Bracco Italiano

When first asked to write on the Bracco Italiano, I thought about relating some of the issues that most “new” breeds have. We have had the conflict within a club, a second club forming, and so on. The Bracco was first registered in 2001, but no real efforts to move forward until 2014-15. The main reason was fear—fear that we would become a divided breed: show and field. Little by little, as breeders and owners became more learned, some started to realize these great dogs can be both, and that WE control this—not AKC. We started to move forward.

So, I thought instead I’d relate a little about the dog and the people involved with the breed.

The Bracco is a glorious, sweet, silly, intelligent, stubborn animal! First and most important, it is a dual breed. When you see 6- and 8-week-old puppies on point, you know it’s a trait that has to be acknowledged. They are truly born to hunt! Known for their strong, fluid, effortless appearing trot, they can take your breath away in the field and the ring.

Structured hunt tests do not always show the trot to the best advantage. While a Bracco is looking down their Roman nose and doing their elegant trot, the other pointing breeds will blow right by them with a grin on their face. So they blast off with the best of the other breeds. However, when they have used a lot of energy or are bringing the bird back on retrieve, you will see that trot! They are great bird dogs, and we are getting more dogs competing in AKC hunt tests all the time.

Showing is “new” to many Bracco owners, and although the breed is willing, unless you are young and/or fit, they are not easy to keep up with. Three steps and I become a land anchor and get a really disgusted look from my dogs. Most people want to stretch them out, but they are to be stacked square. We have had a National Specialty each year for a while—even when two clubs were doing one. The Spinone Club of America has been incredible and included us in their Nationals each year.

April Burchfield, who bred Black and Tan Hounds for years, has her first Bracco and commented:

“Before getting my first Bracco, I did a lot of research on the breed. When I saw a video of a Bracco hunting in the bird field exhibiting the incredible ‘trotto,’ it actually gave me chill bumps! They are beauty in motion. I’ve now had that first dog for almost two years and am amazed at how true to the standard he is: noble, gentle, serious sometimes, comical at others, loyal, driven, and exceptionally smart and biddable. The drive is a huge part of their temperament and should not be underestimated. They must have a job or they, and their owners, will not be happy!”

Longtime breeders and hunt trainers in other sporting breeds, Tony and Kristi Libertore, stated:

“We have been involved with the Bracco Italiano breed for the past seven years. We are excited to see that this very old breed, which is recognized in so many other countries, is finally moving towards full AKC recognition, but we need the support of the entire dog community. This is an ancient, beautiful Sporting breed that deserves recognition but hasn’t gotten the full push here in the US. We think that the move to MISC is a great step and look forward to introducing this breed to others.”

Most breeders, exhibitors, and hunters are excited about moving up to Miscellaneous in July 2019. We still have many hoops to jump through and hope fanciers will look us up, give us a boost, and meet this ancient breed.

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Bracco Italiano: Brief Historical Summary

The Bracco Italiano has been called the oldest European Pointer, and its history reaches back to the fourth or fifth century BC. While the exact ancestral origins are unknown, it is generally accepted that the Bracco Italiano has both Segugio Italiano and the Asiatic Mastiff in its ancestry. The breed was developed in Northern Italy, with two distinct varieties known to Piedmont and Lombardy, respectively.

By the medieval period, the breed was well established and the Italian aristocracy exported the Bracco across the Old World. This dissemination of dogs throughout the fifteenth century gave rise to new sporting breeds as the Italian Pointers cross-bred with local dogs, especially in France where similar breeds did not yet exist. The English Pointer, Brittany, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Portuguese Pointer have all been speculated to be descendants of the Bracco Italiano.

The breed’s popularity peaked during the Renaissance, when they were bred by the Medici family of Florence and the Gonzaga family in Mantua. During this time, they were known as “bracchi of the net,” for the practice of hunters throwing a large net over a covey of birds. Historically, two variations of the breed existed—the Piedmontese Pointer and the Lombard Pointer. The Bracco remained at healthy numbers until the turn of the twentieth century, when they faced a sharp decline.

By the end of the 1800s, the Bracco Italiano faced extinction. Over the years, crossings with hounds and poor breeding practices resulted in dogs that were too heavily built to perform their work, and the breed suffered from various health problems. At this time, Ferdinando Delor de Ferrabouc (who was also important in the history of the Spinone Italiano) rose to prominence by reconstituting the Italian Pointer through diligent breeding, selection, and care.

In the 1920s, it was decided to unify the two variations of the breed in order to preserve genetic diversity. This decision did not come without criticism. In order to fully understand the history of the breed, and to be able to appreciate the Bracco Italiano’s conformation and hunting ability, one must understand the two varieties that contributed to its ultimate composition.

