A sensible hunter with an Italian character - Bracco Italiano

Everyone is probably familiar with pictures of hunting, when men or women with guns run after dogs and, thanks to them, track down the game. For such events, special breeds of four-legged helpers are used, who have hunting and surveillance in their blood. Most hunting dogs are light and agile, but among them there are also special specimens that are distinguished by their prudence and leisurely work. This is exactly what the representatives of the Italian Bracque breed are.

• 2 Characteristics of Bracco Italiano
  2.1 Character and psyche of Braccos
• 2.2 Disadvantages and disqualifications

Maintenance and care

The Cane Corso dog breed is considered easy to care for.
A dog can feel comfortable both in an apartment and in a country house, but it is impossible to keep a freedom-loving animal on a chain. Puppies should be purchased from trusted breeders at the age of 1.5 months.

It is important to consider several points:

• The dog gets used to a certain territory. It is impossible to first accustom a dog to living in an apartment and then move it to a kennel - the animal will not understand why it was punished;
• The dog needs regular physical activity, training, walks in specialized areas, and jogging. This will take a lot of strength and energy from the owner. If dogs are not given the opportunity to release energy, they may begin to damage furniture and carpets in the house;
• Corsos are very sociable, so you can give them the opportunity to play with other dogs.

Dogs have short hair, but nevertheless, it is necessary to comb it with a stiff brush at least a couple of times a week, but better - every day. You should not wash it very often, as it gets dirty, most often - once every 3-4 months. But puppies should be accustomed to the procedure; it is almost impossible to subject an adult dog to water procedures for the first time.

Important! Corso does not have an undercoat, so there is a high risk of fleas or other skin parasites, so treatment is necessary in the summer. And don’t forget about regular ear cleaning, especially if they are cropped

If the dog takes long walks, the nails wear down on their own and do not need trimming.

And don’t forget about regular ear cleaning, especially if they are cropped. If the dog takes long walks, the nails wear down on their own and do not need trimming.

If the owner plans to take part in international exhibitions with his dog, it is not worth docking the ears and tail. But for Russian exhibitions and for using the Corso as a guard or a pet, docking is possible. This simple operation is performed at the age of 3-4 months. If the tail is not docked, there is a high risk of injury. Short ears give the dog a fighting and decisive appearance, but long ears are also quite appropriate and safe.

Important! The older the puppy, the more painful the docking procedure is for him. If the ears have not been cropped, they should be massaged for normal formation of the auricles

If the ears have not been cropped, they should be massaged for normal formation of the auricles.

Content Features

The Italian Bracca is better suited to country life and will be happy to live in a house with his family and spend a lot of time in the yard, but not completely alone. Brakk needs regular physical and mental exercise. Without the opportunity to take long walks and run freely in the field from time to time, he may become uncontrollable. He can easily tolerate short-term loneliness if he is given about an hour of time every day. The Italian Bracca is characterized by moderate drooling. More noticeable after drinking, eating or during excitement. Wool has a slight specific odor only when dirty.

If the Italian pointer is not used for its intended purpose, it is advisable to find a use for its hunting skills and talents in everyday life. A dog can be trained to point to anything, including lizards and butterflies. She will also enjoy searching and tracking tasks.

Care

In general, care is easy. The brakka is periodically combed with a special mitten for short-haired dogs. Bathed once every 2-3 months or less. Monitor the condition of your ears. Inspect weekly and clean when necessary. Claws normally wear down on their own

If this does not happen, it is important to trim them in time to maintain the correct paw position.

Standard

The appearance of Bracco Italiano can be described using the following standards:

• The body is harmoniously built, with pronounced muscles. Square format. In general, the dog looks powerful, but thin.
• The height at the withers can reach sixty-seven centimeters.
• The average weight is thirty-four kilograms.
• The head is quite wide, but proportional to the body and not large.
• The tip of the nose is quite large and slightly elongated. Depending on the color palette, the color of the lobe can range from soft pink to dark brown.
• The eyes are medium in size, narrowed oval in shape. The iris is colored in brown shades.
• The ears hang down on either side of the cheeks, clearly turned inward, longer than the lower jaw, but not by much, and the ends are rounded.
• The neck is not long, but quite thick. It has a small pendant.
• The back is strong, strong, muscular.
• The chest is wide and well developed.
• The paws are long and strong. Light colored claws.
• The tail is always docked in puppyhood and is not allowed to be longer than twenty-five centimeters.
• The coat is short but thick.
• The color is always white with brown or red markings.

Description of the breed

The modern Italian pointer is a hunting gun dog. She is distinguished by high speed, sweeping movements, and a powerful push. The dog is harmoniously built and has a strong athletic constitution.

In males, the height at the withers is 57-68 cm, in females - 54-62 cm. The weight in females is slightly lower - 25-37 kg, in males - 27-40 kg.

The Italian pointer has a developed chest and lean body

Care and education

When training, you should not treat the dog harshly or punish it without reason. Training should be built on patience and consistency; if the dog does not undergo early socialization, it may become too stubborn.

