Bracco Italiano
Male: 25-40 kg, Female: 25-40 kg (weight should be proportionate to height)
55-67 cm at the shoulder
10-14 years
Italy
About the Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in existence, dating back to the 4th or 5th century BC in Italy. Known for its distinctive appearance, including a sculpted head and long, pendulous ears, it was developed as a versatile hunter capable of working across varied terrain. Unlike some more frenetic hunting breeds, the Bracco is celebrated for its 'trot'—a powerful, ground-covering gait that is both efficient and rhythmic. In the home, the Bracco is a devoted and gentle companion that forms deep bonds with its family. They are often described as 'velcro' dogs because they prefer to be in the constant presence of their humans. While they possess great stamina in the field, they are remarkably calm indoors provided their physical and mental needs are met. Their unique combination of ancient noble dignity and a goofy, affectionate personality makes them a standout choice for active households.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
The Bracco Italiano is a masterpiece of canine architecture in the show ring, characterized by its 'divergent cranial-facial lines'—a unique structural requirement where the planes of the muzzle and skull move away from each other. They possess a serious, almost melancholic expression that gives way to intense 'brio' when moving. Their movement is their most breathtaking quality: an extended, fast trot with a powerful drive from the hindquarters and a reaching front stride.
In Australia
Reliable Australian historical records for this breed’s introduction were not located.
Bred For
A versatile 'HPR' (Hunt, Point, Retrieve) gun dog used for tracking and pointing game birds and retrieving them on land and in water.
Temperament
Intelligent, docile, affectionate, powerful, and sensitive.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), and (eyelid abnormalities), ear infections (otitis externa), and s.
Grooming Needs
Low; their short coat requires only weekly brushing with a rubber mitt to remove loose hair, though their long ears and facial folds require regular cleaning.
Good with Kids
Generally excellent with children of all ages; they are known for their gentle and patient nature, though their size requires supervision around toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Typically good with other dogs; they have a high prey drive toward birds and small animals, though they can often coexist with household cats if raised together.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but sensitive; they respond best to positive reinforcement and can be somewhat independent or 'soft,' meaning harsh corrections may cause them to shut down.
Coat & Colours
Short, dense, and glossy.. White, white with orange markings, white with chestnut markings, orange roan, or chestnut roan.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Braccos are predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) due to their deep-chested conformation; this means careful management of meal times and exercise is important, though many owners successfully manage this with lifestyle adjustments. They are also more likely to experience ear infections because of their long, heavy leathers which can trap moisture; a quick weekly ear check and clean usually keeps them in top shape. You might also notice a bit of 'Bracco slobber' thanks to their beautiful pendulous lips, especially after drinking—keeping a 'slobber cloth' handy is a small trade-off for their devotion. They can be prone to separation anxiety because they love their humans so deeply, but this can be managed with consistent routine and mental enrichment. Some Braccos may also develop skin sensitivities or digestive upset on standard grain-heavy commercial diets, often thriving much better on a clean, fresh-food approach like Majestik Pet Food. Finally, while they are intelligent, their sensitive souls mean they need a gentle hand in training—they are partners, not employees.
Feeding Guide for Your Bracco Italiano
Healthy Weight
25-40 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
625-1200 grams of fresh food per day based on an average adult weight range of 25-40 kg.
For a Bracco Italiano, a raw diet focusing on high-quality proteins like kangaroo or beef is excellent for maintaining their athletic frame. Aim for 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily, split into two meals. Puppies and active working dogs may require the higher end of the percentage range, while sedentary seniors should stay near 2%. Ensure the diet includes appropriate ratios of muscle meat, secreting organs, and edible bone.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, protein-rich fresh or raw diet is ideal to maintain lean muscle mass and support joint health. Due to their deep chests, smaller, frequent meals are often recommended to mitigate bloat risks.
A balanced raw diet for a Bracco should feature lean proteins to support their muscular build without excess weight gain. Majestik's Kangaroo and Beef options are excellent primary protein sources. Adding leafy greens and berries provides essential antioxidants. Given their deep chests, avoid large single feedings; instead, use slow feeders or multiple small portions.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Bracco Italiano Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Bracco Italiano? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.