Bracco Italiano
Lifestyle Needs
The Bracco Italiano is large, strong hunting dog who needs good training and plenty of opportunity to follow his hunting instincts. Ideally he needs plenty of space in natural surroundings but he enjoys home comforts too. His owner needs to have plenty of energy and time for the regular exercise that a Bracco needs. As a short coated breed the Bracco’s grooming needs are not excessive but his coat should be checked after outdoor excursions in the open countryside.
Genetic Diversity
(Known as Coefficient of Inbreeding: 'COI'. It should be as low as possible.)
The UK Kennel Club breed average COI is 3.0% - See 'A Beginners Guide to COI'
Gene Pool Size
(Known as Effective Population Size: 'EPS')
TBC
EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.
Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation
(Body shape and physical characteristics)
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) (Bloat/torsion)
- Loose folds of skin around the face and neck can lead to skin infections and eye problems
BVA/KC Health Schemes: www.bva.co.uk/chs
- Hip dysplasia breed 5 year mean score 12.2 (parents should be lower)
- Elbow dysplasia score ideally 0:0
- Eye testing
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) : No EBVs are currently available for this breed
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-ebvs
DNA Tests Available
DogWellNet and IPFD Harmonisation of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
www.dogwellnet.com/breeds
None known
Availability of a DNA test does not mean that it is always necessary or even desirable for breeders to use this test.
Other Breed-Specific Health Screening Schemes
- Kidney function test for Amyloidosis.
Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.
Other Diseases Reported
(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)
The Bracco is a relatively new breed in this country and its health problems are not fully documented.
- Kidney disease (Amyloidosis)
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Cherry eye
- Eye disease: Glaucoma and Primary lens luxation (PLL)
Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.
Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.
You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP): www.puppycontract.org.uk
The breeder should also be familiar with the CFSG/DBRG Code of Practice for Dog Breeding