Brakk can live in a city apartment, but it is important not to forget about good physical activity - at least two walks for an hour. And if the dog lives in the countryside, then he will be happy to run through the forest

Caring for a dog's coat is quite simple. To remove dead hair, it is enough to brush the dog twice a week with a hard brush or rubber glove; you do not need to bathe too often, since these dogs do not get very dirty. The dog's long ears require special care; they need to be cleaned regularly using special products.

Nutrition

Italian Braccas are unpretentious eaters . They can eat both premium dry dog ​​food and natural products. If the dog eats natural food, then it is important that it is based on proteins - lean meats, boiled fish. The diet should also include:

• Milk and cottage cheese.
• Eggs.
• Vegetables, greens.
• Porridge (rice, wheat, oatmeal).

The dog must have constant access to drinking water. These dogs are quite gluttonous and if you do not watch the portions, the dog may suffer from obesity.

It is not advisable to feed table scraps, since salt and other spices and seasonings are contraindicated for the dog. Also, the diet should not contain:

• Sweets and pastries.
• Smoked and marinated dishes.
• Tubular bones.

Spinone diseases

The ancient hunting breed is, among other things, famous for its endurance and resistance to infections. Spinone will not get sick after swimming in icy water and can run a “marathon” of tens of kilometers without any health problems. The average lifespan of these dogs is ten years. But they also have a predisposition to certain diseases, as well as chronic problems that can make themselves felt in old age.

Despite the strongest immunity, spinones also get sick

The weakest point of the Spinone, like most cops, is its huge floppy ears. Without proper attention and care, inflammation can develop in the ear canals, which can lead to intractable chronic otitis media. You can’t treat this disease on your own, but you shouldn’t put off a visit to the vet either - otitis media doesn’t go away on its own.

However, the cause of this problem may well be not an infection, but a food allergy. Therefore, if you notice redness in your dog’s ears, immediately remove chicken and buckwheat from his diet - these products, oddly enough, can provoke the development of the disease. The same reaction can occur to unsuitable food - I have observed this with my dogs, although they belong to a completely different breed.

Floppy ears are the weak link in the health chain of the Italian Spinone.

Older spinones often suffer from joint diseases, so for prevention they are prescribed courses of chondroprotectors. These drugs will not interfere with the period of raising the puppy - but in any case, only a doctor should help you choose a supportive drug and write down a regimen for its administration specifically for your dog.

Among other diseases that, although rare, still occur in this breed, the following should be highlighted:

• cerebellar ataxia;
• cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy;
• gastric volvulus;
• idiopathic epilepsy;
• heart problems (in later life);
• panosteitis;
• hypothyroidism;
• various types of cancer (usually in old age).

How and what to feed the Italian pointer

The large and active Italian Pointer needs plenty of food and loves to eat a lot. Brakki that hunt and run a lot may even lose weight; in these cases, they need to be fed high-quality, high-calorie food.

On the contrary, a dog that doesn't exercise much should be fed carefully measured food to prevent him from becoming overweight. This can contribute to the development of joint problems such as hip dysplasia and diseases such as diabetes.

pros

• Great hunter
• Loving and devoted
• Suitable for all family members and pets
• Funny and cute
• Calm at home (with enough exercise)

Minuses

• Has a tendency to bark loudly
• Drooling
• Need a lot of exercise
• Preferred hunting lodge
• Bullying without enough exercise
• Rare breed

Story

Numerous discoveries by scientists confirm the assumption that the Braccos existed already in the sixth century BC. Most likely, they themselves are descendants of Mesopotamian Molossoids and Egyptian lauriers.

Such an ancient genus arouses respect and interest from dog handlers. Their activities have always been related to hunting. What can be found mentioned in historical monuments remaining from ancient settlements?

Not without the participation of the aristocratic high society, which became involved in hunting. In the Middle Ages and even later, hunting was one of the favorite pastimes of noble ladies and nobles. Among the breeders of our heroes are such famous families as Medici and Gonzaga. The price of the puppy was so high that there was no shame in presenting it as a gift to a wealthy person.

Italian pointers had the important ability to bring prey into their mouths without damaging it. The main purpose of hunting with the participation of Bracco was birds; falconry was especially fashionable for some time, in which our friends necessarily took part.

Previously, there were two varieties of cops, one originating from Lombardy, the other from Piedmont. They differed in slightly different structure and behavior while chasing prey. Since they grew up and were formed in the conditions of different areas, their skills differed according to this principle. For example, Piedmontese hounds were more agile, dexterous, lighter and able to move quickly across mountainous terrain.

In the eighteenth century, a club of lovers of Bracco Italiano was first formed. Popularity did not accompany our heroes for long, and a century later they were practically forgotten. Many different breeds of hunting dogs pushed the ancestors of the Italian family into the margins. The species was almost on the verge of extinction. Fortunately, an enthusiast and simply a lover of this wonderful dog, Ferdinando Deloru de Ferrabuco showed timely diligence and resumed breeding the national pride.

It was possible to save the breed from extinction, but that was not all. Achieving official status was not so easy. Ferninando was a very talented and energetic person. He managed to brilliantly combine several areas of his work. He was also an avid hunter, and participated in judging various canine exhibitions, worked as an editor in various magazines, and it was he who was the first to propose standardizing the Bracco and even made the first sketches.

