At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 25-40 kg depending on height; UKC gives 55-88 lb.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short smooth coat
A short, thick and shiny coat that is even finer on the head, ears and fronts of the legs. Loose skin, long drooping ears and a sculpted head give the breed its distinctive, soulful face.164
Personality what they are like
A devoted, easygoing companion with a warm nature at home and great stamina outdoors. It is reliable, clever and responsive to training, and usually patient with children and other dogs when well socialised.1346
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs a lot of exercise: Hill's suggests 45-60 minutes daily with scent work, while The Royal Kennel Club advises more than two hours a day.46
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance coat: a weekly brush and a bath only when dirty. Check the long ears regularly and keep them dry.46
Home where they are happiest
Best in a large house with a large garden.6
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete and balanced diet that supports muscle and joints in an active sporting dog.4
The story where it all began
The Bracco is one of the oldest pointing breeds, with similar dogs shown in Italian art from the 14th century and used to find game for netting. By the late 1800s a heavier and a lighter type existed, and Ferdinando Delor drew up a standard for the larger one. After lean years, breeders revived it, and Italy approved the modern standard in 1949.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Dogs resembling the Bracco appear in Italian paintings and frescoes as early as the 1300s.1
- 2
It was first used to find and point birds that hunters then caught with nets.3
- 3
In the late 1800s there were two kinds: the larger 'bracco nobile' and the smaller 'bracco comune'.2
- 4
It arrived in the UK in the 1990s and has done well in the show ring there thanks to its stylish movement.6
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 202, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs, type Braque, with working trial; standard dated 13.11.2015; full FCI acceptance 1956.1
- ENCI
- Italian breed standard approved and breed society formed in 1949.2
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Gundog group (Hunt, Point, Retrieve).6
- UKC
- Gun Dog Group; recognised 2006.3
- AKC
- Recognised in 2022.4
Popularity About 700 new registrations per year in Italy between 2010 and 2018 (ENCI data cited by Wikipedia).
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bracco Italiano. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bracco Italiano, and at what times?
Feed your adult Bracco Italiano at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times, such as morning and evening, help with digestion. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for a tailored plan.47
What should a Bracco Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete and balanced diet that supports muscle and joints is ideal for this active breed. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for specific dietary advice.48
How often should I bathe a Bracco Italiano?
Bathe your Bracco Italiano only when dirty, roughly every 8 weeks as a starting plan. The ASPCA suggests at least once every three months, but more frequent baths may be needed if they are very active outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo.469 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Bracco Italiano need brushing?
A weekly brush is perfect for the short, smooth coat to keep it shiny and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This routine also helps you check for any skin issues.469 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Bracco Italiano's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on hard floors. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small bits at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink area). If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer for guidance.9 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Bracco Italiano need?
This breed needs a lot of exercise, at least 45, 60 minutes daily with scent work, and some sources recommend over two hours. Daily walks, play, and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy.46 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Bracco Italiano's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth at least 2, 3 times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check the long, floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt and keep them dry. Never push anything into the ear canal, just wipe the outer ear gently.946 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Bracco Italiano live?
Bracco Italianos typically live between 10 and 14 years. With proper care, nutrition, and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a long and healthy life.4
Is a Bracco Italiano good with children and other pets?
Yes, when well socialised, they are usually patient with children and get along well with other dogs. They are devoted, easygoing companions at home. Early socialisation is key to bringing out their best nature.1346
Can a Bracco Italiano be left alone?
This breed is very people-oriented and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It varies by individual, so it's best to ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on managing alone time and preventing separation anxiety.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard no. 202 Bracco Italiano fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Bracco Italiano en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, popularity
- UKC Bracco Italiano ukcdogs.comused for recognition, weight, colours, history
- Hill's Pet: Bracco Italiano hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, AKC recognition
- akc.org akc.org
- The Royal Kennel Club: Bracco Italiano royalkennelclub.comused for group, exercise, grooming, home, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.