Page 254 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | GUNDOGS

Bracco Italiano

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN White
22–26in 55–88lb 12–13 years White and orange, amber, or chestnut
(55–67cm) (25–40kg)

This rare gundog is surprisingly athletic for its size, but
NOBLE HUNTER
its level-headedness makes it a suitable family pet
During the Renaissance period dogs like the
Bracco Italiano were popular with the Italian
A breed from northern Italy, the Bracco by the early 20th century but enthusiasts
nobility. The dogs were used with falcons to Italiano, or Italian Pointer, has ancestors saved the breed, and the Italian Kennel
hunt game birds. Aristocratic families such as
dating back to at least the Middle Ages. Club drew up a standard for it in 1949.
the Medicis and the House of Gonzaga kept
breeding kennels and produced dogs that Dogs like this can be seen in paintings from The two types were brought under one
were prized for their hunting skills. In 1527 the 14th century, when they were used to name, but the heavier and lighter dogs
it was recorded that some chestnut-colored drive game birds into nets. Once hunters can still be seen today.
dogs had been given to the Court of France
started using guns, the breed evolved into Still used as a working dog, the Bracco
as a present; the Piemontese dogs (seen below an all-purpose “hunt, point, retrieve” Italiano has a distinctive style of following
in a French print from 1907) were also highly
(HPR) gundog (see p.245). a scent at a long-striding trot, with its
sought after in royal courts across Europe.
By the 19th century there were two nose held high—“led by the nose,” as the
types: the tall, sturdy Bracco Lombardo Italians say. It is very fond of people and
from Lombardy, with a white and brown- makes a calm, gentle companion, although
roan coat, and the lighter, white-and-orange it needs lots of exercise and may have to be
Bracco Piemontese, adapted for working walked on a leash to control its strong
in the mountains. Numbers had declined hunting drive.

Slightly arched muzzle

Nose matches
coat color
Pendant
ears with Well
rounded tips developed
Roan with
chestnut markings flews

Powerful
neck has
soft dewlap

Tail tapers
slightly
Oval-shaped feet

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