Liz
and Jonathan Shaw (Sentling) first introduced the Bracco Italiano
to this country in 1989. They, very sensibly, ensured the
breed was appreciated for its stylish and enthusiastic hunting
ability, its incredible nose, staunch point and enthusiastic
retrieve long before the show ring witnessed the magic that
is the Bracco. They laid the foundations for a steady growth
in numbers with an emphasis on quality not quantity. Sentling
Susanna is still the only Bracco to hold a studbook number;
this was achieved through field trial awards. It was eleven
years before another UK kennel produced a litter of Bracchi.
Today in 2006, 17 years on, 22 dogs have been imported to
the UK by 6 different kennels and 24 litters bred. An average
of 21 pups per year were born from ‘00 – ‘05.
Owning and running their own successful quarantine kennel
made importing dogs a little easier for the Shaws’.
Those first imports came from Italy and were the foundation
not only of Bracchi in the Sentling kennel but for many of
those involved in the breed today. In recent years the relaxation
of quarantine laws has inevitably made it a much simpler process
for non-kennel owners to import new stock. This has ensured
that today we have a good mix of bloodlines to choose from.
Latterly the imports have come mainly from Northern Europe,
Holland Denmark and Finland. From Holland Phil and Lynne March
brought from the Kennels of Marieke Hannaker Lord & Lady
del Campo di Diana and Divina del Campo di Diana who was Top
Import Register Brood Bitch all breeds 2005. Another Dutch
kennel to make an impression in the UK is Ala D’Oro.
Jaap Muller and Tina Steffens have been staunch supporters
of our efforts to learn about the Bracco and to improve our
stock. Jan Hayward took a bitch over to them late in 2002
and used their Int. Ch. Valentino di Ala D’oro. The
resulting litter made him top stud in the UK in 2004 and produced
the top bitch of 2005. Two dogs have also been imported from
their kennel, Isadora di Ala D’oro who produced a superb
litter of thirteen puppies for June Laing last summer and
Grosso Calabrone di Ala D’oro at Arkenpoint who is now
a Grandsire of UK bred puppies.
The relaxation of quarantine laws and the Pet Passport have
also made it possible for home grown dogs to travel. Overseas
competition is perhaps even more tempting with an Import register
breed, you can compete on an equal basis with all breeds as
well as meeting Bracchi from long established kennels. The
Import Register also sadly discourages Bracchi from coming
here to compete; the highest accolade of exhibiting at Crufts
is denied them. Several dogs carrying a UK affix have achieved
CACIBs and CACs, Jo Normans Heinaaron Gioia di Natale for
Gunstrux who was bred by Teija Kuusisto in Finland, Braccanza
Benedizione at Bonario bred by Jan Hayward and Sentling Acquaro
at Bonario bred by the Shaws amongst others.
The Show scene is probably the most popular discipline undertaken
by those who are active in the breed. Of the four gundogs
currently exhibited in Import Register classes the Bracco
generally has the highest entry and is also consistently well
placed. For a breed in its infancy in the UK quality is high
and if breeders continue to put quality before quantity and
look to the more experienced breeders overseas for advice
and guidance on the correct type and temperament this can
only continue. If the application currently with the KC for
full recognition were approved I imagine the interest in the
Bracco as a show dog will increase greatly. Care must be taken
to ensure this noble breed does not become exploited like
so many ’new’ breeds have in the past.
Although predominantly kept as companions first and foremost
the Bracco is a working dog. The Italians have a saying ”A
Bracco that doesn’t work is like a Ferrari with a Fiat
engine”. A dog in full flow around a good size ring
most definitely shows the drive, power and style of a Ferrari
(Did Enzo own a Bracco?) but its probably only in the field
that the incredible trot, true beauty and ability of the Bracco
can be fully appreciated. There are not many Bracchi competing
in working tests or field trials yet but a good many are working,
picking up, on local shoots and their skills are much appreciated.
Certainly there is much interest in them as a working dog
and those with the patience to understand and work with them
are well rewarded.
The Bracco is not the dog for everyone. He is highly intelligent
and quick to learn but that doesn’t always mean he will
do what you ask! They have a complex mix of sensitivity and
stubbornness that takes patience time and understanding. They,
unlike some breeds, cannot take harsh handling, any hard words
or rough treatment and you’ve lost them. For this reason
they are not ideal for a first time owner. Given time and
a little maturity there is not much a Bracco could not turn
a paw to. Dogs are competing and being placed in agility,
their strength and athleticism is ideal. The stylish trot
is much appreciated in heelwork to music. They are also participating
in obedience, working trials, falconry and as PAT dogs.
The general pet owning public are not as yet aware of the
Bracco. ‘Are they a Bloodhound or Basset cross’
is the usual comment. Ideally they are best suited to a country
home as they require plenty of free running exercise. They
relish family life and are generally non aggressive towards
other dogs. A good housedog they enjoy several hours on the
settee or your lap as much as several hours on the moors.
Todays custodians of the breed have much to live up to, a
breed that is written about in the fourth and fifth centuries
BC has a great history. Notables such as the Medici family
held them in high esteem. To remain true to their lineage
has to be our goal in the 21st century.