In order to fully understand the history of the breed, and to be able to appreciate the Bracco Italiano’s conformation and hunting ability, one must understand the two varieties that contributed to its ultimate composition

First, the Piedmontese Pointer was a dog of lighter construction and color. It originated in the Piedmont region of Italy, as its name suggests. This dog was used for work in the mountains, which its conformation and temperament reflected. The Piedmontese dog was slighter than its counterpart in Lombardy, and its hunting style was reminiscent of some Western European Pointers, as it traveled with a jaunty gallop. One notable breeder of the Bracco Piedmontese was the Aschieri family. This dog was primarily white, with or without orange markings.

On the other hand, the Lombard Pointer was a rich brown roan and had a heavier body type. This dog was used for hunting in the marshy lowlands, and it was a trotting breed. These big dogs were bred for both their eye appeal and their natural hunting ability. The Ranza family from Piacenza, whose dogs exhibited a most elegant and efficient trot in the field, were marked breeders of the Bracco Lombardo in the early 1900s.

Let it be noted, however, that the breeding of two “light” Bracchi could produce “heavy” bodied dogs, and vice versa. Also, “light” and “heavy” refer strictly to the dogs’ morphological characteristics, and not to height, as it was not uncommon for Piedmontese dogs to be as tall as those bred from Lombardic stock. Therefore, when the types were merged, the height chosen in the new standard spanned from the minimum height of the “light” Bracco to the maximum height of the “heavy” Bracco.

In 1923, the conformation standard was drafted by a committee with the aid of Guisseppe Solaro (who has written extensive commentary on the breed’s conformation). The Bracco’s conformation standard had existed in oral history for over a century prior to this undertaking. In 1949, the Societa Amatori Bracco Italiano was founded. When the Italian conformation standard was published in 1949, it incorporated aspects of both breed types, resulting in noted variability within the standard.

The Bracco Italiano was brought to the United Kingdom in the late 1980s. However, the United States did not experience the Italian Pointer until approximately 1994. In 2001, the Bracco was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service. In 2005, the first national “Gathering” was held, and the Bracco Italiano Club of America was founded in 2007. The breed entered the AKC Miscellaneous Group in 2019 and the AKC Sporting Group in 2022.

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Interview with Raquel Colaco, Breeder of Raki’s Place Bracchi Italiani

Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Raquel Colaco: Hello! I’m Raquel Colaço and I live in Portugal at the beautiful Village of Sintra. Since I was born, I have always been with dogs. I don’t remember my life without dogs. My interest as a breeder started with my mom’s Weimaraner, who was my first show dog. I was six years old. Then we saw the Bracco Italiano in magazines, read about the breed, and decided to go to Italy to visit some kennels. We fell in love.

My first Bracco Italiano, 20 years ago, was Delor the Ferrabouc Paolina Borgese. The founder of this kennel, Fernando Delor de Ferrabouc, is a huge reference to the breed who helped with preventing its extinction, and “Paolina” was for sure a true Bracco.

What is your kennel name? How many dogs do you currently keep?

Raquel Colaco: My kennel name is Raki’s Place. “Raki” is my nickname that my mother founded for me. Currently, I have the old ones (they deserve more than anything) that are four, the younger two, and two puppies.

Which show dogs from the past have been your noteworthy winners?

Raquel Colaco: Happily, I have some! Nicodemo Del Tavuliddaro, “Nico,” was my one-in-a-million, just not the perfect dog because there are no perfect dogs. Freisa de Val Ravanaga was a golden girl too. Then, bred by us, the most noteworthy winners we have are “Hian,” “Hypsea,” and “Parma.” Hypsea is really my pride as a breeder.

Which have been your most influential sires and dams?

Raquel Colaco: The most influential sire, for sure, was Nico. The dams have been Olimpia del Tavuliddaro and Raki’s Place Hypsea. They gave us wonderful puppies. We do not often have litters. We just do so when we want to keep a puppy for ourselves.

Can you talk a bit about your facilities? Where are your puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Raquel Colaco: We have kennels, but we don’t use them—hahaha. We have one hectare [2.47 acres], and they are free to be wherever they want. We also have a large room next to ours where they can rest and be with us. They live with us, and that’s the only way we understand. As already told, we just do a few litters when we want to keep a puppy. All litters are born in our room, and they stay for four weeks, at least. We stay next to them all the time. As the litter grows, we change spaces and activities. Everything changes according to age and needs, but always with us.