The adoption of standards occurred much later than Delors planned, only in 1949. The breeder did not manage to live to see this festive event for him. Registration with the International Canine Federation took place seventeen years later in 1956.

Unfortunately, the world began to learn too late and slowly about the existence of such a wonderful species. Braques began to be imported to Great Britain only in the nineties of the last century. And at the beginning of our century they came to America. Cynological communities in different countries have not resisted the Italian charm; pointers are definitely of interest, but little is known about them. It should be noted that they have two victories in international exhibitions. But the dog began to be considered as a companion only in 2010.

History of the breed

The Italian Bracco (Bracco Italiano, Italian pointing dog) is one of the oldest breeds of pointing dogs that are designed for hunting game birds with a gun. The exact date of origin of the first Italian representatives is unknown, but scientists were able to trace the history back to the 4th–5th centuries. This breed was very popular in the Middle Ages, they were often used in hunting. At that time, there were two varieties: lighter dogs that worked well in mountainous areas, and large ones native to Northwestern Italy. Long years of crossbreeding have erased the differences, and today there is only one type of Italian Braccus.

The behavioral feature of Brackets, like all cops, is to freeze in a stance upon noticing game, waiting for the hunter.

The breed was recognized by the International Cynological Federation in 1956, and the first standard was created in the homeland of the Brackets back in 1949. That is, 7 years passed from the moment the breed characteristics were described to the official recognition, but how long the breed existed before the standard is not known for certain. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2000, and in the US club the breed is still classified as rare and unrecognized, but with the ability to perform at canine events.

Caring for your Italian Bracket

It is possible to keep an Italian Bracket in almost any conditions, but private country houses are still more preferable than city apartments. Do not forget that all cops have a pronounced hunting instinct, and therefore require a lot of active pastime. When purchasing a puppy, you need to be prepared for long walks - it is recommended to take the dog out to exercise 1-2 times a day, so that the total walking time is at least 3 hours

It’s also important to take care of the place where you’re walking – it’s better to go to a park or boarding area, where you can let the dog out to run around to its heart’s content.

In relation to other aspects of keeping, Italian cops are unpretentious

It is important for the owner to understand where exactly he will bring the pet - its rather large size can create inconvenience in small apartments. The content rules are simple:

Balanced diet

This is worth paying special attention to. Regardless of the type of food you choose (ready-made food or homemade fresh food), you need to take care of its quality and correct quantity

Hunting dogs should not be overfed. Firstly, excess weight is very harmful for them and has a bad effect on activity. Secondly, large portions before or after significant physical activity can cause gastric volvulus. There are no foods prohibited specifically for this breed; general restrictions apply (flour, sweets, onions, garlic, bones, raw fish, etc.). Grooming. There is no need to bathe Brackets often; it is enough to do this 3-4 times a year as they become dirty and if desired. Short-haired dogs are usually brushed with a rubber brush and it is also used to remove falling hairs during seasonal shedding.

To care for the short coat of Brackets, you will need a rubber brush.

Ear care. The breed has a specific ear shape, so you need to carefully monitor them: regularly inspect them, check for inflammation and injuries, and clean them from dirt. Training. Without daily exercise and honing their skills in the fresh air, Brackets often stop obeying their owner, showing stubbornness. Therefore, the basis for training such an animal is two basic rules - systematicity and gentleness. The breed requires a mandatory initial course of socialization and obedience.

Temperament and content characteristics.

Dogs of this breed can be kept both in a country or rural house, and in a city apartment. They do not cause much trouble to their owners, including when teaching standard commands.

The character of the Brack can be called emotional and friendly. They are distinguished by increased curiosity, a desire to be affectionate often, and gentleness. They can get used to strangers quite quickly if they are good friends of the owner or mistress. That is why representatives of the breed are hardly suitable for performing security functions.

Brakk considers himself a full member of the family where he lives. In essence, this is so, because this pet needs communication, almost always being where the owners are. He can become a wonderful friend and protector of children if there are any in the house. There is some stubbornness in the dog's character when it seems to him that people demand too much.

There are no special requirements for caring for a pet.

Experts recommend washing your dog once a week, paying attention to the ears. They must be thoroughly washed on the outside and cleaned on the inside. The reliability of Bracco Italiano representatives has been tested for centuries

If initially they were used in hunting game birds, then later they proved their versatility. In principle, you can take this dog to hunt any animal or bird. Tireless in pursuit, intelligent, able to choose the shortest and most effective path to the goal - these cops will never be out of place on the hunt.

The reliability of representatives of Bracco Italiano has been tested for centuries. If initially they were used in hunting game birds, then later they proved their versatility. In principle, you can take this dog to hunt any animal or bird. Tireless in pursuit, smart, able to choose the shortest and most effective path to the goal - these cops will never be out of place on the hunt.

Possessing excellent instincts, they tirelessly follow the blood trail. And in terms of endurance they surpass even shepherd dogs. A properly trained brakk can even deliver caught game into the hands of its owner.

Thus, representatives of the Bracco Italiano breed are best suited for keeping as a hunting dog. As for the location of detention (rural or urban conditions), there is not much difference.

