The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is used as a working gun dog in his home country of Slovakia. While he may look like his cousin the Weimaraner in terms of color and shape, his harsh wirehaired coat sets him apart. The coat is easy to care for and requires little effort to keep up with. This is a healthy breed that rarely inherits health problems. Although hip dysplasia and idiopathic epilepsy are occasionally seen, it is uncommon.

The Slovakian is considered easy to train as he is amenable to learning new things and loves to please! A combination of smarts and energy make him a great choice for performance events, but be aware that he can get bored easily. Keep training sessions short and interesting, and make sure to mix it up to keep him on his toes. While sessions should be primarily fun (after all, he does have a sensitive nature), don’t skimp on rule enforcement! The breed does require proper boundaries and firm, yet fair corrections for bad behavior. Young puppies should also be crate trained early and taught how to cope when owners aren’t around – the breed is known for developing separation anxiety.

Slovakian Wirehairs are frequently upbeat and happy, with an outgoing nature towards everyone they meet (provided they have been socialized properly). They are the life of the party – not only in terms of their sparkling personalities but also in terms of their vigorous and lively natures. Young dogs and dogs who haven’t been given enough training may be prone to knocking people and objects over – be forewarned! With their owners, Slovakians are extremely loyal, affectionate and tend to develop deep bonds. They are good with other dogs as well as children, although small humans or canines can get unintentionally injured from their exuberance. Keep this in mind before adding the breed to a family that has one or the other. Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer Austin

Like most gun dogs, the Slovakian does require a lot of exercise and particularly enjoys having regular outdoor adventures with his owner. The high exercise requirement is probably the single-most “fault” of the breed for the majority of homes – it is difficult for all but the most active families to give them the amount that they need. This gun dog not only needs to lots and lots of physical exercise, but mental as well. They do best in homes that can give them a full-time job such as regular hunt outings, but also do well with people that compete in events such as agility and/or obedience. When these needs are met, they can be fairly calm and well-behaved in the home. When the needs are not met… they can be destructive.

Slovakian Wirehairs do best in larger homes with property because of their high energy levels. Because they also have a strong hunting instinct, a fenced yard is a must to keep them from pursuing prey. While some will just stand and point at the animal rather than running off, others will race towards it and off the property. For obvious reasons, they are not recommended for apartment life.

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog

The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog is not the same breed as the Australian Cattle Dog, although he may look very similar. The stumpy tail (which is natural and not docked) is the easiest way to tell him apart from his cousin, however the breeds also differ in other ways both physically as well as temperamentally. The two breeds developed separately from the same ancestors, although the Stumpy is thought to have been developed first. This is a highly trainable, yet free-spirited herding breed that knows how to make his owner laugh.

The Stumpy is alert, attentive and extremely active, needing frequent, regular exercise as well as a job to do which can keep him busy. Not a great fit for an apartment, this breed requires a fenced area to run daily, in addition to activities and training routines with his owner. Hiking with a backpack, working with cattle, and/or very long jogs are the types of activities which work best for this high-stamina breed. In fact, some say that this breed is even more energetic than a Border Collie… which means very few people are able to actually give the breed the amount of exercise and work that it needs.

The Australian Stumpy tends to be easy to train for experienced owners (he’s more of a challenge for novices as he gets bored easily). He is a natural problem solver by nature, and without training, can get into all sorts of trouble. When given training – an owner can harness that power and use it for good rather than bad! The breed can do very well in all manner of dog competitions including obedience, flyball, frisbee, agility, conformation, tracking and herding. Some do Search and Rescue work. They love to work and enjoy challenges. This said, they can tend to be dominant and must be owned by those who will make and enforce rules. Otherwise, they will run the household themselves, leading to all number of problems including extreme destructiveness and nonstop barking.

Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs do make good watchdogs since they will alert their owners to strangers at the door. Once they are introduced to a new person, they are standoff-ish which may or may not change as they get to know the person. If someone was to break in, many members of the breed make very capable guard dogs and will not hesitate to defend their household. It is vital to socialize Stumpy puppies extensively while young because, without this important step, they may grow into extremely wary or even aggressive adults.

Stumpies are good with kids (as long as they have been raised with them) and can make good pets in the right homes… however the right home can be hard to come across because of their vast requirement for exercise. This breed can be very obedient, trustworthy and loyal. Keep in mind that this herding breed may try to nip at the heels of humans, so use discretion with very young children (or people who would rather not have their heels nipped at!).

There are a few health concerns in the Australian Stumpy including deafness, so puppy buyers should make sure to research a breeder carefully. All breeds and mix breeds can have health issues, but responsible breeders will health test their dogs in order to minimize the chances. Most members of the breed are very healthy and hardy, however, even having a high-than-average tolerance for heat than most other breeds of dog. The average lifespan of these dogs is 14-15 years, with some living as long as 18 years! In general, the Stumpy is an easy breed to take care of and doesn’t require very much grooming. Furthermore, their medium size makes them easier to transport while still having enough size to satisfy those who like a bigger dog.

As Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs were created almost exclusively as a working breed, they haven’t been bred to be a “typical pet” and may have a few traits to get used to. For example, they don’t always get along with other dogs (although may be ok if raised with them from puppy-hood). Some are also not safe around cats or other small pets. Furthermore, these are independent-minded dogs who won’t fawn over their humans in the same way that a Lab might. They enjoy being in the same room as their families but aren’t overly affectionate. As mentioned above, the single biggest difference between a Stumpy and “the average dog” is the fact that they require an almost inexhaustible amount of exercise and mental stimulation. This alone makes them very difficult to own for the average person.

Photo By Wendy Hodges

The American Leopard Hound

The American Leopard Hound is one of the oldest treeing breeds in the United States, although he is still considered rare both in this country and in others. This is an active breed with a strong hunting instinct and an even stronger nose. He hunts a variety of game, not only raccoons but also squirrel, bobcats and even bears! Because of this, he tends to be brave and won’t back down easily. He has a friendly nature and gets along well with everyone, although does possess a protective nature, especially towards children in his family.

American Leopards can make a good dog for a novice owner provided the owner is very active. They get along well with other dogs and people of all ages, are low-maintenance and low shedding, and surprisingly easy to train for a scenthound. A higher than average prey drive and higher than average energy level does mean that they can’t be owned by just any person, however – whether novice or experienced. A home with a cats, for example, may be riskier with this hunting dog. As with any breed, it is important to make sure your lifestyle fits that of the breed you are interested in!

The often spotted or marbled coat pattern is one of the recognizing features of the American Leopard, however he actually comes in a wide array of colors and patterns! Along with nine different colors acceptable, he can come in either solid, leopard or brindle patterns. A majority of dogs are actually solid colored, which means one can’t count on identifying the breed by “wild markings” alone. Eyes may be dark or blue… or one of each! The coat is always short and double-coated.

The Leopard has a long lifespan for his large size, often living from 12-15 years old. This is a very durable breed, able to withstand both hot and cold temperatures with relative ease (provided he has been allowed to get accustomed to it). Health issues are rare in the breed, with the exception of dogs bred from two leopard-patterned (merle) parents. Merles should never be bred together, as these litters often produce puppies that are blind or deaf. Run far away from any breeder that utilizes this practice!

Leopard Hounds are not couch potatoes and do require extensive exercise! They are known for their stamina and do better with higher impact activities than just a simple walk around the block once a day. Take advantage of their natural agility and get them into a variety of different exercise routines! Because of their high energy level, they do not make good pets for those who live in apartments. Ideally, most would love a home with a hunter, especially if it involves a large property but they can get by living in a neighborhood with a nice backyard. Most importantly, they need a job to do that satisfies them both physically as well as mentally.