What is your “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies? Field Puppies?

Raquel Colaco: Selecting puppies is not easy. I know people who have even said that they can select when the puppies are born… but, in conformation, we can see at around 6 to 8 weeks. After that there comes a phase of ugly ducklings. Concerning in terms of temperament, as we all know, the Bracco is a very sensitive breed, and in the junior phase it is necessary to be very careful; be patience so as not to destroy it. In the field, they are always kings, for company too. A show dog has to like to show off. We have to go see the puppies and work on it.

Do you compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Raquel Colaco: We compete in Conformation dog shows.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to you?

Raquel Colaco: We are not hunters, but I do find this is important for the breed too. I do the first innate test on the puppies and have some of my puppies working, with wonderful results. Of course, we find the field trials and hunting are important. This is the purpose of the breed, but not all dogs are innate hunters. This doesn’t stop them from being Bracchi and having a fantastic life in another function, like with the disabled. I’ve already had mine do that job and they are wonderful. The important thing is to keep them busy in a task to be balanced.

Are there any health-related concerns in your breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Raquel Colaco: They do not have big health problems. My dogs are all tested for elbow and hip dysplasia. They are big dogs, so the best is to test. I know that some lines have kidney problems; I never had this in my own. Ears need to be checked a lot, and more often if they are in fields. Nutritionally, I find Bracchi are very easy even if they eat a lot—hahaha. Mine are fed with Royal Canin, special for working dogs, or Maxi for the ones who do not work. At the age of puppies, supplement them with condroprotector, chondroitin, and extra vitamin C.

Do you think your breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Raquel Colaco: Yes, I think so. In Italy, there are a large number of breeders, and a few more out there who do a great job.

Is your breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own your breed?

Raquel Colaco: Yes, they are wonderful family dogs even though I know that they are not for everyone. For me, the best candidate is a family, a family who works with them no matter which trial (Hunting, Agility, Obedience, or any other long walks) lets them show their abilities. And they can be a family dog too. They are a very sensitive breed. A wrong interpretation of their behavior can destroy the temperament. They are an easy training breed, and if you do right by a puppy, you are going to have a very well-balanced adult dog.

What is the biggest misconception about your breed? What is your breed’s best-kept secret?

Raquel Colaco: I think there are two biggest misconception. First, in show dogs, because Bracchi are beautiful movers, it doesn’t mean that every one can show; they need a very strong connection with the “handler” to feel safe for showing. Second, in hunting, they have a very different way to work. Whoever really wants a Bracco needs to think before they have one.

If we have the breed’s best-kept secret, the best is for them to stay like that.

If you could share a comment or two with judges of your breed, what would you like to say to them?

Raquel Colaco: The Bracco has a very extensive trot with free movement; very, very typical. Do not judge by others breeds, please.

Do you have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Raquel Colaco: For the newer breeder, my words are to read the Breed Standard, several times. It is very specific, technical, and enlightening. If possible, visit several kennels. Change ideas and never just go after champion dogs. Be faithful to the Bracco.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing you’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Raquel Colaco: Bracchi are clowns. They are always very funny! I remember, a few years ago at the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida, when we went to represent Portugal in the Eukanuba Challenge. We were talking with a judge who was telling us that Nico was amazing, with outstanding movement, and asked to take him around. I passed the leash to his hand and Nico staked his four paws on the ground and didn’t even take a step with him. It was hilarious, but it’s so Bracco!

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The Bracco Italiano is a versatile pointing dog. They belong to the “hunt, point, retrieve” class of dogs and are truly a jack of all trades. Their appearance is striking as a large, strong breed with a kind expression of chiseling under the eyes. They have long, soft ears that reach their nose and a smooth, glossy coat that is white with bright orange or warm brown spots. The head planes are divergent (“down-faced”), which allows them to catch scent from a distance when trotting in the field. The breed has a fast, extended trot. A Bracco should be able to go from a gallop to a trot and not lose speed.

While the Bracco Italiano was the 200th breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club and has the shine of a new toy to dog fanciers across the United States, it is likely the oldest continental pointing breed in existence. The word bracco stems from the Proto-Indo-European root *bhrh1g-ro meaning to scent or smell. The breed’s name is Bracco Italiano, and the plural is Bracchi Italiani. The exact origin of the breed has been lost to time, but the earliest forms of this breed likely pre-dated the Roman settlement of the Italian peninsula.

