Pointing gundog Large size 25-40 kg

Italian Pointer

A gentle, soulful Bracco Italiano with a steady working style - affectionate and trainable, but a large gundog that needs a real daily outlet.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
25-40 kg, 55-67 cm
High
Activity
High stamina; needs a long daily run or hike
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Bonds closely; dislikes long hours alone
Easy
Trainability
Willing and quick with consistency
Low
Coat care
Short coat; weekly brush and shed control
Good
Fit with kids
Good with kids given supervision
Good
Other pets
Pack-social; usually fine with other dogs
Light
Health burden
Hips, ears, and eyes to watch

The Italian Pointer typically weighs 25-40 kg, stands 55-67 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a large, affectionate gundog with a gentle nature,
you hike, run, or train regularly and can bring the dog along,
you like a trainable, biddable working breed,
someone is home for most of the day.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would be alone 6 or more hours regularly,
you want a small or low-energy dog,
you dislike a large dog that leans, drools a little, and wants closeness,
you cannot give a daily physical and mental outlet.

A typical day with a Italian Pointer

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    45-60 min run, hike, or field work
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest near you after exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Walk with sniffing and short training
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Downtime, chew, calm indoors
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk or a training session
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A worked dog settles calmly by the family

Temperament and training

Trainability High
Gentleness Very high
Energy High
Attachment to people Very high
Sensitivity High
Independence Low
Common owner mistakes
Leaving a deeply bonded dog alone for long workdays · Underestimating the exercise a large gundog needs · Harsh corrections with a sensitive, soft breed

Family and environment

Kids Good
Gentle and patient; supervise around small kids given its size.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Pointing drive; best raised with cats early.
Apartment Poor
Large and active; a flat is a hard fit.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but does not replace exercise.
City Manages
Workable with committed daily activity.
Countryside Ideal
Space and fieldwork suit this gundog best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip and elbow dysplasia Screen breeding stock; manage weight and joint load
Chronic ear infections Long drop ears need regular cleaning
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested build; learn the emergency signs
Entropion Eyelid rolls inward; may need minor surgery

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Fellow gentle Italian gundog
Italian Spinone
A patient, affectionate wirehaired gun dog that suits active families - the trade-off is a slow, deliberate learning pace and a beard that drips water everywhere.
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More driven versatile pointer
German Short Haired Pointer
A versatile, athletic gundog that shines with a very active owner, but it needs serious daily exercise and company or it grows restless and destructive.
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Classic short-coated pointing breed
Pointer
A tireless field pointer that thrives on daily running and birdwork - poorly suited to a quiet apartment or a sedentary owner.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does an Italian Pointer cost?
The Bracco Italiano is still uncommon in the US, so expect a waitlist and limited litters. Puppies from health-tested breeders commonly run about $1,500-$3,000. Over a 12-14 year life, food, and routine vet care for a large dog typically add $15,000-$25,000 or more, before any major health issue.
Is the Bracco Italiano a good family dog?
Yes. It is known for a gentle, affectionate, people-focused temperament and does well with children and other dogs. The main considerations are its size and its need for real daily exercise, not its temperament.
How much exercise does it need?
Plenty. This is a working pointing dog bred for long days in the field, so plan for an hour or more of genuine activity daily, ideally with room to run and use its nose. A bored, underexercised Bracco can become restless and destructive.
Do Italian Pointers drool?
Some. Their loose lips and jowls mean a bit of drool, especially around food and water, though usually less than heavy mastiff-type breeds. If you strongly dislike any drool, this may not be the breed for you.