Juliette Cunliffe - Bracco Italiano: Special Rare-Breed Edition

Physical Characteristics of the Bracco Italiano

(from the Fdration Cynologique Internationale breed standard)

Eyes: Semi-lateral position with a soft and submissive expression neither deep set nor prominent. Eyes fairly large, eyelids oval-shaped and close-fitting.

Nose: Voluminous, with large well-opened nostrils, protrudes slightly over the lips with which it forms an angle.

Muzzle: Foreface either straight or slightly arched. Its length is equal to half of the length of the head and its depth measures four-fifths of its length.

Head: Angular and narrow at the level of the zygomatic arches, its length corresponds to four-tenths of the height at the withers.

Ears: Well developed, in length they should, without being stretched, reach the tip of the nose. Their width is at least equal to half their length.

Neck: Powerful, in truncated cone shape, length not less than two thirds of the length of the head.

Forequarters: Shoulder strong, well muscled, long and sloping, very free in its movement; the upper arm sloping, fitting to the rib cage; forearm strong, straight, with strong and well marked sinews; the point of the elbows should be on a perpendicular line from the rear point of the shoulder blade to the ground; metacarpus (pasterns) well proportioned, lean, of good length and slightly sloping; feet strong, slightly oval shaped, well arched and closed toes with strong nails well curved towards the ground.

Body:ToplineThe upper profile of the back is made up of two lines: one, almost straight, slopes from the withers to the 11th dorsal vertebra; the other is slightly arched, joining with the line of the rump. WithersWell defined, with the points of the shoulder blades well separated. LoinWide lumbar region, muscled, short and slightly convex. RumpLong (about one-third of the height at the withers), broad and well muscled. ChestBroad, deep and well down to level of elbows, without forming a heel, with well sprung ribs, particularly in their lower part, and sloping. UnderlineLower profile almost horizontal in its rib cage part, rising slightly in its abdominal part.

Tail: Thick at the base, straight, with a slight tendency to taper, hair short. Should be docked at 1525 cm from the root.

Hindquarters: Thigh long, parallel, muscular, with a rear edge almost straight; strong limbs; hocks wide, metatarsals relatively short and lean. The feet, with all the characteristics of the front feet, have dewclaws.

Coat: Short, dense and glossy, fine and shorter on the head, the ears, front part of the legs and feet.

Size and Weight: Height at the withers between 5567 cm. Preferred size for males: 5867 cm; preferred size for females: 5562 cm. Weight between 25 and 40 kg, depending on height.

Color: White; white with marking of varied size of an orange or more or less dark amber color, white with more or less large chestnut marking; white with pale orange (speckled); white mottled with chestnut (roan-chestnut).

Contents

Known in its homeland since the Middle Ages, the Bracco Italiano has been a prized hunting companion of Italian nobility. Learn about the unique way that the breed works, plus how fanciers have preserved the abilities throughout the generations. Follow the Bracco as it begins to capture attention outside Italy.

A working dog by nature, the Bracco Italiano also possesses many traits that make him a wonderful companion and family dog for the right owners. Explore the breeds personality, physical characteristics and health concerns to help you decide if this is the dog for you.

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Bracco Italiano by studying the descriptions of the breed as set forth by the Fdration Cynologique Internationale. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the standard.

Be advised about choosing a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, typical puppy. Understand the responsibilities of ownership, including home preparation, acclimatization, the vet and prevention of common puppy problems.

Enter into a sensible discussion of dietary and feeding considerations, exercise, grooming, traveling and identification of your dog. This chapter discusses Bracco Italiano care for all stages of development.

By Charlotte Schwartz

Be informed about the importance of training your Bracco Italiano from the basics of housebreaking and understanding the development of a young dog to executing obedience commands (sit, stay, down, etc.).

Discover how to select a qualified vet and care for your dog at all stages of life. Topics include vaccinations, skin problems, dealing with external and internal parasites and common medical and behavioral conditions.

Consider the care of your senior Bracco Italiano , including the proper diet for a senior. Recognize the signs of an aging dog, both behavioral and medical; implement a special-care program with your vet and become comfortable with making the final decisions and arrangements for your senior Bracco Italiano .

Enter the world of showing dogs. Learn about the different types of shows and the making up of a champion. Go beyond the conformation ring to find out about agility and obedience trials, and other performance events.

Learn to recognize and handle behavioral problems that may arise with your Bracco Italiano . Topics discussed include separation anxiety, aggression, barking, chewing, digging, begging, jumping up, etc.

K ENNEL C LUB B OOKS B RACCO I TALIANO

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-372-3
eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-064-7

Copyright 2003 Kennel Club Books A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC
3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA
Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 Printed in South Korea

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