American Leopard Hounds are clever dogs that are generally very easy to train. They greatly enjoy pleasing their masters! This said, as with all scenthounds, they can get easily distracted by interesting smells and must have a good foundation of obedience. Teaching “watch me” and other focus-on-me games will help to teach the dog to tune his attention to you when distractions get strong.

Some Leopards tend to bark a lot, especially if something has caught their eye (or their nose). Barking when people arrive at the door is common, at which point they’ll assess whether they consider the person a threat or not. The bark itself tends to sound very intimidating and will scare away most would-be intruders. While friendly with welcomed guests, they can become protective if they feel the stranger is threatening their family.

The Broholmer

The Broholmer is a molosser (Mastiff-type) breed from Denmark, originally bred to guard estates and cattle, as well as doing a bit of herding duty when needed. Devoted to his owner and friendly to those he meets, this giant breed has a confident and stable nature. While guarding was one of their original purposes, today most are too friendly to be serious guard dogs. Although they will bark… many want nothing more than to love and be loved by strangers that enter the home. This said, their giant size is almost always enough of a deterrent for most would-be intruders! The Broholmer tends to get along well with children as well as the elderly, and will defend a beloved family member if absolutely necessary (if it’s an actual, absolute threat – they prefer not to drop their friendly nature unless it’s unavoidable).

Some are surprised to learn that the Broholmer is actually an incredibly affectionate dog who prefers to spend his time as close to his owner as possible – even if that means turning himself into a lap dog! This may also make him more prone to separation anxiety. He is more openly affectionate than other molosser breeds and is also more social to strangers. Many Broholmers make excellent therapy dogs! Another surprising difference – despite his giant frame, he is actually quite athletic and is able to participate in all sorts of physical activities. One last trait that sets him apart from other similar breeds is his ability to get along with other dogs. Although he may need supervision around smaller breeds, he has less dog-aggressive tendencies than many molossers.

Broholmers don’t require very much grooming and therefore are very easy upkeep. They also rarely drool and keep themselves fairly clean. In terms of exercise, although they are able to keep up with almost any type of physical activity (even including hiking and camping) they don’t actually need very much exercise to keep them happy and calm in the house. A walk every day is highly recommended, however, especially for dogs that don’t live with a fenced backyard. Lastly, although they have a somewhat short lifespan (8-9 years is average), they are generally quite healthy throughout their lives with few health issues seen in the breed.

The Broholmer usually does very well with obedience training, although he often requires an owner who stays firm and doesn’t budge on the rules. He is intelligent but can be stubborn when he wants to be. Although he isn’t known for being aggressive, all giant breeds must be socialized early and given boundaries. An owner must train with confidence and respect! Make sure to keep sessions short, and vary the order of the commands in each training session to keep the dog on his toes.

The Drentsche Patrijshond

The Drentsche Patrijshond (also known as the Dutch Partridge Dog) is one of the rarest pointing breeds in North America but known for being an excellent family dog, farm dog and hunting dog. This Dutch pointer does everything with enthusiasm and happiness and is incredibly versatile. Loved by hunters for his versatility and family for his loving and extra-devoted nature, the breed would be much more popular if he was more well-known. Many owners have commented on the breed’s hyper-awareness of their feelings and emotions, almost as if the dog has a better understanding of their emotions than they do!

Like most hunting breeds, the Drent is active and needs plenty of regular exercise, even when the weather is bad! Along with a daily walk, he should be given at least an hour of free running. Jogging and hiking are other great activities which he much appreciates. Without it, he may become destructive and difficult to live with. Along with physical exercise, the breed also requires mental stimulation in the form of training or other thinking activities, as well as spending lots of quality time with his owner or family. This social breed does not make a good kennel dog since he loves people too much.

The Drentsche Patrijhond is usually reserved towards strangers until he gets to know them, and will bark when unfamiliar people come to the door. This is not a guard dog, rather a “reporting an arrival” dog. The breed gets along well with children, both from the family as well as visiting children, as long as he has been raised with and socialized to them. They also tend to get along well with other dogs.