Bergamasco Shepherd

Bergamo Shepherds are a revered Italian breed with ancient roots. The memorable appearance gave the breed worldwide fame. Representatives of the breed have a thick coat with abundant undercoat and long, stiff hairs that fall into surface strands.

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by an excellent, flexible character, becoming a good friend of the family, but are not at all suitable for living in an apartment. This is, firstly, due to its size; males at the withers reach 65 cm, and secondly, due to the fact that the breed needs constant physical activity and mental stimulation. By starting this Italian breed in a private home, you will get a good friend for your children to play together in the yard.

Alas, the famous breed is now not popular in the world, the interest of breeders in it is fading and the breed is approximately 600 dogs worldwide. This is not due to any physical or mental defect among the breed, but rather due to the general trend of declining interest in large dogs, which are difficult to keep in a modern city.

Choosing a puppy

The Bracco Italiano breed is very popular; anyone who is interested in cops and hunting probably knows about these dogs. It is simply impossible not to recognize the baby - even at a very young age he will look like his parents. The breed can be recognized by its large paws and long ears located on the sides. The puppy should not be overly aggressive or fearful; poise and calmness are typical traits. But reliable confirmation will be a document - an official pedigree, without which the dog’s belonging to specific roots can only be judged tentatively.

The Italian Bracque breed can be recognized even in small puppies

To purchase a puppy, you must contact a specialized nursery that specializes in this breed. You will have to spend money on a good representative, the average price tag is 800–1000 euros.

The average cost of Italian Bracco puppies is 1000 euros

Characteristics of the Bracco Italiano breed

The uniqueness of the Italian pointer (Bracco Italiano) not only among pointers, but also among dogs in general, is given by the extraordinary elegance of movements, a rare expression of high dignity and recognized classical morphology. There are often cases when this particular dog wins competitions for the title of the most beautiful breed, causing widespread admiration from the judges and confidently outperforming breeds that in other circumstances the general public always perceives only with a bang. The reason seems to be that this is a “higher” class breed, and among its best representatives, “classiness” is inherent in its very nature and is natural.

Like other pointers, the Italian pointer was used in the Middle Ages to catch birds with nets. Subsequently, the Italian pointer was transformed for rifle hunting, which allowed it to become the oldest pointer in Europe. In the 19th century, this breed was improved by crossing with the English Pointer, making it lighter and having a fairly fast search. The breed is divided into 2 types: - large Italian pointer with a height at the withers of 66 -70 cm and weighing 35 - 40 kg; - small Italian pointer is slimmer and faster, weighing 25 - 28 kg. In 1926, a single standard was developed for both types.

Dimensions

Height at withers: Between 55 and 67 cm. Preferred height: males - 58-67, females - 55-62 Weight: between 25 and 40 kg, depending on size.

Color

White. White with irregularly shaped spots of various sizes of orange or chestnut, more or less dark in color. On white there are speckles of orange or chestnut color, depending on the color of the spots. In combination with chestnut color, metallic shine is highly valued, and warm shades of chestnut color, reminiscent of the color of a monastic dress, are also preferred. A symmetrically colored mask on the front of the head is preferred, but no mask is acceptable.

Head

Angular and wide at the level of the brow ridges; its length is 4/10 of the height at the withers; the middle of its length is at the level of the line that connects the inner corners of the eyes. The upper longitudinal axes of the skull and muzzle diverge, i.e. if you extend the line from the highest point of the bridge of the nose, then it should come out at the level of the occipital protuberance, ideally in the middle of the height of the skull.

Paws

strong, slightly oval, arched, paw in a ball with large nails curving downwards. The nails are white, yellow or brown, or with small darker stripes, depending on the color of the coat. The paw pads are elastic and rounded.

Tail

Thick at the base, straight, slightly tapering towards the end. The hair on the tail is short. The dog holds its tail horizontally or almost so when it is in motion and especially when yawing (searching). It should be docked so that its length is 15-25 cm from the base. (Note: Due to the prohibition of docking of dogs in many countries, the tail is not docked.)

Grooming

easy to care for

Health

Bracco is generally in good health and dysplasia tests and eye exams are advisable for breeding.

Advantages

Despite the fact that Bracco, with the right upbringing, will literally “look you in the mouth” and fulfill any wishes within her power, you will always feel his individuality and aristocratic origin. It is this that dictates Bracco to be a little “harmful”, but..

only in order to once again draw attention to his person, and then, to the general applause, still fulfill the will of the owner. These Italians easily adapted to life in winter Russia, although they are not averse to sunbathing in the summer

They will be happy to join you on a picnic, including swimming and active games. Although, if the weather is not conducive to a long walk, then Bracco will support your desire to sit in front of the fireplace at home. This dog surprisingly combines laziness and tirelessness, openness and alertness, intelligence and beauty. Bracco can live both in the city and in a country house. She is not a security guard, but she is an excellent watchman, because... senses and hears everyone who approaches long before it occurs to them to look in the direction of your house. Features of behavior and character. Hardy and adaptable to any type of hunting and other types of dog activity, loyal to the owner, obedient and easy to train. Bracco will keep you company in any business, especially if you are not alien to the rules of etiquette. She will decorate your life in the truest sense of the word.

