco Italiano is a large-sized, strong, muscular, active dog with a fine, short coat. They have distinctively shaped head, long ears, and well-developed jowls. They can be orange and white, orange roan, chestnut and white or chestnut roan in colour. Adult males are 58-67cm and females should ideally measure 55-62cm. Weight ranges between 25-40kg, in proportion to the height of the dog.
They are intelligent, faithful, and loving dogs that get on well with children and other dogs. Ideally suited to an active country dwelling lifestyle, they will happily serve to be family and working dogs. Though they are eager to learn and to please, it should be remembered that this dog is sensitive, and training should be carried out in a gentle manner. They are not the best breed for a novice/first-time dog owner.
This dog is an ancient breed, and has been noted in paintings and writings from the 4th and 5th centuries BC. It is thought to have come about from crossing a mastiff-type dog with an Egyptian coursing hound. In the 1700s Italian hunters developed the Bracco Italiano dog breed for hunting, tracking and pointing game. Before guns were used for hunting, these dogs were used to drive game into the hunters' nets.
