When a dog breed becomes popular, especially in the United States, "back-yard" breeding and puppy mills often becomes a problem. Dogs can be bred without regard to correct breeding practices - the goal being high numbers of puppies for a higher profit, rather than fewer healthy puppies.  Dogs may be used for breeding even though they may have obvious signs of physical problems, such as skin disorders or hip dysphasia.

Since the Bracco Italiano is not yet a popular breed, back-yard breeding is not yet a problem. For that reason, the Bracco has fewer genetic disorders than many more popular breeds, such as the Golden and Labrador Retrievers, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the German Shepherd, just to name a few.  However, certain disorders do show up in individual dogs - and much thought should go into whether or not to breed a dog with any of these problems., since many are thought to be genetic in origin.  Here are the health problems most often seen in the Bracco Italiano.

Probably the best known orthopedic problems in the Italian Pointer are hip and elbow dysplasia, where the ball/socket joints gradually degenerate.  X-rays and certification should be done on any dog being considered for breeding.

Bloat, or gastric torsion, can occur in many large deep-chested breeds, such as the Doberman, German Shepherd and Bracco Italiano.  This problem can occur when the stomach, for unknown reasons, expands with gas, and turns over on itself, effectively shutting down the blood supply. This is a life-threatening condition, and immediate surgical correction is usually required.

Entropion (turned -in eyelids) and ectropion (turned-out eyelids) are not unusual in dogs with extra skin, such as the St. Bernard, Bassett Hound and Bracco Italiano.  These problems can vary in intensity, from a mild irritation to a serious problem requiring surgery.

Cherry-eye is a problem with the tear gland in the third eyelid, which can become swollen and displaced.  Surgical correction is often needed.

There are several types of hernias, but the one seen most often in the Bracco Italiano is the umbilical hernia, where the abdominal wall does not close at the area of the umbilical cord. Many smaller umbilical hernias will close over time - others will require surgical closure.

Bracco Italiano dogs have the perfect ear structure for infections - ears are long, "dropped" or hanging, and dark and moist.  At the very least, regular cleaning is a must - often, ear infections can occur in this environment.

According to several Italian Bracco breeders we've spoken with, skin problems, including allergic dermatitis and tumors among others, seem to be a typical Bracco problem.  We've heard, recently, of several Italian Pointers with allergic skin problems which seem to be corrected with a change of diet.