GUNSYN
Bracco Italiano and Weimaraner Kennel

The Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano was introduced to my household in 2002 – and what an impact they made!! Those of you who have met Luigi will understand what I mean he is very Italian!! They are a fabulous breed to live with and co-exist very well with the Weimaraners. They are certainly fit for the grey beasts! It would be fair to say I am as smitten with the Bracco's as I am with the Weimaraners!
 

The latest addition to the Gunsyn Kennel and totally ruling the roost! The Bracco Italiano I confess to making a basic blunder and assuming I could train him like a Weimaraner! Oh dear, he speaks Italian certainly not Scottish or German!

The Bracco is one of the oldest gundog breeds, which has roots traced back to the Egyptian hound. He is a HPR like the Weimaraner but he works very differently. He has a fast extended trot driving from the rear quarters but note the lack of extension/reach in front. His head carriage is high unlike other HPR breeds. Hunting instinct is extremely strong and the tendency to go "deaf" and do his own thing can be a problem. Careful, consistent and firm training are the answer. Don't be completely fooled by his Italian charm - as I was!

They are a fun breed to live with and great with kids BUT not the best for a novice dog owner.

Is this the breed for you?
 

The Bracco is still a relatively new breed to the UK, however this is based on my knowledge of owning, working and showing them coupled with the experience I have gained from travelling to Milan and The Netherlands to learn about and work the Bracco with very experienced breeders. 

I made the basic mistake of thinking that after all the years of training Weimaraners and even a Saluki I could train a Bracco in a similar way!!  Boy was I wrong. It has taken me some time to work out what makes the Bracco tick. Having said that they are usually willing to please and if you have one which is food motivated then it does appear easier!! I have both types!!

 The ones which are food motivated I find easier to train. However the overriding factor in all cases is the absolute necessity for the Bracco to be totally focussed on you. That may sound simple too but seriously this can be a very stubborn breed and to prevent him going constantly deaf out in the field or woods you must have this connection.

 Bracco's usually perform beautifully at training classes! They will respond positively to the tone of your voice; like the Weimaraner they will not respond to harsh handling and gently does it especially at ring craft.

 There have been comments made and certainly written about Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia and eye conditions within the breed. Regretfully these
are present but most breeders will endeavour to breed avoiding these conditions. Remember it is important to take account of the whole dog and high hip scores don't necessarily mean the progeny will follow. What is important is that the breeder has endeavoured to use combinations which will not pass on hereditary conditions. I like many other breeders have witnessed exceptions to all rules, dogs with low hip scores producing high hips and vice versa. As long as the breeder has made an educated decision for the mating being in possession of all the facts. There are no guarantees with any puppy but all responsible breeders will abide by the Breed Club Code of Conduct and the Kennel Club requirements of hip scoring, elbow scoring and eye testing.

 I find the Bracco a fun loving and extremely loyal breed, they are fantastic with children although a touch boisterous, as you would expect from an energetic breed.  They do need to do something and are certainly not the breed to consider if you have limited time.  A trained Bracco in the field is a sight to behold.

They love company, but will tolerate being left for periods of time. They love being outdoors. In the house they can be boisterous but settle down nicely on the sofa!!  I have to admit the biggest problem I have in the house is the tails!!  The ones which have tails are for ever smashing them off everything.

   Dog or Bitch?

 The usual question in any breed.  The dogs are large and heavy, they do need plenty of room with brain and body exercised daily. They are generally very sociable with all dogs but caution should always be exercised if there are bitches in season!!  They are Italian remember and if Luigi is anything to go by, they come with the leather jacket and Ferrari (when the girls are around).  Bitches are just as boisterous and very sociable with all breeds. Daily brain and body exercise is essential.

 For me the Bracco is the clown in our pack, if there is something to get up to they will!  They are partial to stealing all the fruit off your trees, sitting on top of your garden furniture, digging craters, playing football preferably in goals because they can run off with the ball, picking up and carrying anything which is lying around and blaming the Weimaraners for everything.

 If you have plenty of garden ground, time, a sense of humour and a large car, this may be the breed for you!!