Description

The Italian Bracco (Bracco Italiano) or classic pointer, the Italian setter is a greyhound. Extremely high hunting qualities are perfectly combined with the role of a companion.

In hunting it is used both on land and on water, mainly for game birds, but it can also work on a blood trail.

Peculiarities

In the past, there were two varieties of this breed:

• 1
  Light white and orange braques originally from Piedmont, which were used for hunting in the mountains.
• 2
  Large build, white and chestnut color from Lombardy.

Due to intrabreeding, these differences gradually disappeared.

Interesting fact

In the appearance of the Bracco Italiano, the features of a basset hound and a bloodhound are clearly recognizable.

Distinctive features

Head

The head has a characteristic “sculpted” build, rectangular and narrow. The skull is convex in shape. The occipital protuberance is well developed with clearly visible brow ridges. When the animal moves, the head is held above the back line.

Teeth

The teeth are powerful and strong. The lips are wing-like, the upper ones droop. Scissor bite.

Ears

The ears are long, hanging type, curled into a tube.

Eyes

The eyes are almond-shaped. The color of the iris is brown or ocher.

Frame

Powerful, strong, muscular, square in shape but slender. The shoulder blades are long with a pronounced slope. Athletic withers. The back is strong and strong. The chest is quite deep, the ribs are curved.

Limbs

The legs are strong, the paws are oval-shaped, the claws are strong. The hind limbs have dewclaws, often double. The nature of the movement is an energetic, free and sweeping trot with strong pushes.

Wool

The coat is short, shiny, and has a thick, hard texture. The color is pure white or white with the inclusion of other shades: amber, chestnut and orange.

Character

The Italian Bracchi is the embodiment of remarkable strength with an endless waterfall of active energy, therefore it constantly needs long walks with physical and mental exercises. When they are deficient, the animal often becomes uncontrollable.

By their temperament, they are very kind, affectionate and curious dogs, but they are very emotional, which is why they are often scared.

They love and adore the owner. Extremely sensitive and vulnerable natures, therefore, cannot tolerate rough treatment, so a gentle approach is required in training.

They can be slightly stubborn, but are generally obedient and balanced students. They cannot stand prolonged loneliness and lack of attention, and always strive for communication.

They show friendliness and gentleness towards family members, and quickly get used to strangers. They treat children kindly and easily find a common language with them. Similar relationships exist with other pets, including cats.

Interesting fact

A distinctive breed characteristic of the Brakka is a constantly lively, excited expression.

Origin story

It is generally accepted that the classic pointer is a descendant of the Molosser and Egyptian baiting dogs that were brought to Europe during the early Middle Ages.

The dogs quickly became favorites among the royal court and Italian nobility. Subsequently, their popularity declined sharply, and by the end of the 18th century there were only a few representatives of Bracci in Italy.

• The revival of the breed began only at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, thanks to the efforts of the breeder Ferdinando Delora de Ferrabuco.
• Gradually the number of animals began to increase, and already in 1949 the National Canine Society of Italy registered a breed standard.
• In 1956, they were recognized as a separate breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Interesting fact

Bracci were present at the Gonzaga and Medici courts

Character

Dogs of the Cane Corso breed are distinguished by their friendliness, but they will obey only one owner, only from him will they accept commands and carry them out.

These dogs adore children and will gladly take on the role of a nanny, allowing the kids to play with them and without experiencing the slightest aggression.

He perfectly senses the mood of the owner and will never attack a guest or family friend.

The advantages of the breed are numerous:

kindness; unobtrusiveness, dogs will not try with all their might to attract the owner’s attention; calm, balanced disposition; tolerance towards children; aggressive only towards those who themselves show negativity towards the dog or its owners; gets along well with other pets, both other dogs and cats. does not pretend to be a leader, voluntarily yielding this role to the owner; do not bark in vain, barking can be heard only in cases when it is really necessary; very obedient and devoted animal.

However, having decided to have such a beautiful Italian as a pet, you should answer the question - will you be ready to walk a Corso dog for several hours every day, providing it with the necessary physical activity.

Also among the shortcomings is love for one owner, separation from whom the Corso experiences very acutely. Also, dogs of this breed shed throughout the year.

The average cost of puppies without a pedigree is 12-15 thousand rubles, but if you want to participate in exhibitions, the price of the pet will increase 3-4 times.

Content Features

The Italian Spinone tolerates hot weather well, but is not adapted to cold and frost, and therefore is not suitable for year-round keeping on the street. He has moderate drooling, shedding with regular brushing is weak, and the dog may snore during sleep. There is no strong “dog” smell; spinone has a specific “musky” smell.

Owners often have to pay attention to nutrition and joint health in adolescence and beyond.

The American Kennel Club has listed the Italian spinone as a dog that may be suitable for people with allergies.

The Italian Spinone is recommended for hunters or people who lead an active lifestyle. The dog needs moderate physical activity. Short runs, opportunities to explore smells, or extended periods of time in the yard will suffice. From time to time, the cop should definitely be given the opportunity to run wild in nature.