The Bracco Italiano as we know it today was well established by at least the early thirteenth century in Italy. They were treasured by the aristocracy and traded among the nobility. Bracchi were frequently used as part of property sales, war treatises, and feudal patronage throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. During the breed’s early history, they hunted birds and small game alongside hawks. They were also known as the bracchi da rete (bracchi of the net) due to the practice of throwing a net over a covey of birds. It was common in those days for Bracchi to be sold with a hawk or a net.

The breed’s popularity peaked during the Renaissance. The breed appeared in Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy in 1321. Countless poems and songs described the favorite Italian pastime of hunting quail with a hawk and a Bracco. The breed is seen in the paintings and frescoes of the time. Arguably the two most powerful Italian dynasties during the Renaissance—the Medici and Gonzaga families—were passionate hunters and breeders of Bracchi and falcons. Their influence helped to spread this breed across the Old World.

The Bracco Italiano was exported to other countries where similar breeds did not yet exist. The most notable was the breed’s influence in France. In 1480, a white Bracco Italiano bitch named “Baude” was introduced to the royal hunting kennels in France. Her offspring would develop into several breeds, including the King’s White Hounds (Chien Blanc du Roy), Greffiers, and Bauds. The term Baud was used to describe white hunting dogs in France until the 1840s. The Bracco Italiano was also introduced into Spain in the sixteenth century and again in the second half of the eighteenth century. The breed was used to develop the Gorgas Pointer, which was common in the eastern provinces of Spain for roughly a century but went extinct in the early 1900s.

By the early 1600s, the breed had developed into two distinct varieties. The Piedmontese Pointer was orange and white in color. They were smaller and lighter in body structure, due to their use in the mountainous terrain of Piedmont. The Lombard Pointer was heavier, taller, and the color was brown and white. The Lombard dogs were used more in the lowlands and were a trotting dog. There was significant variability and flexibility within the breed types.

After the introduction of the English Pointer and setters to Italy in the 1800s, the Bracco Italiano faced a sharp decline. The breed was not as fast or flashy as the English breeds and they were frequently cross-bred with other breeds to create mixes such as the “Bracco-Pointer.” By the end of the nineteenth century, the breed faced extinction. With dedication and thoughtful breeding by a few select individuals, notably Ferdinando Delor de Ferrabouc, the breed was revived. To maintain genetic diversity, the Piedmontese and Lombard pointers were unified. The Italian breed club, Societa Amatori Bracco Italiano, was formed in 1949 and the conformation standard was published the same year.

Throughout all its history, the Bracco Italiano has been celebrated as a hunting dog. The goal of the Bracco Italiano Club of America is to maintain the cultural and functional heritage of this breed. These dogs are happiest when they can do their intended work as a bird dog. They are a large, energetic breed that thrives when they have frequent opportunities to hunt. They are not appropriate for apartment living and do best when they have a large yard. Potential owners must understand that this is a hunting dog first and foremost. Anyone interested in adding a Bracco to their family should meet the breed in person and spend time with these dogs before committing to a puppy.

New owners are strongly encouraged to invest time in their dog’s natural hunting ability. The Bracco Italiano Club of America provides a list of mentors to help new owners get their dogs started in the field. From weekend fun hunts to hunt tests and field trials, or back country wild bird hunts—all of these are excellent opportunities for the Bracco to live its best life. These dogs are happiest when they can hunt. The breed club encourages all breeding dogs to be worked in the field.

The breed is unique in its hunting style. They have a fast, extended trot in the field and hold their head high above the topline. They are described as being very thoughtful in the field and consider the hunt a mental process. While a hard, fast point is valued in some breeds, the Bracco Italiano should establish a point more gently. This is called the filata. The dog should detect a scent and gradually slow his steps, with the head held high. The final steps of the filata are often very slow. Only then will the dog become completely motionless and establish point, with the tail held near the horizontal. This is quite different from the English and German pointers, which work at a fast gallop and stop hard and fast on point.

The appearance of this breed—with its powerful bone, soft wrinkles around the face, and long ears—is rather unique in the Sporting Group. The conformation of the Bracco is directly tied to its history and function. They are a large and strong dog, reaching 21 to 27 inches at the withers. The breed should have a well-angled (105-degree) shoulder that is freely moving to allow for adequate reach in the trot.

The long pelvis rests at 30 degrees from the horizontal to permit the most functional drive from the hindquarters. To not create wasted movement, the stifle is moderately angulated at 135 degrees. The topline consists of two lines (one from the withers to mid-back and the second slightly arched to the rump), which allows flexibility in movement. They often over-reach when trotting so that the hind foot will move in front of the front foot. Each of these small details in the breed standard correlates to the breed’s function as a versatile Sporting dog.

