Alternative Breed Standard

The "Alternative" Bracco Breed Standard
by Dr Ros Roden

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  The Bracco Italiano is a hunting dog of Ancient Italian Origin.  He came over to the UK in 1988 on a Thomson Square Deal holiday - and decided to stay!  He's characterised by his ability to melt your heart with a gaze whilst simultaneously removing anything edible from your pocket.  In general he's more suited to a working environment - but he's also quite partial to the sofa!

HEAD:  Noble, dignified expression.  Certainly far too good for anything that's going on around him!  Head planes must diverge, although nobody seems to know quite where!

EARS:  Should be long enough to dangle in his dinner and water!

MOUTH:  Large enough to carry game and a sandwich at the same time!

NOSE:  Must be prominent with large nostrils - to enable him to drink and blow water all over the kitchen floor simultaneously!

BODY:  Well built and muscular - to enable him to get through any door which is mistakenly (of course!) closed against him!

HINDQUARTERS:  Females:  Should be slightly "saucy".  Tuck up should be frowned upon as opposed to "Tuck in" which Bracchi are exceptionally good at!

FEET:  Very large; certainly large enough to attract your attention when placed on your foot!

TAIL:  Medium length, but long enough to swipe any low lying expensive ornaments off occasional furniture!

COAT COLOUR:   Depends on where he/she's been in the last 24 hours!

GAIT/MOVEMENT:  Long loping extended trot - nearly always in the opposite direction to the one you're going in!  Has an amazing ability to change direction suddenly - defying any attempts to get him back on the lead!

SIZE:  Small enough (in his eyes!) to fit on your lap! - but large enough to deter other dogs without actually getting involved in any unpleasant "argy bargy".

MALES:  Should have two normal testicles fully descended, enjoy watching sports, going to the pub with their (male!) owners and lolling around the house looking really bored!!! (see Nico - left above)


FEMALES:  Should have a cheeky expression and expensive Italian tastes. (see Ruby - right)

FAULTS:  Any departure from the foregoing should not be considered a fault, it's entirely understandable and will certainly not stop you loving your Bracco!!!  Take it from those who know!!!!!!!!!!!