| Alternative Name Italian Pointer, Italian Setter,
Italian Pointing Dog
Basic Info
The Bracco Italiano (or Italian Pointer) is a strong, sturdy
breed having a gentle disposition. They are working dogs who
enjoy hunting, pointing, and retrieving. They are calm, possess
a sweet temperament, are intelligent and loving companions.
Health
The anesthetic Domitor has been linked to the death of
several bracchi. Studies are being conducted now. A paper will
be written once the studies are complete. Once this paper is
available, we will post it on the NABIC site. If you own a
bracco and have to have your dog put under anestesia for any
reason, please advise your veterinarian that Domitor should not
be used unless absolutely necessary. If Domitor is used, the dog
should be on a heart monitor to monitor his heart rate at all
times. At the FIRST SIGN of any heart abnormality, stress, or
reduction of a NORMAL heart rate, the dog should be brought out
of sedation IMMEDITATELY!
Origin
Italy and Europe
History
The Bracco Italiano is one of the only two native Italian
Gundog breeds. The other is the Spinone. It belongs to the Hunt,
Point and Retrieve Group of dogs. The Bracco is an ancient breed
with writings about it dating back to the fourth and fifth
centuries B.C. It is considered an antecedent of many of todays
modern sporting dogs. They are a strong, deep chested dog with
muscular hindquarters. They range in height from 21.5" to 26.5"
inches and weigh from 55 to 88 pounds. Their coat is glossy,
short, dense and fine. Their colors are all white, orange and
white, orange roan, chestnut and white or chestnut and roan.
They have a docile and gentle temperament yet a strong working
nature. Training a Bracco requires patience and a calm nature.
They are intelligent and quick to learn but can be stubborn and
will lose ground if not handled correctly. They have superb
noses and hold a staunch point as well as retrieve well to hand.
They are excellent family pets living in the house and adapt to
the outdoors just as well. Their calm good nature does not mean
they can not be a deterrent to unwanted strangers with their
sometimes used deep bark. They are tireless in the field and
appear not to expend energy unnecessarily. They are strong
swimmers and can prove to be a very Versatile dog. The are
presently recognized by NAVHDA, ARBA, UKC, CKC and other
registries in the United States (see the Dog Club Recognition
link at the left), as well as ENCI in (Italy and Europe).
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