Understanding the history and function of the Bracco Italiano is vital to appreciating its conformation. This is a hunting breed. Every decision in the show ring should take the breed’s function into consideration. The magnificence of the Bracco Italiano is a culmination of their unique conformation, thoughtfulness and calm demeanor, hunting ability, and fast trot. If any one of these vital attributes is lost, the breed will be lost. Breeders, owners, and judges will have to work together to ensure that the “pieces of the puzzle” do not become divided and can remain harmonious together as they have for over a thousand years.

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Interview with Lynne Bowley – Breeder of Gunsyn Gundogs

Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Lynne Bowley: The Gunsyn Kennel is based in Scotland, UK. My kennel was established in 1988, originally with Weimaraners, a Saluki, and in 2000, I introduced my first Bracco Italiano to the gang. I have been selectively breeding since 1993, only breeding occasionally for quality not quantity. I am a Royal Kennel Club Assured Breeder of Excellence.

What is your kennel name? How many dogs do you currently keep?

Lynne Bowley: My kennel name is Gunsyn Gundogs. I currently have five Bracchi Italiani (two males and three females):

• Sh. Ch. Gunsyn Everywhere
• Sh. Ch. Lexus Pogonskiego Wzgorja By Gunsyn
• Gunsyn Ginspiration
• Gunsyn Gineva
• Sobers Cosmica With Gunsyn

Which show dogs from the past have been your noteworthy winners?

Lynne Bowley: My most noteworthy winner to date has undoubtedly been Sh. Ch. Gunsyn Aafia. She was the first-ever Champion in the breed in the UK and is still the current breed record holder. “Eva” won Best of Breed at Crufts in 2017 and 2019, and Reserve BOB Crufts 2018. She was my heart dog—a dog of a lifetime. Sadly, Eva never produced any litters, but I had two amazing litters from her older sister Ch. Gunsyn Pomata.

Which have been your most influential sires and dams?

Lynne Bowley: Pomona Dei Vicini Del Monastero At Gunsyn x Hidalgo Di Cacciola produced two significant litters for me, producing the iconic Aafia and brother Albarari and Pomata, who also won Best of Breed at Crufts in 2014. Pomata also produced two litters, one by Polceveras Romeo At Bonario and one by Multi. Ch. UK Sh. Ch. Polceveras Ercole. This was the first Ch. to Ch. mating ever done in the UK. These matings produced several champions, including Int. Ch. Ir. Ch. UK Ch. Gunsyn Sesto Elemento With Brackenmist JW, Sh. Ch. Gunsyn Everywhere, and Sh. Ch. Gunsyn Tusk, who was Best of Breed Crufts 2022.

Can you talk a bit about your facilities? Where are your puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Lynne Bowley: Gunsyn is a small family-run kennel, not a commercial kennel, and I only breed every couple of years. My dogs live in the house and naturally whelp in the house. Puppies are raised in the house environment with lots of outdoor access too. They have a play area separate from the big dogs, but they also run in the garden with them at times to allow them to get used to being among others. Bracchi are such a sensitive breed that as soon as they are able, I take them out and about in the car/van to visit vets, shops, etc., early. Ongoing socialization is essential in this breed.

What is your “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies? Field Puppies?

Lynne Bowley: I tend to stand puppies up quite regularly from about 4 weeks onwards and use a mirror to stand them in front of to see their shape and balance. I also watch them playing and moving outside to see their natural stance and confidence. I also have bird wings on a fishing line and use these to mimic a bird fluttering on the ground to encourage the stalk and point. This is a great way to identify the natural hunters and pointers!

Do you compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Lynne Bowley: I do like to work my Bracchi when time allows and they all undergo gundog training. I like to compete in working tests when I can too. Ch Gunsyn Pomata gained her show gundog working certificate in 2016; another first for the breed in the UK.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to you?

Lynne Bowley: I think it is important to work the breed to maintain its natural instincts and heritage—it is a Hunt, Point, Retrieve Gundog first and foremost, and without doubt, the field is where they are happiest and where you will see the fabulous fast trot.

Are there any health-related concerns in your breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Lynne Bowley: Sadly, the Bracco is not the healthiest of breeds and all dogs should be hip and elbow scored as well as eye tested. In addition, we are concerned about kidney disease and amyloidosis. I would urge all Bracchi owners to have their dogs SDMA tested along with a urinalysis annually. In the US, you are very lucky to have Amanda Inman who is actively researching for the DNA marker of this potentially fatal condition in an attempt to eliminate it from the breed. Bracchi are very
susceptible to ear infections and some experience quite debilitating skin conditions too. You may also see interdigital cysts or furuncles in between the toes.

