A
hunt point retrieve gundog the Bracco Italiano is of an
ancient and noble lineage, he is mentioned in writings of
the 4th and 5th centuries BC. The Bracco has been accepted
as a distinct breed in Italy since the Middle Ages. He was
bred by noble families such as the Medici and the Gonzaga;
dogs from their kennels were much sought after. So highly
prized was the breed they were deemed suitable gifts for
royalty, records show the Court of France was given chestnut
Bracchi as a gift in 1527. The breed became widespread during
the renaissance period when hunting feathered game was a
highly regarded and exclusive sport of the Italian aristocracy.
The late 19th early 20th century saw a decline in numbers
but due to the enthusiasm of breeder Ferdinand Delour de
Ferrabouc (1838-1913) the Bracco was saved from extinction,
he was also responsible for the first drafts of the breed
standard. The definitive breed standard was approved by
ENCI in February 1949 and nine months later, in November,
the Societa Amatori Bracco Italiano, SABI, was founded.
The
origins of the breed are unclear but it is believed to have
been developed from the Egyptian hound and the Mollosus or
Persian Mastiff. The white and orange is thought to originate
from the Piedmont region ‘Piedmontese Pointer’
and was a lighter smaller dog thus enabling it to work more
easily this mountainous region. The white and chestnut came
from the Lombardy region ‘Lombard Pointer’ and
was a heavier taller dog. Over time the two types were combined
to create a breed of more uniform size although you will still
see today dogs of a heavier and a lighter construction. The
Bracco can be found behind many of today’s gundogs.
Originally
the breed was used to drive birds into nets but as hunting
methods changed and with the development of guns the Bracco’s
working style has adapted. In 1937 the Working or ‘Pastrone’
Standard was drawn up, this standard describes beautifully
the physical and mental working style of the Bracco. It describes
the gait used predominantly during the hunt as ‘a trot,
long and brisk’, ‘a lively movement which covers
the ground well’. It also describes how ‘the hunt
is extremely diligent and enjoyed by the dog with it’s
tail carried horizontally or slightly lower, constantly moving
rhythmically from side to side’ and ‘the neck
should be a little extended in order to hold the head high,
nose angled acutely from the horizontal’. This description
could also transfer to the show ring, the Bracco movement
is powerful and ground covering, the head should naturally
be held above the topline.
For the Bracco scent is of prime importance and hunting is
a complex mental action, the thought process easily read in
his expression, this being typical of a trotting breed. During
the hunt the Bracco quarters at 100 metres or more and adjusts
his casts to reflect the conditions. The Pastrone Standard
again describes beautifully the Bracco on point ‘The
overall deportment of the dog is noble, imposing, alert but
calm, erect but slightly forward balanced. This also paints
a picture that can be transferred to the show ring; the Bracco
should have a calm but noble bearing.
The Bracco is a tenacious tracker being exceptionally good
at finding runners, his calm reflective nature is ideal for
working in all types of terrain and conditions. As with other
continental breeds he should, whilst working, maintain complete
contact with his handler.
As
a family dog the Bracco is calm gentle and loving but his
ancestry must be taken into account, the attributes which
make him an excellent gundog mean he has boundless energy
and an equally tireless brain. Training is essential and with
a temperament which combines stubbornness with sensitivity
this needs to be undertaken carefully and consistently. The
Bracco does not take harsh handling; he will switch off and
avoid the task which earned him the chastisement. He does
best in a country home with a job to do; ideally this would
be as a working gundog but other tasks which enable him to
use his intelligence such as falconry, agility or tracking
are equally beneficial. The Bracco, physically, is a gundog
with the head of a hound this heritage means he can disappear
on a scent and like a hound can turn a deaf ear to the recall.
Teaching the recall from the very beginning is of prime importance
but being a gundog he is eager to learn. Like most breeds
in the right understanding home the Bracco is the perfect
companion be it in the field or by your side on the sofa but
it is generally accepted that the breed is not ideal for the
first time owner.
Those wishing to learn more about the breed as a family companion
or as a working dog will find there is only one book on the
Bracco that is written in English, it is easily found on the
internet. The Bracco Italiano Society (www.bracco-italiano.co.uk)
is a good place to start your investigations they also hold
working and pointing tests, training days and seminars for
the breed.
-
Kim Parris
