Italian Pointing Dog
Also known as Bracco Italiano · Braque Italien · Italienischer Vorstehhund · Braco Italiano
Italy, Continental Pointing Dogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 55–67 cm
- Weight
- 25–40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 yrs
- Gentle
- Patient
- Affectionate
- Sensitive
- Active
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Italian Pointing Dog
The Italian Pointing Dog, or Bracco Italiano, is an old gundog from Italy, developed to find and point game birds over varied terrain. It is a large, powerful dog with a long head, pendulous ears, loose lips and a short dense coat, commonly white with orange or chestnut patches or a roan pattern. It has a distinctive, trotting working gait.
Temperament
Gentle, patient and affectionate, generally good-natured with people and other dogs. It can be sensitive and responds best to calm, reward-based training.
Exercise
Needs substantial daily exercise, including off-lead running where safe, and tasks that use its nose. A couple of hours daily suits a fit adult.
Grooming
The short, close coat needs a brush about once a week. Wipe the lips and folds of the face after meals.
Care & wellbeing
Check and clean the long ears regularly, and keep skin folds around the lips clean. Consider breed-appropriate joint screening.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 32.5 kg adult- Water
- 1.3 L–2 L
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 1,530 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 90–120 min
- a day
- Grooming
- An occasional brush is plenty
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Italian Pointing Dog
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
An old pointing breed from Italy, shown in Renaissance-era art, developed to locate and indicate game birds for hunters. It has a distinctive trot and a sensitive, willing temperament, and is still used in the field.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Cerebellar ataxia (in some lines)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scores
- Eye tests
Not every Italian Pointing Dog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 10–13 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Italian Pointing Dog right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Italian Pointing Dog get?
Adult Italian Pointing Dogs typically stand about 55–67 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 25–40 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Italian Pointing Dogs live?
Typically 10–13 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Italian Pointing Dog need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Italian Pointing Dog need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Italian Pointing Dogs easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Italian Pointing Dogs shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Italian Pointing Dogs good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Italian Pointing Dog live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Italian Pointing Dogs have?
The breed can be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, cerebellar ataxia (in some lines). Not every Italian Pointing Dog is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- Italy
- Type
- Continental Pointing Dogs
- Internationally recognised
- 1956