Do you think your breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Lynne Bowley: I guess by preservation breeders you mean people who understand the breed, its form and function as well as health, and who strive to breed healthy animals that fit the Breed Standard as well as being fit for function. I can’t comment in the US about this, but certainly in the UK there is a small number of people who are passionate and knowledgeable about the breed, having its welfare at the foremost of their breeding plans. I think the UK breeders have done a huge amount to improve the health and conformation of the breed in general. I hope going forward that all breeders respect the original Breed Standard and function; it would be a very sad day to see the Bracco molded into a generic HPR Gundog, losing the key and unique features of Head, Outline, and Movement.

Is your breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own your breed?

Lynne Bowley: Is the breed suited to be a family dog? Yes, he is. The Bracco thrives in a busy household, but he is not a fashion accessory, and a lifetime commitment to training and exercise are essential. You certainly can’t be house or garden proud with a Bracco! They do manage to cover most surfaces in slobber and dig massive holes in your garden, managing to drag the soil indoors with their huge feet. Bracchi thrive in company and certainly cope better living indoors with a family rather than in a kennel. The ideal home is with people who have done their homework and research; they will be time rich and have endless patience but also a sense of humor! The Bracco is best-suited to a home where they are given the opportunity to demonstrate and use their natural hunting instinct—in a controlled way, not simply free-running.

What is the biggest misconception about your breed? What is your breed’s best-kept secret?

Lynne Bowley: The biggest misconception, in my opinion, is that they are easy to train! Braccho pups generally love to learn and will lap up training, lulling their owners into a false sense of security. Once the nose switches on, look out! That lovely, obedient puppy off-lead may just test your patience to the limit, preferring to use his newfound scenting talent than listen to any recall whistle. “Nose on and ears off” is common practice in the breed. They will certainly test your stop whistle control.

If you could share a comment or two with judges of your breed, what would you like to say to them?

Comments for Judges of the Bracco: Please look for breed type, in particular, the key features. The Unique Head, narrow, chiseled, divergent with a large nose. The Outline, overall appearance almost square, topline slopes down from raised withers to middle of the back, without dipping, rising slightly to a broad croup. Movement, powerful drive from hindquarters, extended fast trot, head carriage above topline.

Do you have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

A Plea to Newer Breeders: Please aim to learn about the unique characteristics of this HPR breed, understand the history and Breed Standard, and question yourself, “Why are you breeding? Will the combination improve the breed?” Make certain that you health test all breeding stock, including kidney function, and ask experienced people in the breed for advice on pedigrees and what is behind the dogs you have or propose to breed from. Be honest with yourself about your intentions and strive to preserve the Bracco in its true form; it is not a generic HPR Gundog.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing you’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Lynne Bowley: Life with Bracchi is always amusing. They are clowns, after all, especially the males. One of the most amusing things I have ever experienced with a Bracco was when my first Bracco, “Luigi,” launched himself onto the crotch of a young man at a show who happened to be walking past.

Unbeknownst to everyone watching, Luigi had actually launched himself at the bum bag full of liver cake, which the man happened to have dangling from his waist. The poor guy was unable to move, as Luigi was attached to his bum bag and was not going to give it up. Needless to say, the crowd was very amused at the situation, as I was wrestling with Luigi to release the bum bag in between the guy’s legs! No one was hurt, in case you are wondering, but it was extremely funny to watch, and the young guy could also see the funny side of it and what it must have looked like to others!

I have loved and lost eight Bracchi, eight Weimaraners, and one Saluki over the past 35 years in dogs, and I wouldn’t change any one of them. I just wish several of my Bracchi had reached a ripe-old age, but tragedy has taken four of them far too soon. They are a precious breed and they have certainly stolen my heart. Let’s all work together to promote and preserve this quirky, unique, fun-loving breed for many years to come.

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Interview with Kristi & Tony Libertore, Breeder of Whiskey Hills Bracco Italiano

Where do we live? How many years in dogs? How many years as breeders?

Kristi Libertore: We live on Brays Island, South Carolina. This is a hunting community with 14 quail fields; perfect for us! My family bred dogs and horses, but I started on my own in 2007.

What is our kennel name? How many dogs do we currently keep?

Kristi Libertore: I started Whiskeytown Wirehaired Pointing Griffons in 2007, but upon meeting my husband, together we started Whiskey Hills Bracco Italiano in 2016, which has been our primary focus. He’s been in the breed since 2010.

Which show dogs from the past have been our noteworthy winners?

