✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
Bracco Italiano
Sporting breed from Italy
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is a large, noble Italian pointing breed with a sculpted head, pendulous ears, and a short coat in orange and white or chestnut and white. It is a powerful and athletic dog of ancient Italian lineage, known for its endurance and gentle, intelligent nature. The breed is categorized in the Sporting group, and its recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight ranges from 25 to 40 kg for both sexes, with estimated height from 58 to 67 cm. Lifespan is estimated at 10 to 14 years. Temperament traits include being gentle, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, calm, docile, and adaptable, though individual dogs may vary. The breed has an energy score of 4 (out of 5) and a trainability score of 4. Grooming needs are low (score 2), shedding is moderate (score 3). It scores 4 for child suitability and dog compatibility, but only 2 for apartment suitability, suggesting it may not be ideal for small living spaces.
Quick facts
Bracco Italiano at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginItaly
Lifespan10–14 years
Male weight25–40 kilogram
Female weight25–40 kilogram
Male height58–67 centimetre
Female height58–67 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, with ancient origins dating back to the 4th-5th century BC, according to one source. It was developed as a versatile hunting dog for bird hunting in Italian terrain, adept at pointing and retrieving. The modern breed is thought to be a cross of the Piedmontese Pointer and the Lombard Pointer. The breed's history is rooted in Italy, and it has been used for hunting due to its endurance and pointing ability. However, specific dates of breed formation or recognition are not provided, and the exact timeline of its development remains uncertain. The breed's ancient lineage is acknowledged, but details beyond its Italian origins and hunting purpose are limited.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25–40 kilogramAdult weight58–67 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsOrange and white, Chestnut and whiteRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentleintelligentaffectionateloyalcalmdocileadaptable
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Bracco Italiano-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
Similar breeds
Continue comparing
Related comparisons
Compare this breed
Growth chart
Bracco Italiano puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25–40 kilogramAdult female weight25–40 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Bracco Italiano?
The Bracco Italiano is a large breed. Estimated adult height ranges from 58 to 67 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight ranges from 25 to 40 kg. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 14 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the temperament of a Bracco Italiano?
The breed is described as gentle, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, calm, docile, and adaptable. However, not every individual dog will display all these traits, and behavior can vary. They score 4 out of 5 for child suitability and dog compatibility, suggesting they generally get along well with children and other dogs when properly socialized.
How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?
The breed has an energy score of 4 out of 5, indicating a high energy level. They were developed as hunting dogs, so they likely require regular, vigorous exercise. However, specific exercise recommendations are not provided in the facts.
What are the grooming requirements for a Bracco Italiano?
Grooming needs are low, with a score of 2 out of 5. They have a short coat, so minimal brushing is likely needed. Shedding is moderate (score 3). No other grooming details are supplied.
Is the Bracco Italiano suitable for apartment living?
The breed scores only 2 out of 5 for apartment suitability, suggesting it may not be ideal for small living spaces. Their large size and high energy level likely require a home with a yard or access to open areas.
Where does the Bracco Italiano originate from?
The breed originates from Italy. It is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, with ancient origins dating back to the 4th-5th century BC, according to one source. It was developed as a versatile hunting dog for bird hunting in Italian terrain.
Is the Bracco Italiano recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The facts do not specify which registries recognize the breed, so it is best to check with individual kennel clubs for current recognition status.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.