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Bracco Italiano
Health grade B- Shoulder height55–67 cm
- Weight25–40 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Bracco Italiano is a gentle yet tireless pointing dog — bred for extensive searching at a fast trot, during which he works in close cooperation with the hunter. Calm at home, a thoroughbred worker outdoors.
- Health grade B: In the Bracco Italiano, health risks are primarily found in the musculoskeletal system through hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as in severe sensory neuropathy (SN) and eye issues such as ectropion / entropion.
- You're keen to challenge his excellent nose through tracking or dummy training — simple walks are not enough for this passionate worker.
- You live in a rural area and can offer him plenty of space for expansive movement in nature.
- You expect him to ignore the scent of game — he was bred to track and point exactly that, which requires constant management while outdoors.
Self-check
Would the Bracco Italiano really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Bracco Italiano fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Bracco Italiano right for you?
At a glance
Bracco Italiano overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
55–67 cm
Weight
25–40 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, shiny, dense; no undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Bracco Italiano, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Bracco Italiano come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Bracco Italiano — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
- White
- Brown and white
- Roan
- Not standard
Black
- Black and white
- Not standard
Tricolor
- Fawn
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Coat type
Short
Smooth
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a sensitive companion who forms an almost velcro-like bond with you.
- You can guide his hunting motivation with patience and confidence rather than using harsh methods.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a city apartment and only plan on taking short walks on a leash.
- You have to leave him alone for long periods during the week — this people-oriented dog will wither without close family connection.
The real vibes check
A Bracco Italiano on the sofa seems like a melancholic teddy bear — but as soon as he catches a scent outside, he switches to high-performance athlete mode. You aren't getting a casual follower, but a highly specialized hunting partner who burns for teamwork. If you can handle this switch between absolute gentleness and hunting passion, you will have the most loyal shadow in the world.
Breed Profile
The Bracco Italiano is an impressive presence, a combination of strength and grace. This medium to large dog has an elegant, muscular build with long legs and a deep chest. Its head is expressive with a pronounced stop and long, drooping ears typical of many hunting dog breeds. The skin is rather loose and forms a slight fold on the neck. Its coat is short, dense and shiny and requires minimal grooming. The breed belongs to FCI Group 7, the pointers. The Bracco Italiano comes in two different lines: the lighter, faster work line and the slightly heavier show line. Although both lines share the same basic features, the working lines tend to be a little slimmer and more active, while the show lines can have a slightly more robust appearance.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 55 - 62 cm (Female), 58 - 67 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 25 - 40 kg (Female), 25 - 40 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- loyal, intelligent, affectionate
- Coat
- Short, shiny, dense; no undercoat
- Coat Color
- White, orange and white, amber and white
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Bracco Italiano is a very people-oriented breed. He is extremely loyal and affectionate and loves spending time with his family. His intelligence and eagerness to please make him an easily trainable dog, capable of both completing demanding tasks and being a relaxed companion. Its innate hunting instinct makes the Bracco Italiano an excellent working dog, especially in hunting and tracking. However, these abilities can also cause it to exhibit strong prey-catching behavior. Therefore, you should be aware that without appropriate distraction or exercise, he may tend to hunt smaller animals on his own. However, this does not mean that the Bracco Italiano is a hyperactive dog. On the contrary, he has a rather calm temperament and can adapt well to life in an apartment or in the city as long as he receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. Working line Bracco Italianos tend to be more active and require more mental and physical stimulation than their show line counterparts. However, both lines are very playful and enjoy spending time with their humans, whether playing, training or just relaxing. The Bracco Italiano is generally good with children and other animals as long as he is well socialized from an early age. Despite his hunting instincts, he can learn to live peacefully with smaller pets if he is raised with them from an early age. An important aspect to keep in mind is that the Bracco Italiano tends to be very attached to his people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. It is therefore important to teach him early on that it is okay to stay alone and to provide him with enough activity when you are not at home. In terms of alertness, the Bracco Italiano typically displays a medium level of alertness. He will likely alert you to unusual noises or movements, but he is not overly barky or territorial. This makes the Bracco Italiano a versatile companion that is able to perform demanding hunting and tracking tasks as well as being a loving family dog. His people-oriented, loyal nature and intelligence make him an ideal companion for those looking for an active, yet adaptable dog.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds and was depicted in ancient Roman works of art.
What Awaits You
The Bracco Italiano is often described as a thoroughbred hunting dog. They are friendly, calm dogs, but due to their hunting motivation they belong in experienced hands.
Housing & Care
The Bracco Italiano can live well in both the city and the country, provided he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He gets along well with children and other pets, including cats, if he is well socialized from an early age. However, you should always ensure that interactions between dogs and small children are monitored to ensure the safety of both.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Bracco Italiano is an intelligent dog with a natural ability to learn and please. Training should be positive and reward based to keep his motivation high. He can be trained to do a variety of activities and dog sports, including obedience, agility and of course hunting tests. Because the Bracco Italiano is a hunting dog, it can tend to react too intensely to balls or other throwable objects. Therefore, it is important to ensure that play with such objects is controlled and that he learns to control impulses and tolerate frustration. It is also important to offer him alternatives, such as searching or nose work, that satisfy his natural hunting instincts in a controlled and safe environment.