The Drentsche is soft-tempered and doesn’t do well with harsh training methods. All dogs need to be treated fairly but this breed requires extra thought in this department! Although very intelligent, he can be stubborn at times and can get bored when training is too repetitive. When training is fun and upbeat, he is usually very responsive as he really enjoys pleasing his owner. This pointing breed loves all sorts of activities and, once trained, is happy to engage in dog sports such as hunting, agility, tracking, bikejoring… even sledding and skijoring! As a breed, he tends to think for himself and may try to put his own spin on things – patience and a sense of humor are good attributes for an owner to have! This is especially true for younger members of the breed.

The Patrijshond has a very high prey drive and will likely spend a lot of his free time searching out small animals while outside. First-time owners are often surprised when their gentle Drent turns into a hunting fanatic in the backyard! While most members of the breed can live with a cat, they should be raised from puppy-hood with that cat so they can learn that chasing is off limits. Some may still chase a cat indoors from time to time, however (and most will chase that same cat when outside).

The medium-length coat of the Drent is a single coat, yet is prone to shedding heavily twice per year. Owners will need to invest in several grooming tools to keep the coat in good condition, as well as setting aside time each week to keep up with the coat during these shedding seasons. During the times that the dog isn’t actively losing a lot of coat, grooming won’t need to happen as frequently but the weekly session can still help keep the coat in tip-top shape!

Photo By Eric Broeksma

The Portuguese Pointer

The Portuguese Pointer is a lively and enthusiastic hunting dog with a loving personality and can make a great companion in the right home. This ancient breed originated on the Iberian Peninsula and was originally only owned by royals. His original task was working with falconers (a task he still does today in Portugal)! In the 19th century the population of the breed began a decline but efforts were made to keep the lines alive. Today they are a rare breed here in America but cherished by those who know and own them.

The Portuguese Pointer is very active and should only be kept by those willing and able to meet his exercise needs. The breed has a ton of endurance and is very hardy – they don’t like taking breaks and prefer to spend plenty of time outdoors. Owners who are able to provide this will be rewarded with a wonderful friend for many years to come (they are fairly long-lived, with lifespans averaging 13-14 years). When given regular exercise, they tend to be calm and easy in the home. Without this exercise, they can become very destructive – prospective owners must seriously consider if they are up for the task!

It should come as no surprise that the Portuguese Pointer loves hunting and is often happiest in a home with a hunter. If this isn’t an option, however, he can be given other jobs to do that will stimulate his mind. The worst home for this breed is one in which he not given enough to do or enough time spent with his humans. Known to have separation anxiety, he does best with owners who are frequently home and ready to engage in many active adventures with the dog!

This medium-sized breed is very loyal and devoted to his family or master – almost to the extreme. Once a Portuguese Pointer is part of the family, he takes his role as “family dog” very seriously. While social with people and very good with kids, Portuguese Pointers love to play and can be entertained with a game of ball for hours! Most are also very good with other dogs and pets, although they may or may not be as playful with fellow canines than they are with humans.

Portuguese Pointers are quite clever and tend to be easy to train since they were bred to work with people. They naturally like to work close to their owners. The breed doesn’t tend to need hard corrections, and a “softer touch” is usually required to keep them from shutting down. Once trained, they are very reliable dogs to work with. Because of their hunting drive, they may get distracted doing obedience outside while birds and other animals move about so plenty of proofing in those situations is recommended!

Portuguese Pointers don’t require very much grooming, but a good brushing is always appreciated! This is in addition to dental and nail care, and ear cleaning (the regular routines for most dogs). Because their coat tends to repel dirt, they don’t need frequent bathing. Along with the perk of easy grooming, the breed also enjoys very good health for the most part, with no health problems seen on a frequent basis (although responsible breeders still screen for certain disorders to keep the breed healthy).

