Criteria for the external parameters of the Italian marriage, the temperament of the dog, care: walking, nutrition, physical activity, raising a pet. The cost of the offspring of the breed. The Italian Bracco or Bracco Italiano is a type of Pointing Dog, native to the lands of Italy. She is considered one of the oldest among most breeds of gun dogs. Such pets were in great demand and popularity among the Italian higher categories, at least during the Renaissance. These dogs were used to find, scare away and carry various game.
At one point, there were two different flavors of Italian marriage: "Piedmontese" and "Lombardic". Basically, they differed in the color of their "coat" and the area of origin. But, subsequently, in order to revive the meager livestock of the species, they were combined into one variety. Today, they are considered two color variants of the same breed, rather than separate species.
Representatives of the species are considered and remain rare outside the territory of Italy. At the moment, Italian marriage is gradually developing in the United States of America and other world states. Bracco Italiano is also known as Bracco, Italian Braque, Italian Pointer, Italian Pointer, Italian Setter, Piedmont Pointer, Lombard Pointer and Lombard Pointer.
Criteria for external parameters of bracco italiano
This dog is perhaps the most pronounced type, which is similar in terms of external data, with the varieties of gun dogs. In many ways, these dogs are like a mixture between "scenthound" and "pointer".
Pedigree specimens reach medium and large sizes. The average Italian male is between 58, 42 and 66, 04 centimeters high at the withers, and the parameters of the average bitch will be between 53, 34 and 60, 96 centimeters. Their weight criteria are highly dependent on gender, height at the withers and general structure, and a large mass of specimens weigh from 22, 68 to 40, 83 kilograms.
This breed is extremely strong and muscular, but these features are somewhat overshadowed by its loose skin. Bracco Italiano is a true athlete and dedicated worker and must always look like that.
- Head in combination with the muzzle, it is long, angular and narrow. The occipital part is harmoniously manifested on it.
- Muzzle - Perfectly long and blends perfectly with the rest of the head. The muzzle and top of the skull are not parallel, but appear in distinctly diverging angles. The guideline of the muzzle (nose bridge) goes down and is very high. It is almost as tall as it is long. The lips of the Italian brack are one of her most distinctive features. The slender upper flews are rather pendulous and form an inverted V-shape under the nose. The bite of strong teeth is scissor-shaped.
- Nose - large, fleshy and tinged brown, pink or flesh, depending on the color or coat of the dog.
- Eyes Bracco Italiano large size, oval, brown or dark, ocher color, depending on the coat color of the dog. The eyelids are loose, slightly saggy. The general expression of the eyes of a large mass of breed specimens is gentle, imposing and submissive.
- Ears - have long and soft cartilage. They descend closely along both sides of the head and cheekbones, forming peculiar folds.
- Neck - harmonious length, strong, with a suspension.
- Frame Moderately tucked up, strong and muscular with prominent withers. The chest volume is well developed. The back is strong and straight. The ribs are slightly visible. The lumbar part is powerful, the croup is voluminous. The lower body is moderately tucked up.
- Tail Italian marriage almost always prefer to stop up to 15–20 centimeters in length. However, this practice is becoming obsolete and actually banned in some EU countries. The natural tail is thick, strong and slightly tapering, set high.
- Front limbs - of a strong structure, strong, erect. The hind ones are slightly set back. The thighs are prominent and voluminous.
- Paws - collected in a lump, rather rounded with dense pads and strong nails.
- Coat the Italian Pointer is short, dense and glossy. The "coat" is evenly distributed over most of the body, but shorter and thinner on the head, ears, limbs and legs.
- Coloration marriage is not a very large number of different color combinations. These dogs can be solid white, solid orange, chestnut, coffee, with white-orange and white-chestnut (brown) markings. A warm shade is acceptable for chestnut dogs. Symmetrical muzzle markings are preferred by all members of the breed, but this is also optional.
The main coat color of white-orange and white-chestnut individuals may include small colored markings in the form of specks. Sometimes Italian pointers are born with alternative colors and patterns, such as tricolor or black and brown. Such representatives are not allowed to participate in exhibitions in the show ring, and they are not bred. But, in other areas, they show the same excellent results, companions or working girlfriend dogs, as all other members of the species.
The temperament of the Italian marriage
The Bracco Italiano possesses behaviors that are similar to those of most other working gun dogs. This breed is known to be extremely affectionate and often very gentle. Throughout life, its members form incredibly strong affection for their family members and demonstrate exceptional devotion to them. For an Italian cop, it is extremely important to be in the constant company of your loved ones. Frequent leaving of this breed alone contributes to the development of serious separation anxiety.
When communicated correctly, Bracco Italiano is known to be exceptionally gentle and gentle with children. Many members of the breed seem to be very fond of the boys and often become their best friends. When trained and socialized, most of these cops are quite tolerant of strangers and very friendly and enthusiastic about a stranger. However, this breed behaves significantly more cautiously with strangers than most gun dogs, and requires more careful socialization than the general mass of dogs of this type.
The species has a tendency to be quite wary and listen to what is happening around it. Such displays usually make her a good watchdog. On average, Italian Pointers lack the aggression to be ideal guard dogs, but many members of the breed will bark and growl at intruders.
Bracco Italiano usually gets along well with his fellows when they communicate properly with them. When attacked, they will defend themselves. Most of these animals show a low level of canine aggressiveness, and the total mass of them is likely to prefer to give in in one area or another, than to defend it. This breed has a significantly unconventional reputation for dealing with other pets.
