Italian pointing dog

Overall description of the breed

The Italian Pointer is a very old breed, some historians have been able to find traces of its presence as early as the end of the Middle Ages in northern Italy, notably in books or representations on various frescoes dating from the 14th century.

Very widespread at the time, it became the reference hunting dog in the Italian peninsula by showing itself to be agile, enduring and intelligent. In the 20th century, like many continental European breeds, it was gradually abandoned by hunters for British pointer-type dogs, but a few passionate breeders persisted in breeding and selecting the Italian Pointer, especially for its remarkable game retrieving abilities.

It was finally registered by the F.C.I. under the patronage of Italy on June 7, 1956 and the last update of the official standard in force was published on November 13, 2015.

Its physiology, typical of the pointing dog, has hardly changed since the 14th century. It is a large dog, short and compact, with a square body. It is a powerful animal which benefits from a strongly built structure while preserving harmonious and supple lines. Its morphology is globally voluminous, composed of a deep chest and a thick bone structure giving it a heavy gait as well as a lot of presence when it is in motion.

His topline is broad, straight to the 11ᵉ vertebrae, then discreetly rounding to the croup, his tail is moderately long, thick at the base and furnished with hair. The lower legs are parallel and straight. The "Bracco Italiano" of its native name has a strong, moderately long neck, supporting a massive head built lengthwise and a slightly rounded skull, with an inconspicuous stop.

The coat is short, dense and abundant, always finer on the head and ears. The colours permitted by the breed standard are solid white, but also white with orange, amber or brown patches of varying extent.

The character of this Italian hunting dog is particularly gentle, very attached to its family, it is a companion entirely devoted to its owners. Jovial and playful by nature, his education is mainly based on playful activities and the search for objects. An efficient hunter and teammate, he has many qualities, including tracking and retrieving game.

The Italian Shepherd Dog is a versatile dog that can easily adapt to the daily life of a family and protect it vigorously, as its guarding instinct will push it to fiercely defend its territory against possible intruders.

It is a complete animal, a hunter, a guardian and an affectionate companion, but it is also an exemplary pointing dog that will prove to be effective in all types of terrain and climates.

As an adult, the Braque Italien will weigh approximately 25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lbs), withers 58 to 67 cm (23" to 26.5") for males and 55 to 62 cm (21.5" to 24.5") for females.