Portuguese Pointers can make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert when someone arrives. While brave, they are not great guard dogs as they are far too social and people-loving to actually be threatening. When there is nothing around to bark at, they are fairly quiet. While some people may think their quiet nature would make them great apartment dogs, those people should think again! The Portuguese Pointer is not the most adaptable of dogs and does require a fair amount of space. Apartment-dwellers will have a hard time giving this breed the physical exercise that they need.

Photo by Afonso Silva

The Italian Hound

The Italian Hound (AKA Segugio Italiano) is a scenthound with a clever mind and a love for hunting. He is gentle, easygoing and sociable even with strangers, making a great companion for people both young and old. He is fairly calm in the house, although will not hesitate to take chase if he catches an enticing scent! The breed’s affectionate and loyal nature has earned him many fans around the world, although he is rare in most places except his home country of Italy. The breed comes in two coat types: wire haired and smooth. Both are easy to take care of and low-shed, just requiring a quick brushing a couple times a week and occasional baths. Wire haired dogs have been noted to be slightly more aloof than their smooth coated brethren.

Italian Hounds do need daily exercise and enjoy long walks, although this should also be combined with plenty of free-running time. They need to stretch their legs and run on a very regular basis – these fast dogs are capable of racing for miles before getting tired. They also greatly benefit from obedience and other dog activities to keep their minds and bodies sharp. Many do well in multi-dog situations, either in the home or in public, although they are less trustworthy around smaller animals whom they might see as prey. This means they love to exercise during doggy play dates but are not the best choice to let off leash in a place filled with wild animals.

Because of their generally mild nature, Italian Hounds can live in apartments as long as they get taken out frequently. Those who don’t get enough exercise can become destructive, and this goes doubly so for apartment-dwellers. Don’t mistake their calmness for being low-energy, they are in fact a fairly high-energy breed that will be easygoing in the home only as long as they are given regular outlets!

When it comes to training, Italian Hounds tend to learn quickly and are very eager to please! Outside under heavy distraction, however, they become more difficult to train. Running animals or strong scents can quickly turn their “learning brain” off and their “hunting brain” on! The breed does best with a trainer who has a calm and confident demeanor and who helps build up the hound’s confidence as they train. Make sure to stay consistent!

Italian Hounds aren’t big on barking… instead they make unusual, high-pitched sounds when they want to talk. They’ll make these sounds to alert when people come to the door, making them good watchdogs (even if they aren’t guard dogs by any means). Many love to hear the sound of their own voices, which means the breed can be a bit vocal. Between the frequency with which they bark and the high-pitched tone that they do it… this may be a deal-breaker for some owners (and neighbors).

The Italian Hound is a very healthy dog for the most part, with chronic ear infections the only problem that can occur frequently – and this normally has more to do with a lack of ear hygiene on the part of the owner! Long-eared dogs are more prone to getting dirt and debris trapped in the ear, which can lead to an infection if not cleaned weekly. Otherwise this medium-sized hound tends to live 12-13 years with no health issues.

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a biddable and alert little companion dog with a ton of vigor and spunk! This “big dog in a small body” loves to be given a job to do and is happiest when he has a task to perform. Farmdogs were general purpose dogs and needed to perform a lot of different functions. Originally he was used for a slew of different purposes – everything from herding livestock, alerting when people came on the property, killing rodents, accompanying the hunter for dinner, and finally coming home and filling the role of family companion.

The DSF is fairly easy to take care of, with a smooth easy-to-care-for coat. Although they will bark to alert when a stranger comes to the door, the DSF is not a noisy dog. They do have a fair bit of energy, however, and require daily exercise as well as a regular job. A good-sized walk a day, plus a training session of some sort, should be the minimum. Despite their “do it all” attitude, most owners appreciate the fact that the dogs can relax at home after a long day of activities. As long as these dogs have enough physical and mental exercise, they are fairly well behaved in the house. If their needs aren’t met, however, they can become destructive.