Kristi Libertore: I was fortunate to be awarded AKC Sporting Breeder of the Year in 2020 for my WPGs. We’ve had many top show and field dogs. With the recent AKC recognition of Bracchi, we are thrilled to have the first AKC Champion, first Grand Champion Dog and Bitch, and first RBIS winner along with multiple Group-winning and placing dogs and the first AKC National Championship BOB.

Which have been our most influential sires and dams?

Kristi Libertore: RBIS GCH Lepshi Valente Harus JH has made his mark here for us, siring six champions already, almost half the total number of AKC champions so far. He’s also sired great field offspring too. In our foundation imports, you will find Compatriota Di Bonfini, Polcevera’s, and other top, longtime kennels in Italy and Hungary known for both field and show.

Can we talk a bit about our facilities? Where are our puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Kristi Libertore: Our dogs live in our home, with a large downstairs room dedicated for them. Our puppies are kept down there. We start introducing visitors at four weeks, and birds by five weeks.

What is our “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies? Field Puppies?

Kristi Libertore: I try to keep our top picks for breeding homes, ideally show and field homes. We begin at 5 weeks, grading each pup, but Bracchi are slow to develop. At 7-8 weeks we will stack them and go over them fully. For Field, we use a combo temperament and field test that involves looking at reaction times in new locations, searching, desire for birds, desire to retrieve, and cooperation.

Do we compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Kristi Libertore: Besides actively showing, we do AKC and NAVHDA tests. All of our breeding dogs are champions and have a field title.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to us?

Kristi Libertore: Field Trials are not common in either breed, although WPGs do participate in walking Field Trials. Parent Club Hunt Tests are conducted and are a great thing.

How would we define “conditioning” as it relates to our breed?

Kristi Libertore: We condition the old-fashioned way, getting them out in the field regularly. Our dogs hunt weekly during the season.

Are there any health-related concerns in our breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Kristi Libertore: Kidneys, specifically Amyloidosis, is a concern. We check our dogs’ kidney values annually or prior to breeding.

Do we think our breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kristi Libertore: Worldwide, yes, but it’s so limited in the US still. I’ve been importing new lines and have been blessed to get frozen semen from Europe from great dogs. I get great support from breeders overseas!

Is our breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own our breed?

Kristi Libertore: They are wonderful family dogs. These guys hunt hard, but have an “off switch.”

What is the biggest misconception about our breed? What is our breed’s best-kept secret?

Kristi Libertore: The ears give them a hound appearance, but they are amazing pointers. Those ears and their big nose make them outstanding bird-finding machines in dry or poor cover. And that trot! To watch them work in a flying trot is mesmerizing.

If we could share a comment or two with judges of our breed, what would we like to say to them?

Kristi Libertore: Look for breed type: divergent planes on the head, making it uniquely Bracchi, correct topline with two lines to include a slope from withers to 11th dorsal vertebrae and a slight rise to the croup, and the fast, extended trot with great reach and drive. These are important hallmarks of the breed.

Do we have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Kristi Libertore: Find a mentor who will be honest with you. Learn the basics of dog anatomy and research pedigrees non-stop. Have a vision and a plan, and only breed to that vision.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing we’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Kristi Libertore: I love outdoor shows, especially when birds are involved. I had a squirmy puppy freeze solid in a beautiful stack, staring at a bird! She went BPIS, lol.

Are you looking for a Bracco Italiano puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred Bracco Italiano dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Bracco Italiano dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Bracco Italiano Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the intelligent Bracco Italiano dog breed with articles and information in our Bracco Italiano Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Bracco Italiano Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

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American Kennel Club Celebrates its 200th Recognized Dog Breed – Bracco Italiano

– Bracco Italiano Joins the Sporting Group –

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC^®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the Bracco Italiano dog has received full recognition and is the AKC’s 200^th breed. The Bracco Italiano breed is eligible to compete in the Sporting Group.

“We at the AKC are thrilled to welcome our 200th breed to the registry,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “The Bracco Italiano is a strong, active, and sturdy breed of dog that would make a great companion for active families. The breed loves people and would be best suited for a family that can give it the love and attention it needs. We always encourage people to do their research to find the right breed for their lifestyle.”

Joining the Sporting Group, the Bracco Italiano is an ancient breed. It is one of two native gundogs from Italy, and its history reaches back to the fourth or fifth century. The Bracco Italiano is a hunter, pointer, and retriever developed to accommodate the hunters’ needs. Bracchi are tireless in the field. They are powerful and need daily exercise. They also thrive on human companionship and are loyal, affectionate, and playful. These dogs are known to be sensitive and gentle-natured and become close friends with children. Their short coats are easily maintained, requiring only a few minutes of brushing each week to keep the coat in good condition.