Nutrition & Care
A Bracco Italiano's diet should be balanced and tailored to his needs. High-quality dog food with a good ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals is crucial. Some Bracco Italianos tend to be overweight, so it is important to monitor feeding amounts and ensure regular exercise. The Bracco Italiano has a short, shiny coat without an undercoat that is quite easy to care for. A weekly brushing will help remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and healthy. He doesn't shed particularly heavily, but a bit of hair loss is to be expected, especially during the changing seasons. Regarding the climate in Germany, the Bracco Italiano can adapt well, although it should be protected from the cold in the colder months as it has no undercoat.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the Bracco Italiano, health risks are primarily found in the musculoskeletal system through hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as in severe sensory neuropathy (SN) and eye issues such as ectropion / entropion. A responsible breeder actively counteracts these risks through comprehensive screening examinations of the parent animals. Before buying a puppy, ask to see official radiographic evaluations with the cut-offs HD A–B and ED 0, as well as proof of freedom from ectropion / entropion and a genetic test for sensory neuropathy (SN) with a clear result.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular veterinary check-ups for eyes and kidneys, most dogs remain fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, and kidney values of the parent animals tested and pay attention to healthy eyelids without excessive skin folds on the head.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
5
Risks tracked
1
Recommended standard
4
High severity
Head & nerves
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Bracco Italiano cost?
A Bracco Italiano costs around ~€200 per month (€100 – €380, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,190 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€28,830.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€200 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€200
In the first year
~€5,190
Across the dog's life
~€28,830
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Bracco Italiano, also known as the Italian Pointer, comes from Italy and has a long history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds and was mentioned in writings from the 4th and 5th centuries. They were originally used by the aristocracy for bird hunting. By the 1800s, the Bracco Italiano's popularity declined and the breed was almost extinct. Fortunately, committed breeders ensured the continued existence of the breed with a targeted breeding program in the 1920s. The Bracco Italiano was recognized as an independent breed by the FCI in 1949.
Original Use
The Bracco Italiano was bred as a pointer for hunting and is known for its elegance and keen sense of smell.
Origin
Italy
Date
1400
Owner experiences
At home, many owners describe the Bracco Italiano as surprisingly easygoing, cuddly and gentle.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home, many owners describe the Bracco Italiano as surprisingly easygoing, cuddly and gentle. Indoors the breed tends to relax completely, sleep a lot and seek out its people's company. Its patient nature usually makes it very good with children and friendly toward other dogs. The often-cited attachment has a downside, though: owners regularly stress that these dogs are very focused on their people and, if not gradually accustomed to it, find it hard to stay alone. You should also be relaxed about drooling, thanks to the heavy flews, and about the fine hair it sheds around the house.
Outdoors it's a different picture. The Bracco is often considered less frantic or nervous than other pointing breeds, but as soon as it is off leash or has open ground ahead, it switches into work mode. Its typical ground-covering trot comes with a lot of speed and stamina. Leisurely strolls around the block are nowhere near enough for this breed; without purposeful activity and plenty of exercise, many of these dogs demand an outlet indoors or develop unwanted behaviors.
Sources:zooplus.dedogorama.appforum.breedia.competbook.dekrautjunker.com
On training and handling, experienced owners and trainers agree that the Bracco Italiano is a very sensitive dog.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On training and handling, experienced owners and trainers agree that the Bracco Italiano is a very sensitive dog. Pressure, a raised voice or harshness quickly cause it to shut down inside or lose trust in its owner. Training works best with patience, positive reinforcement and a calm, clear manner. Owners also stress that the breed is a distinct late bloomer: mentally and physically, these dogs often take up to two and a half years to fully mature, which calls for a lot of patience during adolescence.
A central everyday challenge is the hunting instinct. With the right handling, a Bracco Italiano is happy to work with its person, but wildlife trails and game birds draw it like a magnet. Many non-hunting owners report that walks in the woods or across open fields are hardly possible without consistent long-line training or solid anti-chase training. Away from the hunting field, owners have found structured scent work such as dummy training, tracking or mantrailing to be an excellent outlet, since it suits the breed's keen sense of smell and its willingness to work as a team.
Health-wise, experts describe the Bracco Italiano as a fundamentally robust working breed, but one whose build and size bring a few typic…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Health-wise, experts describe the Bracco Italiano as a fundamentally robust working breed, but one whose build and size bring a few typical weak spots. Owners and breeders warn against overtaxing young dogs while they grow: because the bones and joints of this heavy breed mature late, jumping, stairs and overly long outings have to be rationed in the first year. As with many large breeds, owners focus on hip dysplasia (HD) and the risk of bloat, which is why rest periods after meals are strictly kept.
Another recurring grooming topic is the long, hanging ears. Their warm, damp environment makes them prone to infections, so they need regular checks and cleaning after walks through thickets or tall grass. Some owners also point out that because of the breed's typically somewhat looser eyelids, the eyes can be sensitive to drafts, dust or foreign bodies. Owners who keep an eye on these quirks usually find the Bracco a long-lived, weatherproof companion.
Sources:forum.breedia.competbook.dehunderassen.deedogs.degesundehundeforum.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Bracco Italiano the right dog for me?
The Bracco Italiano is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Bracco Italiano live?
The average life expectancy of a Bracco Italiano is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Bracco Italiano need?
Bracco Italiano grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Bracco Italiano good for families with children?
The Bracco Italiano can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Bracco Italiano come in?
The Bracco Italiano comes in these colors: White, Brown and white, Roan, Black, Black and white, Tricolor, Fawn. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Are you a Bracco Italiano breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Bracco Italiano.