DSFs do ok in apartments or small homes as long as the owner takes them out and give them activities to occupy their minds. Active families or individuals are the best matches for this breed, while lazy or rarely-at-home people should look elsewhere. Take note, however, that the breed is slow-maturing and may retain puppy characteristics for longer than average. If living in an apartment, double check your pet deposit stipulations! Patience is key with young Farmdogs!

Farmdogs are intelligent and take very well to training. Although a rare breed in this country, they are eligible to compete in dog sports such as barn hunt, herding, nosework, rally, open show conformation, agility, flyball, lure coursing, obedience and tracking. They also are occasionally seen participating as therapy dogs, in earthdog trials (to rat out rats) and even used to be seen as circus performers! Whatever type of training an owner wants to provide, they should make sure that it is fun, fair and firm. Go ahead and give plenty of positive reinforcement and excitement, but hold firm on the rules once the dog has learned the command!

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs tend to be very good and playful with kids, and also get along well with other dogs and pets. Cats and livestock aren’t often a problem either, although small pocket pets probably shouldn’t be trusted alone with breed. Overall, this is a very friendly dog without sharpness or random aggression. Despite his terrier-like appearance, the breed is actually more closely related to the pinscher breeds and doesn’t have the scrappy terrier temperament one might expect. Farmdogs enjoy making their owners laugh and often have great senses of humor. Don’t understand how a dog can have a sense of humor? Spend some time around a DSF and find out!

Danish-Swedish Farmdogs do have a bit of prey drive and can be enthusiastic diggers – most likely left over from their ratting days. The prey drive also means that they are likely to chase any cats or squirrels they see wandering outside. Keeping them on a leash or behind a fence when outside is highly recommended, especially if they haven’t yet been given obedience training.

Photo By Danish-swedish farmdog

The Pyrenean Mastiff

The Pyrenean Mastiff is friendly to those whom he knows and trusts, although protective of his family. This intelligent molosser breed from Spain is a silent guardian and working breed who watches and protects when necessary. Originally tasked with protecting flocks of sheep in harsh climates, he is brave enough to take down large predators such as wolves if necessary. Oftentimes, only four or five Pyreneans would protect flocks of up to a thousand sheep! This is one of the oldest and most primitive of the Livestock Guardian Dogs. Although they have a similar name, the Pyrenean Mastiff is not the same breed as the Great Pyrenees although the two breeds are related. Along with the Spanish Mastiff, all three breeds developed in a similar area and were used for comparable tasks.

Pyreneans are obedient when trained although do require an owner who upholds firm household rules. Without any rules they may try to push boundaries – a obvious problem for such a giant breed. For this reason they are recommended for experienced owners only. Obedience training is non-negotiable and must be taught. As an independent thinker, training doesn’t come as natural to them as other breeds created to work with people so they will need to be motivated to work! Use plenty of praise and positive reinforcement and start early while they are still small.

Pyrenean Mastiffs have few health issues (hip dysplasia and bloat are seen occasionally) and live fairly long compared to other giant breeds – 10-13 years. This massive breed does require exercise although puppies shouldn’t be walked long distances. They need time for their bodies to get used to the routine and joints need to finish forming. Do take note, however, that even healthy Pyreneans tend to drool fairly excessively and shed heavily twice a year. They do require regular grooming. The thick double coat needs to be brushed every few days and nails must be trimmed regularly – including dewclaws. They don’t need frequent bathing although should be washed when necessary.

Temperamentally, Pyreneans are laid-back and calm. They tend to be reliable and steadfast companions who get along with other pets (even small ones) and children alike. They also don’t tend to mind being left alone or suffer from separation anxiety in general. Fearful and phobic Pyreneans aren’t common as long as they have been socialized (and socialization is extra important for livestock guardian breeds – so make sure to put the time in!). For the most part this is an easy-going breed with a gentle and affectionate nature. Unlike many other Livestock Guardian Dogs, the Pyrenean Mastiff isn’t nearly as suspicious of strangers who enter the home… as long as they are welcomed by the family. They will take fast action if actual danger or a home intrusion takes place, however!