Italian pointers have been bred as hunting dogs for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Many members of the breed display a high level of aggression towards other creatures, and most of them are capable of pursuing them. Almost all of these cops can be trained to adopt other pets, such as cats, if raised in this direction from an early age. Although wholly, some of them should never be trusted.
Health features of bracco italiano
It is impossible to give a more specific and holistic assessment of the physical condition of the Italian Pointer, since, apparently, very little work has been done regarding research in this area. Nevertheless, breeders and hobbyists collect all sorts of data on the health of the breed, especially its individual lines. It seems that most breeders are of the opinion that the Bracco Italiano is, on average, reasonably healthy.
Some of the more famous health problems they have encountered are entropinone and ectropion (twisting and eversion of the eyelids), hip dysplasia, and sensitivity to anesthesia. Because the species is so often allergic to the domitor anesthetic, it is highly desirable that the veterinarian use other anesthetic options when one of these dogs needs to undergo a surgical procedure. It is best, before manipulation, to test for certain drugs.
Related breeds are known to sometimes have bone defects and other external diseases (hip dysplasia, ectropion and entropion), so breeders are advised to check their pets regularly. This is done by the Animal Orthopedic Foundation (OFA) and the Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).
OFA and CERF allow to identify hereditary and other potential health defects, using developed tests, even before their intense manifestation. The value of such testing is that it can detect diseases that only appear in the mature age of the dog. It is also important if owners are planning to breed their dogs. Identifying sick individuals allows you to weed them out of breeding and affects the purity of the breed.
A complete list of problems that Italian marriage is known to have a predisposition may include: dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, volvulus and eversion of the eyelid, and ear infections. This also includes growing pains (enostosis), bone inflammation (panosteitis), umbilical hernia, ear mites, yeast infections, sensitivity to anesthesia, and food allergies.
Requirements for the maintenance and care of an Italian marriage
- Wool these pointers are short, but these dogs have a tendency to shed heavily. If such a pet is kept in an apartment, then its hairs during this period, breeders will find everywhere, where he "travels". Therefore, in order to avoid dirt in the house, cleaning its fur should become a regular procedure. This will require a rubber glove or brush. Italian marriages are rarely bathed, using a mild shampoo, which must first be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5. When washing, do not let moisture get into your pet's ears, otherwise it may provoke inflammation. Wash off all chemicals well from the coat. Wipe off excess water. The dog dries on its own, but where it is clean and there are no drafts. Probable breeders of Bracco Italiano must be aware that dogs cannot be clean. The general mass of representatives tend to drool, although usually not excessively.
- Teeth must be kept clean to prevent possible diseases. To do this, you need a paste and a brush from a pet store. Apply the paste to the brush and brush your dentition in a circular motion several times a week.
- Ears Italian marriages have to be cleaned regularly and thoroughly with a medicated lotion. To do this, the agent is applied inside the auricle and wiped off after a while. Otherwise, drooping, closed ears will accumulate wax and other particles. If not removed, the dirt can cause skin irritation, ear infections and possibly even hearing loss. The regularity of the procedure is the key to the absence of problems.
- Eyes dogs with loose eyelids are more dirty. Therefore, once a week, wipe them lightly with lotion applied to a cotton swab. And remember that this is done only in the direction of the inner corner of the eye.
- Claws Pointing dogs need to be shortened if the dog does not grind them in a natural way, when walking. Usually, this is done with clippers, but if you are not experienced in this matter, you can touch the area where the blood vessels are and hurt the dog. Therefore, it will be safer to perform the procedure with an animal file.
- Feeding the marriage must correspond to its loads. The working dog gets a little more food. For a good balance of the diet, it is better to pay attention to industrial concentrates that have been developed by specialists. Dry food must be selected according to the type of canine and the state of its body. Many Italian pointers love to run outside and are likely to enjoy eating something unattended edible or even digging into an open trash can. Their greatest concern is their eating habits. Marques can be very unkempt eaters. Surely these animals will distribute their food around their bowls and often bring it to other rooms.
- Walking. This dog is not only able to work for long hours, but also seems to be very fond of active activities. Extremely athletic and energetic, most of these pets have high natural requirements for physical activity. Every day, these dogs should be provided with about an hour, and better and much more active physical exercise.
Italian pointers can be great companions for sports activities such as jogging, cycling. These pets, all their time, crave to be with their owners. Bracco Italians love to hunt, in fact, for this they were bred, and when given the opportunity to go out into nature, this makes them the happiest.
Due to the needs of these cops, it is almost impossible to keep one of the representatives in a city apartment. Animals do much better on country estates with vast yards of land. When the bracco is not adequately discharged of its accumulated power, it is almost likely that the dog will develop behavioral imperfections. This can manifest itself in destructiveness, excessive activity, increased excitability, excessive barking, nervousness and aggression.
Raising a puppy bracco italiano
Like most gun dogs, Italian braches are distinguished by their sharp minds and excellent trainability. Members of this species are capable of mastering the most difficult tasks and performing them at the highest level. However, Italian Pointers are considered less docile and more difficult to train than most gun dogs.
Representatives of the breed really want to please their owners, provided that at the time of training they are not interested in anything else. Many Italian pointers will not obey commands if they have other preferences and hobbies. When working with this breed, you need to be patient and take some extra time.
The Bracco Italianos are extremely attached to their owners. Most breeders believe that the more you work with your pets, the better. Correctional training schemes that are particularly tough work very poorly with this dog, and methods based on positive rewards are much more effective.
Cost of Italian marriage
The increased energetic abilities of this species actually make it a great pet for active families, as it is a dog that is always suitable for any trekking or wandering, no matter how extreme.
The price for a puppy is from $ 700 to $ 1800. What Bracco Italiano looks like, see below:
