Any Bracco Italiano Owners?

[woodreaux]

Any Bracco Italiano owners on here? Our family will be looking for our next dog next fall/winter, and a Bracco is on the top of my list. We're coming from a bluetick that was mostly a house dog, and the top priority for our next dog is a family dog, too. We have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, and two cats. We loved our hound (passed in 2021), but he was of course stubborn at times. He was fantastic with our first born, but he was also in prime, lazy hound form by that time.

A Bracco outwardly gives us the 'hound' look we love, but ideally without some of the hound stubbornness. I hunt grouse several times per year without a dog, and I'd love to have a capable hunting dog along instead.

Any particular traits (desirable or not) we should be aware of? Any health/maintenance concerns outside the ordinary?

I've found a few kennels online that deal with Braccos primarily - any recommendations on where to look for a pup?

I've got a 5 year old bracco out of Whiskey Hills kennel in S Carolina. I hunt woodcock with her in the swamps of Louisiana primarily. I'm currently in the search for another puppy, with the hopes of eventually breeding if she is the right dog.

A few thoughts on braccos ("bracchi" in fancy Italian speak):
1. They aren't GSPs. If what you care about is a high-tuned hunting, pointing, retrieving machine, you are better off with a different breed at this point. from 2013 to 2023, there were 5 (five!) braccos that won prize 1 in the Utility Test, and only a handful (like 2 or 3) that won any prize at all at the UT level. In my experience, the bracco is probably more suited to pure upland hunting-- at least this is true for my girl-- since their water work and retrieving are not their strongest suits.
2. They aren't GSPs. I'm aware that there are GSPs in the world that are great hunting companions and great home companions (e.g. Tom Swezey's Enzo), but they are not the norm in my experience. The bracco is a calm, affectionate, playful, companion in the home-- in fact, my bracco is perhaps the best house dog I've ever owned. She gets a little obnxious at times when she wants to be pet, but I can live with a dog that really wants my attention. (and she doesn't lick like a lab)
3. A bracco is an outstanding hunting companion. Even with the above caveats, as long as you know what you are getting, depending on what you are looking for, I don't think there is a better dog than a bracco. They are beautiful to watch in the field and woods, and they have more prey drive than they know what to do with at times. I decided not to breed my current bracco, because she is a terrible retriever (despite quite a bit of training) and doesn't take naturally to water, but I'm not changing breeds any time soon.

And it's not a bad thing to have the best-looking dog in the field!

Here she is at about 8 months old:

 

[tam9492]

I've got a 5 year old bracco out of Whiskey Hills kennel in S Carolina. I hunt woodcock with her in the swamps of Louisiana primarily. I'm currently in the search for another puppy, with the hopes of eventually breeding if she is the right dog.

A few thoughts on braccos ("bracchi" in fancy Italian speak):
1. They aren't GSPs. If what you care about is a high-tuned hunting, pointing, retrieving machine, you are better off with a different breed at this point. from 2013 to 2023, there were 5 (five!) braccos that won prize 1 in the Utility Test, and only a handful (like 2 or 3) that won any prize at all at the UT level. In my experience, the bracco is probably more suited to pure upland hunting-- at least this is true for my girl-- since their water work and retrieving are not their strongest suits.
2. They aren't GSPs. I'm aware that there are GSPs in the world that are great hunting companions and great home companions (e.g. Tom Swezey's Enzo), but they are not the norm in my experience. The bracco is a calm, affectionate, playful, companion in the home-- in fact, my bracco is perhaps the best house dog I've ever owned. She gets a little obnxious at times when she wants to be pet, but I can live with a dog that really wants my attention. (and she doesn't lick like a lab)
3. A bracco is an outstanding hunting companion. Even with the above caveats, as long as you know what you are getting, depending on what you are looking for, I don't think there is a better dog than a bracco. They are beautiful to watch in the field and woods, and they have more prey drive than they know what to do with at times. I decided not to breed my current bracco, because she is a terrible retriever (despite quite a bit of training) and doesn't take naturally to water, but I'm not changing breeds any time soon.