Care

Spinone Italiano care includes:

Combing 2-3 times a month; Trimming 2-3 times a year. Rare bathing; Weekly ear examination, cleaning as needed; Trimming the claws (normally they grind down on their own); Weekly teeth brushing is recommended; Eyes should remain clean and clear

It is important to ensure that hard hairs do not irritate the cornea; Regular vaccination and treatment against parasites.

The impact of industrialization on Bracco Italiano

Bracco Italiano began its rapid spread even before the invention of hunting weapons.
However, its international popularity has increased as and as a result of the development of the breed. Hunting weapons made hunting much cheaper and made it easier to hunt birds, especially those that built their homes on the ground. Game hunting was very popular, especially among the European upper classes. This type of hunting became even more in demand because Europe was rapidly developing, and birds require much less land area for their survival than most mammal species such as deer and wild boar. The development of weapons production meant that falcons and nets were no longer needed to capture game. However, the falcon and nets served as a way to capture birds and bring them to the hunter. The abandonment of their use meant that hunters needed to find and bring back dead birds. Bracco Italiano was most often used for bringing game, as well as for determining its location and flushing it. Over time, the breed has become one of the oldest (probably the oldest) all-purpose gun dog in the world. Such abilities were inherited by the descendants of the Italian Braccus, which may explain the popularity of versatile gundogs in continental Europe. Bracco Italiano eventually evolved into two unique species, each originating in a neighboring region of Northern Italy. The Piedmontese Pointer was a native of Piedmont, a mountainous region located in the far northwest of Italy. These dogs are said to have been lighter and slimmer than the Lombard Pointer, both of which are believed to have been bred from the highlands of their homeland. The Lombard Pointer originated in Lombardy, a populous and wealthy region of north-central Italy. Experts say the Lombard Pointer was darker and thicker than the Piedmontese Pointer. It is widely believed that the Piedmontese Pointer introduced the orange and white coloring into the modern Italian Braccus, while the Lombard Pointer introduced the brown and white coloring.

For many centuries, the territory of Italy was divided into hundreds of separate independent states, many of which were no larger than a single settlement. This situation created enormous instability and repeated foreign interference from outside. This meant that the Italian Bracca did not have a large unified kennel club to preserve and promote the breed. As in other countries, an increasing number of gun dogs were imported into Italy in the 19th century, mainly from Great Britain, France and Germany. Italian hunters began to favor these varieties while the stock of the native Bracco Italiano became increasingly scarce.

Interesting Facts

A lot of interesting things can be said about the Bracco Italiano, like any other breed:

1. In the past, the breed was divided into two varieties - Piedmontese and Lombardy. The first group included light dogs with white and orange fur, used for hunting in the mountains. The second group included large dogs with a white and chestnut color.
2. The Italian Braccus is a universal gunfighter that easily adapts to different types of hunting. With appropriate training, he can hunt small fur-bearing animals, look for large ungulates and work on a blood trail.

Italian Greyhound

The Little Italian Racer, also known as the Italian Greyhound, is the smallest of all greyhound breeds recognized today. At the adult stage, these dogs usually do not exceed 38 centimeters at the cross. They also reach an average body weight of 2.5 to 4 kg. However, their bodies have well-developed muscles, which allows them to reach great speeds while running. Did you know that this dog breed is also considered one of the 5 smallest dog breeds in the world?

Unfortunately, these small Italian Greyhounds were subjected to a process of selective breeding (dwarfism): mainly between the 19th and 20th centuries. This selective breeding was carried out for the sole purpose of producing smaller whips in order to distinguish them from other similar breeds...

This selective breeding has had a negative impact on the health and appearance of the Italian Greyhound. Such effects include: dwarfism, problems with reproduction and fertility, genetic defects, weak immune system and others. Currently, many professional breeders have dedicated their time and work to reverse these negative effects, attempting to restore this Italian dog breed to optimal health.

If you find this hound dog breed interesting, we recommend taking a look at our list of greyhound dogs.

Characteristics of the Italian cop

Character and training

The French Braque is known as an adroit hunter and faithful companion. Despite their outward indestructibility, representatives of the breed have a subtle mental organization and require a persistent, but very gentle approach to education. When trained, representatives of the breed are very responsive and capable, quickly learning new skills with the right motivation. From a very early age, the puppy becomes very attached to the owner and is ready to work to make the owner happy. If you structure the training and education process correctly and manage to remain a gentle but persistent trainer, by the age of six months your pet will have mastered the basic set of commands.

Even if you have purchased an adult dog, it is not too late to train it

It is important to wait a certain period until the pet comes out of a stressful state and begins to trust you. If you have other animals living in your home, you can rest assured that the French Braque will find a common language with them.

Please note that we are talking about a hunting breed, so it is advisable for such a dog not to live in the same house as potential prey.

Like all hunting breeds, the French Bracquet needs serious physical exercise, without which the character of the four-legged dog greatly “deteriorates.” The pet should be able to let off steam naturally, without screaming, pulling back or punishing

Do not wait until your ward starts chasing cats or running away from you, pay due attention to his activity. Despite its short coat, the French Bracket needs exercise all year round, regardless of the weather.

