Is the Bracco Italiano or the Curly-Coated Retriever better for families with children?

The Bracco Italiano tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Bracco Italiano or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

The Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Bracco Italiano or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Bracco Italiano or Curly-Coated Retriever bigger?

Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Bracco Italiano or Curly-Coated Retriever?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Bracco Italiano or Curly-Coated Retriever?

For apartment or apartment living, Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Bracco Italiano vs Curly-Coated Retriever: Better With Kids?

Bracco Italiano vs Curly-Coated Retriever: full comparison

Trait	Bracco Italiano	Curly-Coated Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Bracco Italiano is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bracco Italiano needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Curly-Coated Retriever needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bracco Italiano needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Curly-Coated Retriever needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bracco Italiano picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Curly-Coated Retriever picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, speaks up only now and then and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Bracco Italiano shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Curly-Coated Retriever announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Bracco Italiano has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Bracco Italiano has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bracco Italiano if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Curly-Coated Retriever if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bracco Italiano or the Curly-Coated Retriever better for families with children?: The Bracco Italiano tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Bracco Italiano or the Curly-Coated Retriever?: The Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bracco Italiano or the Curly-Coated Retriever?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bracco Italiano or Curly-Coated Retriever bigger?: Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bracco Italiano or Curly-Coated Retriever?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Bracco Italiano or Curly-Coated Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, Bracco Italiano and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Bracco Italiano vs Curly-Coated Retriever