And it's not a bad thing to have the best-looking dog in the field!

Here she is at about 8 months old:

View attachment 711938

Fantastic info!

 

[tam9492]

Getting to the point where we’re preparing to pull the trigger on reserving a pup from an upcoming litter. Anyone have direct contact info for Ron Boehme? Feel free to PM…

 

[revoked]

Getting to the point where we’re preparing to pull the trigger on reserving a pup from an upcoming litter. Anyone have direct contact info for Ron Boehme? Feel free to PM…

Dancing Duke Kennels - Michigan Bracco Italiano Breeders - Gun Dog Breeders

Dancing Duke Kennels - Michigan Bracco Italiano Breeders Puppies for sale listings from the best gun dog breeders, trainers and kennels.

www.gundogbreeders.com

 

[tam9492]

Dancing Duke Kennels - Michigan Bracco Italiano Breeders - Gun Dog Breeders

Dancing Duke Kennels - Michigan Bracco Italiano Breeders Puppies for sale listings from the best gun dog breeders, trainers and kennels.

www.gundogbreeders.com

Thanks - in touch with Ron.

 

[tam9492]

I have a lead on at least one upcoming litter, but any other leads are appreciated. Interested in established kennels or private owners(?).

 

[Mojave]

We had an Italiano Spinone. Similar dog with a rough coat.

She was nuts, too much for my father's house. I ended up taking her and she got hit by a car within a couple of weeks of being rehired to our family with young girls. She was happier for sure, but still an idiot.

 

[tam9492]

Had a breeding in February that didn’t take. Have another one in August that we’re hoping will work out. In the meantime, I’m open to other leads.

 

[PALlew86]

I'd suggest as other have and give Ron a call

 

[tam9492]

We finally have a deposit on a pup, and we'll be bringing him home in the near future! I've already talked to some trainers, and we'll likely send him out for a little to be formally trained by someone more capable than myself. As I mentioned, he'll be the family dog first and a hunting dog second, but I don't see why he can't be great at both. We'll primarily be hunting ruffed grouse.

We're really looking forward to having a dog in the house again, and I'm really excited to have Bracco! Any hot tips or resources for owning/training a hunting dog? Like most of you, I tend to do deep-dives into all of my hobbies...

 

[KurtR]

We finally have a deposit on a pup, and we'll be bringing him home in the near future! I've already talked to some trainers, and we'll likely send him out for a little to be formally trained by someone more capable than myself. As I mentioned, he'll be the family dog first and a hunting dog second, but I don't see why he can't be great at both. We'll primarily be hunting ruffed grouse.

We're really looking forward to having a dog in the house again, and I'm really excited to have Bracco! Any hot tips or resources for owning/training a hunting dog? Like most of you, I tend to do deep-dives into all of my hobbies...

If you are sending him to a trainer ask what they want done with him from when you get him home till you send him off. Ask the trainer to come out and watch every now and then and learn his process.

 

[AndrewMT34]

Echo what others have said, reach out to Ron Boehme to discuss Bracco's. He runs The Hunting Dog Podcast.

Highly recommend "How To Help Gun Dogs Train Themselves" by Joan Bailey.

 

[tam9492]

I’ve talked to Ron a few times since starting this journey - always willing to help.

Other book/video recommendations welcome!

 

[loganwayne]

I’ve talked to Ron a few times since starting this journey - always willing to help.

Other book/video recommendations welcome!

Since you said your looking at a trainer, find one and discuss with them. Some just want basic skills. Sit, stay, here. Some will want you to have already done bird intro. Its going to depend on their programs

 

[tam9492]

We brought our pup, Norman, home yesterday! Things changed quickly…

He’s doing really well acclimating, and he’s got a great personality so far. Couldn’t be more pleased.

He’ll go through obedience training this fall, and he’ll do a bird dog stay-and-train in the winter. If folks are interested in his progress or Braccos, I’ll keep updating.