Pros and cons of the breed

Advantages of the Bracco Italiano dog:

• good hunter, able to work in swampy and rough terrain;
• Suitable for keeping in a family, does not show aggression towards other pets;
• distinguished by love and devotion to the owner;
• easy to care for;
• has good health and is hardy.

Disadvantages of the breed:

• To develop character, it needs education and training;
• the dog needs long daily walks;
• Italian cops eat sloppily, scattering food, and like to drool;
• the dog is not suitable for keeping in city apartments;
• Italian cops make poor home defenders.

Important! Despite the lack of aggressiveness, if the Italian Bracket sees a running cat, the hunting instinct awakens in him and he begins to chase.

Italian bracca diseases

Italian Braccas are for the most part strong and healthy animals, but the characteristics of their body and purpose create an increased risk of certain problems:

• Dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints. A large body on tall thin legs, increased activity, and even more so working with hunters in forest or mountainous areas - all this indicates a heavy load, and if the dog has a genetic predisposition, then the risk of dislocation of the head of the bone is very high. The development of the problem is indicated by stiffness in the pet’s movements, changes in its gait, and deformation of the limbs. A timely visit to the veterinarian will eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of the disease and neutralize the risk of immobilizing the dog. Both conservative and surgical treatment are allowed.
• Gastric volvulus is a consequence of increased activity after a heavy meal. A dog with this problem begins vomiting, bloating and pain. The only way out in such a situation is surgery.

There is one hereditary disease that is often found among Italian Braccos - von Willebrand disease, characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous bleeding due to a blood clotting disorder. The disease requires constant medication.

Health

Italian hounds are considered a healthy breed; centuries-old selection has given them quite strong immunity. On average, representatives of this breed live 12-13 years . However, they are predisposed to the following diseases:

• von Willebrandt disease,
• Dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints,
• Volvulus.

Don’t forget about the need to vaccinate your Italian Bracket, since no dog is immune from infectious diseases.

Spinone Italiano: a brief historical background

The history of the breed goes back more than two thousand years. During excavations in Pompeii, shards of pottery were discovered on which local residents depicted their favorite dogs, which were no different from modern spinones. The first written mentions of the ancestors of these hunting dogs appeared almost five hundred years BC; Xenophon Kounegetikos, Aristotle, Seneca and other worthy citizens wrote about them.

Where did the “bristly” (and this is precisely the meaning of the Italian word Spinoni) cops come to Roman territory? There is a version that from Greece, where, in turn, they were brought from the Slavic lands - it is quite possible that the Italian Spinone and the Russian Griffon have common roots, but these breeds followed different development paths.

The name spinoni, generally accepted throughout the world, is relevant only in the north of Italy, and in other regions dogs have their own names: restone, restolo, baffo, cravin

In the selection of the modern type of Spinone, as many canine scientists believe, various pointing dogs were used, in particular, the Korthals Griffon, other European Griffons and, alas, the now extinct Italian Segugio. The “Renaissance” of the breed dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century, when the popularity of Italian Griffons was very high. But the First and then the Second World Wars critically reduced their numbers - the breed was on the verge of extinction and was preserved only thanks to the enormous efforts of enthusiasts.

In 1955, the FCI finally approved the standard and breed status of the Italian Spinone. The so-called Union of Spinone Dogs in Italy today coordinates breeding work, monitoring matings and litter levels throughout the country. Here, on average, no more than a hundred puppies are born per year - the breed remains rare even in its homeland.

This is the only monument in the world dedicated not to an individual dog, but to an entire breed - the Italian Spinone.

Italians love their Spinone so much that they even erected a monument to this breed. The monument appeared on International Dog Day in northern Italy, in Polesina. The well-recognized image of spinone is embodied in a unique technique - it is welded from bullet casings and shell fragments left over from the First World War. When there was famine in a country at war, many people hunted with their dogs, thanks to which they saved the lives of themselves and their loved ones. On the pedestal of the monument there is an inscription: “To the fearless and devoted explorer of the Po Delta - the Italian Spinone. Dedicated to all Polesina hunting dogs.”

Walking, physical activity and rules of safe behavior on the street

The dog needs a long walk.
The Italian Bracque feels happy in the lap of nature. Here he can frolic to his heart's content and satisfy his hunting instincts. City residents who want to get a dog need to be prepared for the fact that the dog will need a daily walk of 2-3 hours, during which it will be able to expend excess physical energy.

In urban areas, the dog should be walked in parks or forest belts. The dog can become a companion when jogging and cycling. In public places, the Italian Bracca must be kept on a leash: the hunting nature of the breed can manifest itself in the form of wallowing on the remains of dead animals, chasing cats and birds.

Dog breed Italy: Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a Wednesday Italian water dog whose origins and name can be traced back to the region of Romagna, Italy. Historically they have been used and trained as water reclaimers. They have also worked successfully as truffle detectors.

Lagotto Romagnolo's most characteristic physical feature is its traditional dense, woolly and curly coat; ordinary water dogs. This Italian dog is an active and alert breed, with well-developed senses and an excellent vocation for work. Because these dogs have so much energy and are incredibly intelligent, this means that they also need to be constantly stimulated, both mentally and physically...

