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Background
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Another breed
that is of great interest to the Maursett Mob, the Bracco
Italiano is perhaps one of the oldest gundog breeds,
certainly in Europe.
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The breed traces
its history back to ancient hound stock (most likely as a
result of a cross between the Molussus and the Egyptian
Hound) and has been mentioned in writing as far back as
the fifth century B.C.
The
Bracco Italiano was on the Import Register with the Kennel
Club in London, but became a full breed within the Gundog
Group in 2008. with Challenge Certificates being
awarded for the very first time at Crufts 2015. Tony and
Maureen were both honoured to be amongst the first in the UK to
award CCs in the breed.
The breed has a relatively small,
but enthusiastic and growing following from both show and
working people in the UK.
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One
of the two native Italian breeds (the other being the Italian
Spinone), the breed belongs to the HPR (Hunt, Point &
Retrieve) Group and is actively promoted in Italian working
events these days.
Sadly, the breed nearly vanished during the early
part of the 20th century, but tremendous work by SABI (the
custodians of the breed in Italy) helped revive its cause and it
is now growing stronger every year.
The
Bracco is a true, sporting dog with a well developed brain and
is not, therefore, suitable for homes where his hunting ability
is allowed to go to waste.
This is definitely a breed that needs
to work, being a strong and powerful animal, combined with a
friendly nature and the need to please.
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Tony
awarded Best in Show at the Bracco Italiano
Society's Open Show to Harrison's Shaneco
Daniele de Rossi ShCM |
Like
so many other members of the HPR group, the Bracco needs careful
training. It is all too easy for such an intelligent dog
to go "deaf" and do his own thing; on the other hand, they
can often teach their handlers a thing or two! Gentle,
but firm, is the key to success with training this breed - you
are unlikely to come across a breed which gets more upset at
criticism and chastisement than the Bracco Italiano.
With
their distinctive movement and undoubted natural hunting skills,
the Bracco Italiano is sure to have a good future in Europe.
Very loyal, and with an amazing memory for people they like,
they are a fun breed to live with.
This
is no ordinary dog; it is highly intelligent and needs owners
who recognise its natural need for companionship, exercise and
brainwork. If you merely want a lapdog, look elsewhere - if you
want a lapdog that also works for a living, this is one for
you!
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2014
Bracco
Italiano Society
Open Show
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Maureen judged the 2014 Bracco Italiano
Open Show at the Kennel Club Buildings in Stoneleigh.
Pictured are, left to right: Best in Show - Towns & Lay's Towns
Altea de Arte Venandi, Reserve Best in Show Maddox & Bell's Birs
Venator D'Ursus at Owlspoint, Best Opposite Sex & Best Dog
Bowley's Gunsyn Albarari
Do
please click on the link to see some of our photographs from the
SABI 50th Anniversary
Show at Casteggio, near Milan, in
1999:
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