Bracco Italiano vs English Pointer

Choosing between Bracco Italiano and English Pointer? They are a similar size, so the real deciding factors are lifestyle and temperament: English Pointer is the higher-energy of the two, while Bracco Italiano is happier with a calmer routine. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Bracco Italiano vs English Pointer: full comparison

TraitBracco ItalianoEnglish Pointer
SizeLargeLarge
Energy levelHighVery High
TrainabilityMediumHigh
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsLowLow
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingLowMedium
ProtectivenessLowLow
AdaptabilityMediumMedium
Typical lifespan12 years13 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Size and living space

The Bracco Italiano is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the English Pointer is a large and powerful breed 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 a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The English Pointer is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Bracco Italiano needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The English Pointer needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bracco Italiano is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The English Pointer is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Bracco Italiano shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas English Pointer shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bracco Italiano if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the English Pointer if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bracco Italiano or the English Pointer better for families with children?
Both the Bracco Italiano and the English Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bracco Italiano or the English Pointer?
The Bracco Italiano and English Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bracco Italiano or the English Pointer?
The English Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bracco Italiano or English Pointer bigger?
Bracco Italiano and English Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Bracco Italiano or English Pointer?
English Pointer tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bracco Italiano is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bracco Italiano or English Pointer?
For apartment or apartment living, Bracco Italiano has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

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