Content Features

Dogs of this breed can be kept in a house or city apartment without fear; they will feel quite comfortable in these conditions. The Lagotto Romagnolo has almost no shedding, and there are no odors either. Puppies do not create problems for their owners, do not spoil things, and raising them does not create difficulties.

They are able to withstand adverse weather conditions and be outside in a booth, but this will not leave the most pleasant imprint on the psyche

The fact is that they need attention and communication; the animal will begin to get bored and feel burdened by loneliness. This does not change the fact that he needs long walks and active physical activity.

These pets are not called water dogs for nothing. Water is their weakness; they can swim not only in summer, but also in spring and autumn. This factor will also need to be taken into account and pets will need to be provided with this opportunity. Mental exercise is also necessary; searching for objects, active games and activities would be an excellent option.

Dog breeds similar to wolves

Most often, people wonder what breed of dog is similar to a wolf after meeting a pet on the street that closely resembles a wild wolf. With this in mind, we will start our list with common breeds, and not with the extremely rare crosses between dogs and wolves.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky, photo by Irene Mei.

The name of the first wolf-like breed is the Siberian Husky. These dogs were originally used as sled dogs, but today they are mostly kept as pets. They are not suitable for the role of guard or service dogs because they are friendly and calm.

Siberian Huskies have a fairly thick coat with abundant undercoat; if you get such a pet, be prepared to comb out dead hairs during shedding (otherwise the whole house will be covered in them).

Siberian Husky - photo, character description, care and maintenance;

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute, photo by Tom.

What other breed of dog could be similar to a wolf if not the one that comes from it? Even the original color of the Alaskan Malamute is wolf gray. Unlike huskies, malamutes are larger, although there are two lines of them that differ in size and more.

Alaskan Malamutes have a good-natured character. These are smart and very active dogs, but they need training, otherwise the pet will consider itself, not you, to be the main person in the house.

Alaskan Malamute - photo, character description, care and maintenance.

Northern Inuit

Photo by Malfuros.

The correct name of the breed is Northern Inuit dog, but people most often call it simply Server Inuit. The breed was bred with the goal of creating a dog that looked like a wolf and met its physical parameters. The breeding process involved a German shepherd, a Siberian husky and several breeds of Inuit dogs.

As a pet, the Server Inuit is suitable only for experienced dog breeders, since representatives of the breed have a rather stubborn character and will be disobedient without good upbringing.

Organizing dog food

Corsos are large dogs, so you should provide them with a normal diet, first of all, including meat: raw beef or turkey, boiled meat. It is also necessary to give porridge: rice, oatmeal, buckwheat, eggs, dairy products, boiled carrots. The dog should always have access to clean water; instead of water, it is useful to periodically give calcium-rich whey.

Dogs should be given food rich in protein. If dry food is chosen, it must be premium. Adult dogs will enjoy eating beef tripe.

What can't you feed? There are several taboo foods for Cane Corso:

• smoked meats;
• chicken;
• raw fish and its offal;
• sweet;
• carbohydrate-rich foods.

You should not give Corso dogs drugs rich in calcium, they will negatively affect the animal’s joints.

Criteria for external parameters of Bracco Italiano

1. The head
   , combined with the muzzle, is long, angular and narrow. It shows the occipital part harmoniously.
2. The muzzle
   is perfectly long and fits perfectly with the rest of the head. The muzzle and top of the skull are not parallel, but appear at distinctly divergent angles. The guide line of the muzzle (bridge of the nose) goes down and is very high. She is almost as tall as she is long. The Italian Bracca's lips are one of its most distinctive features. The thin upper jowls are rather pendulous and form an inverted V-shape under the nose. The bite of strong teeth is scissor-shaped.
3. The nose
   is large, fleshy and colored brown, pink or flesh, depending on the color or coat of the dog.
4. eyes
   are large, oval, brown or dark, ocher, depending on the color of the dog's coat. The eyelids are loose, slightly drooping. The general expression of the eyes of the majority of breed specimens is gentle, imposing and submissive.
5. Ears
   - have long and soft cartilage. They descend closely along both sides of the head and cheekbones, forming peculiar folds.
6. The neck
   is of harmonious length, strong, with dewlap.
7. The body
   is moderately fit, strong and muscular with prominent withers. The volume of the chest 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 part of the body is moderately toned.
8. tail
   is almost always docked to 15–20 centimeters in length. However, this practice is falling out of use and is actually banned in some EU countries. The natural tail is thick, strong and slightly tapering, set high.
9. The forelimbs
   are of strong structure, strong, erect. The hind ones are slightly set back. The hips are sculpted and voluminous.
10. Paws
    - collected in a ball, fairly rounded with dense pads and strong claws.
11. coat
    is short, dense and glossy. The "coat" is distributed evenly over most of the body, but is shorter and thinner on the head, ears, limbs and paws.
12. The coloring
    of the braque does not represent a very large number of different color combinations. These dogs can be solid white, solid orange, chestnut, coffee, white and orange, and white and chestnut (brown) markings. A warm shade is acceptable for chestnut-colored dogs. Symmetrical muzzle markings are preferred for all members of the breed, but are also optional.