The American Kennel Club Announces Its 200th Dog Breed
In July, the AKC introduced its newest member of the Sporting Group. Considered the 'consummate companion-type breed' that's also great for families because of its intelligence and capacity to form...
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
The Bracco Italiano, or Italian Pointer, recently became the 200th dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
While the breed is thought to be ancient, Braccos have only been in the U.S. since the 1990s; there are currently about 700 to 800 dogs spread evenly across the country
Bred as hunting dogs, Braccos often do best with owners who hunt, however, they can also be great family companion dogs providing their considerable exercise needs are met
This is a large breed, with adults weighing between 55 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches in height; these dogs loosely resemble a cross between a German Shorthaired Pointer and Bloodhound
In July, the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced its 200th dog breed, the Bracco Italiano, a unique Italian-born dog that will be the newest member of the Sporting Group. The first breed recognized by the AKC was the Pointer in 1878 — 144 years ago.
The Bracco Italiano breed dates back to the fourth or fifth century but has only been in the U.S. since the 1990s. They are known as hunters, pointers, and retrievers.
Thanks to their sensitive, gentle nature and love of people, they’re also considered "the consummate companion-type breed," according to Brandi Hunter Munden, VP of public relations and communications for the AKC, that is also great for families because they’re "extremely intelligent and form wonderful bonds with children."1
Exuberant, Active, and Highly Intelligent
According to Amanda Inman, president of the Bracco Italiano Club of America, there are an estimated 700 to 800 "Bracchi" in the U.S., spread evenly throughout the country. As you can see from the video above, these dogs are solidly built and as adults weigh between 55 and 90 pounds depending on height, which ranges from 22 to 26 inches.
They loosely resemble a cross between a German Shorthaired Pointer and Bloodhound. Inman and other long-time owners stress that the Bracco isn’t for everyone.
"This is a hunting dog and will always do best with a person or family who will hunt with them," said owner Ericka Dennis in an interview with the AKC. "They need regular exercise and mental stimulation, or they will find other outlets for their energy that are not always positive. Their happy times are when they’re in the field running after birds."2
Another owner, John Kavalier of Iowa, lives on a 60-acre recreational farm and stresses that the Bracco will adapt to city life as long as it is exercised daily.
"Because of their high intelligence, it is good to give them opportunities to entertain themselves like giving them toys and playing games like fetch," said Kavalier. "I am a hunter, so I have had several hunting breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, Vizsla, English Setter, and German Shorthair Pointer. Of all the breeds I have encountered, I find the Bracco to be the most intelligent."
Inman doesn’t feel the Bracco is appropriate for first-time dog owners and does best with an experienced handler because they need "a firm, but gentle hand in training, and will run amok if not trained in basic obedience and recall from an early age."
Like all dogs, each Bracco has his or her own individual personality, and some are more sensitive than others. "The minute you put too much pressure on them, they will shut down," says Dennis.
Additional Information About the Bracco Italiano
Appearance — Bracco Italianos are powerful looking, with lean limbs, well-developed muscles, defined lines, and sculpted heads. They have short, glossy coats that are either white, white with orange markings, or white with brown markings. This breed has an angular head and a soft skin fold that starts at the outer corner of the eyes and falls down the cheeks.
Their eyes are relatively large and oval-shaped, and range in color from dark amber to orange or brown, depending on the color of the coat, and give the dogs a gentle, intelligent expression. The ears are at least half as wide as they are long, reaching the tip of the nose, and their lips are floppy, reaching down to the lower jaw.
Temperament — Braccos are quite affectionate and bond very tightly with their families. Providing they get all the exercise they need, they’re good with children, other family members and houseguests, and other dogs and pets. Since they evolved as hunting dogs, Braccos may chase wildlife, bark, and if off leash, may take off after an intriguing scent in the air.
Grooming — As you might guess, this breed needs minimal grooming. Their coats typically require only a few minutes of brushing each week. However, as long-eared dogs, they are prone to ear infections, so it’s important to routinely check and clean their ears as needed.
And like all dogs, Braccos need regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and regular professional dental cleanings.
Exercise and mental stimulation — Because they are hunting dogs, Braccos typically have lots of energy to burn and require plenty of daily physical activity. Without adequate exercise, they may find other, less productive, more destructive ways to spend their time. This breed can run or jog alongside their humans for exercise, chase after balls or Frisbees thrown for them, and they also love to swim.
Like all dogs, Braccos also need mental stimulation. Events such as rally, competitive obedience training, or nose work allow offer challenges for both body and mind. The more activities they can take part in with their humans, the happier they will be, like this cute fellow, discovering snow for the first time:
Training and socialization — Braccos are very trainable, and while they’re eager to please, they can also be stubborn. They require firm and consistent obedience training using positive reinforcement. As with all breeds, early and ongoing socialization is important to help Braccos develop into tractable, well-mannered adult dogs.
Healthypets Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.
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