How to Identify a Bracco Italiano

Last Updated: June 30, 2021

The Bracco Italiano is an old pointing-type breed that originated in northern Italy and is a member of the miscellaneous class but assigned to the sporting group. ^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They share some characteristics with other breeds, but they have several unique ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with figuring out whether or not a dog is a Bracco Italiano.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Body Structure

1
Check the dog's size. Bracchi Italiani are usually between 21–27 inches (53–69 cm) tall, and they typically weigh between 55–90 pounds (25–41 kg). ^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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2
View the dog's head. Bracchi Italiani should have a narrow, angular head at their zygomatic arches, with divergent upper muzzle and skull planes. You should also notice a soft skin fold from the eye's outside corner that falls down the dog's cheek, and another one from ear to ear across the dog's skull when the dog has their head relaxed and down. ^{[3]
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3
See what the dog's ears look like. Bracchi Italiani typically have supple ears that are raised very little and found at the level of the dog's zygomatic arches, with a quite narrow base. They are developed well and should reach the tip of the dog's nose without needing to stretch them. The ear's front rim should be turned in well and frame the dog's face, and they should also have tips that are rounded a little. ^{[4]
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4
Examine the dog's eyes. Bracchi Italiani should have somewhat large, semi-lateral eyes that aren't prominent or deep set, with eyelids that are close-fitting and oval in shape. The iris color depends on the color of the dog's coat, and they can be anywhere from dark amber to orange or brown-colored. ^{[5]
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5
Notice the dog's tail. Bracchi Italiani should have a straight tail with short hair and a base that is thick, and it may be a little likely to taper. When the dog is active, the tail should be carried almost or completely horizontally. ^{[6]
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6
Look at the dog's overall appearance. Overall, Bracchi Italiani should appear powerful, strong, and harmonious, with muscles that are developed well. Their gait when trotting should be fast, extended, powerful, and fluid. ^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Coat

1
Check the dog's coat color. Bracchi Italiani may be white with orange markings that range anywhere from a dark amber to a rich orange color, white with warm brown markings, or a solid white color. If the dog has markings, they should be of varying sizes, and you may also notice a face mask, which is symmetrical. ^{[8]
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2
Feel the coat's texture. Bracchi Italiani should have a dense-feeling coat that is more fine on their ears, head, and the front of their feet and legs. ^{[9]
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3
Examine the coat's overall appearance. Overall, Bracchi Italiani should have a glossy, dense coat that is shorter in length on the front of their feet and legs, ears, and head. You should also notice skin that is ample, elastic, and tough and is separated good from tissues that are underneath. You should notice the dog's mucous membranes, which correspond with the dog's coat color (except for their mouth, where they are pink and occasionally have a light brown color) and never show any black coloring. ^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Temperament

1
Notice a need for regular exercise. Bracchi Italiani have a lot of energy, and they need regular, daily exercise through things like games of fetch or a walk. ^{[11]
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2
Know that this dog doesn't bark often. Therefore, Bracchi Italiani do not typically make good watchdogs. ^{[12]
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3
See if the dog loves their family. Bracchi Italiani love being around their family and are very loyal to them. They are great companions for working, hunting, or even simply at home. ^{[13]
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4
Be aware of a strong prey drive. Bracchi Italiani have a strong prey drive, meaning they may chase small animals, so this is something you'll want to be aware of. ^{[14]
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5
Understand that this dog is calm. Bracchi Italiani are generally known to be calm dogs overall. ^{[15]
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