It looks like a bloodhound mix, but it’s a Bracco Italiano, the latest breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Like the pointer, one of the first breeds to be recognized by the AKC back in the late 1800s, the well-muscled Bracco likes to hunt. This is not a dog whose favorite pastime will be cuddling on the couch with you while you watch TV. A 55- to 90-pound Bracco needs some serious daily exercise.
The breed also doesn’t make the best dog for owners who expect their pets to just go with the flow. While intelligent and loving, it requires a firm, experienced hand in training from a very young age.
The new breed comes in either white, white and orange, or white and chestnut. There are about 700 to 800 of them in the U.S. to date.