Pyrenean Mastiffs who live in high-traffic areas tend to be louder-than-average dogs since they were bred to bark a warning at anyone entering their territory. Although teaching a quiet command is very possible, it is likely that they will need that command frequently as a reminder. It can be hard to train one to stop completely since it is so ingrained in their makeup. Those that live in more remote or quiet atmospheres are much quieter, however. The breed is also more likely to resource-guard than other breeds, meaning they might become possessive of food or toys. They should be taught the “leave it” and “drop it” skills early in life. It is helpful for all Pyrenean puppies to learn these 3 commands while young.

Be aware that the giant Pyrenean does require a lot of food and is therefore more expensive to keep than a smaller breed. He also fares best in a larger home, ideally with a yard. He was originally bred for traveling with the flock and, while not a super active fellow, does expect to stretch his legs often. A ranch or farm would be ideal, although a large home could suffice. This is a breed best kept by those who can afford to take care of him properly.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

The Bracco Italiano

Not only is the Bracco Italiano a clever and animated breed with a loving personality, but he is also one of the oldest pointing breeds. This Italian pointer is fantastic in the field and gentle in the home. He doesn’t tend to be overly rambunctious (unless out hunting) and can make a reliable companion and friend. Furthermore, he requires very little grooming aside from occasional brushing, baths and regular ear cleanings – the long ears are very prone to collecting dirt.

Bracci tend to be intelligent and easy to train – albeit sensitive, as long as the trainer is patient. As they tend to have an independent streak and distractable nature (they follow their nose frequently), a trainer must be strict about holding up rules while still keeping things interesting and fair. Bracci also tend to mature slowly, oftentimes taking up to three years before fully developed. This is worth noting when working with these dogs as they may retain puppy-ish behavior for longer than other breeds! They tend to love to please, so as long as things remain positive and fun they will have a good time! The breed needs a job to do, and obedience can serve as one of these jobs. Hunting is another great option, although other dog sports can be substituted if the owner isn’t a hunter.

The Bracco Italiano does have a ton of energy and requires plenty of exercise – more so than many breeds. A prospective owner must make sure they have time to dedicate not only to exercise daily, but also additional time for mental stimulation as well. This hunting breed does not make a good couch potato and instead must work, run, play and learn on a regular basis. Without these things they can become fairly bored and destructive – and the mental stimulation is often even more important than physical, so regular training is non-negotiable! One exercise caveat – while they are still young, this heavy-boned breed shouldn’t be over-exercised. When it comes to large puppies such as the Bracco, still-forming joints can be damaged by too much repeated or high-impact activity.

All purebred and mixed breeds can suffer from health issues throughout their lives, but with purebred dogs it is more likely to know what health conditions might happen. Issues that are more commonly seen in the Bracco include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye problems such as entropian, ectropian and cherry eye. Responsible breeders seek to minimize the risk of these problems in their litters as much as possible. Make sure to buy a puppy from a breeder who does health tests and understands their lines! When healthy, many Bracci live around 11-12 years.

While many have been captivated by this breed, there are several shortcomings that must be examined before acquiring a Bracco Italiano. First, as might be imagined from their droopy jowls, the Bracco is a drooler! Second, big dogs require big pocketbooks when it comes to care. Both dog food and vet bills are much higher than with smaller breeds! Finally, this is a very social dog who does best when there is a person around the house most of the day. They don’t like to be left to themselves on a regular basis.

The Bracco tends to love children and gets along just fine with them in a household, often due to their gentle nature. In fact, aggression of any sort is not typical of this breed whatsoever. While they make poor guard dogs, some will alert to danger. This hunting breed also gets along with other dogs and pets – although smaller pets such as cats may need to be supervised around the more prey-driven members of the breed.