AKC Recognition offers the breed the opportunity to compete at all levels of AKC sports and events, as there are over 22,000 held each year.  A breed that is newly recognized does not mean that the breed is newly created. Many breeds that gain full AKC recognition have existed for decades, and some are ancient. To become an AKC-recognized breed, there must be an active following and interest in the breed by owners in the U.S. and an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. There also must be a sufficient population of dogs in the United States geographically distributed throughout the country. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®). Additional information on the process can be found at www.akc.org.

Hi-resolution photos can be downloaded HERE.

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Bracco Italiano – 200th Dog Breed Accepted into full AKC Recognition

Since its formation in 1884, the American Kennel Club has expanded from just nine breeds in 1878 to now encompassing two hundred! June 29, 2022 will mark the American Kennel Club’s acceptance of the 200th breed into full recognition status. That 200th breed is the Bracco Italiano, and they will be joining their hunting colleagues in the Sporting Group!

Although Bracchi Italiani (plural) are from Italy, like Spinoni Italiani, Bracchi are dogs built of angles whereas Spinoni are dogs built of curves.

While Italy has held a formal Breed Standard since 1949, the Bracco’s history reaches back into the 4th and 5th Centuries B.C. While the breed might be newly AKC-recognized, they have been referred to as one of the oldest European pointing breeds. There were, initially, two distinct breed types that originated from two different regions of Italy. Originally, there was one variety from the Piedmont area, which was predominantly lighter in build, shorter, and also lighter in color, more often orange and white. Their lighter build enabled them to be more agile in the mountain regions and they often hunted at a gallop. The second variety, hailing from the Lombardy region, was heavier-boned, of larger build, and heavier in color, more often in roan and brown colors. The Lombardy type was built for swampy lowlands and moved with a more characteristic trot. Around the late 1800s, the breed faced near extinction and the two types were officially merged together to formulate one breed in 1923.

With increasing popularity and a growing interest, some of the first imports arrived stateside in the mid-1990s. The breed has been shown in the AKC Conformation ring under the FSS and Open designation, with more recent recognition in the Miscellaneous Class. The judges who have completed Conformation judging assignments of the breed, thus far, have expressed overwhelming interest and enthusiasm, often asking, “WHEN are you going to be fully accepted? I can hardly wait!” The most common compliments and acknowledgements given by judges refer to the breed’s noble and proud personality, and their beautiful and graceful movement.

The breed exemplifies this athletic movement, known as the flying trot, predominantly when they are hunting in the field.

It is breathtaking to watch a beautifully moving Bracco at a full trot. While other hunting and pointing breeds race past the Bracco, with their magnificent speed, you will often see the Bracco gaiting effortlessly, covering wide spans of territory, looking down their Roman noses when they halt into their point.

While their movement is eye-catching in the show ring, it has a purpose that the parent club, Bracco Italiano Club of America (BICA), wishes to remain true—preservation for intended function. The parent club is committed to keeping the breed true to its roots as a well-rounded hunting dog of upland game, waterfowl, and fur.

It’s important while advancing this breed into AKC acceptance that emphasis is not forgotten as related to the breed’s origin, function, and unique hunting style.

With AKC emphasis on the correct conformation and precise build, we will enable our beloved hunting companions to be an all-day/many day hunting dog with fewer physical injuries. The appearance of a lean and muscled dog in the Conformation show ring should be examined with the consideration that the animal may be in hunting condition and weight.

The Bracco Italiano Club of America is committed to education. BICA will be offering breed seminars to those who desire to learn more about the Bracco. AKC is excited about promoting this breed in the coming months in a variety of venues, at shows, and in various publications. There are a number of Judge’s Education Seminars scheduled, and enrolling, at shows near you!

In celebration of Bracco Italiano being the 200th breed accepted into full AKC recognition, BICA is offering judges education at no fee for the first 200 judges who attend. If there are regions where there are cluster breed seminars taking place in which there is not a seminar offered for the Bracco Italiano, please let the person organizing the Judges Education offerings know that you would like to request a seminar for this breed. You may also reach out to me, Lisa Moller, via email at lisa@sentrykennels.com, or call 608-617-9666 for assistance with getting a seminar scheduled. We will work together with various events and organizations to spread the word and assist with mentoring others in our wonderful breed.

The Bracco Italiano Club of America welcomes your inquiries, appreciates your admiration of Bracchi Italiani, and invites you to join us on this continued journey!

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