The dog was first introduced to the U.S. in the 1990s and there are now an estimated 700 to 800 Bracchi in the country today, according to Amanda Inman, president of the Bracco Italiano Club of America (BICA).

While the breed’s introduction to the U.S. was relatively recent, its history goes way back. The Bracco has been described as the oldest European pointer, with a lineage dating back to the fourth or fifth century B.C.

It’s thought that the breed was created when people in ancient times crossed a Segugio Italiano with an ancient Molosser-type dog, such as an Asiatic Mastiff.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), which welcomes the Bracco Italiano as its 200th fully recognized breed, this type of dog comes in three distinct colors: white, white and orange, and white and chestnut.

Dogs of this breed typically weigh 55-90 pounds and grow to heights of 21-27 inches, with a life expectancy of 10-14 years.

The AKC describe the Bracco Italiano as a “versatile gun dog” that is “gentle in the home and tireless the field.”

Gun dogs are hunting dogs that have been bred to assist in finding and retrieving game animals. This group includes the “pointing” breeds, as well as retrievers, and others.

According to the AKC, the Bracco has a powerful appearance, with lean limbs, well-developed muscles, and a sculpted head. In terms of personality, it’s reliable, intelligent, docile and easy to train, while being tough and adapted to all types of hunting.

While the exuberant breed can make a great family pet, they are primarily hunting dogs and will be best suited to an experienced handler rather than first-time owners.

“They require a firm, but gentle hand in training, and will run amok if not trained in basic obedience and recall from an early age,” Inman said in an AKC statement.

Longtime Bracco owner Ericka Dennis, a BICA member, said the breed wasn’t necessarily for everyone.

“This is a hunting dog and will always do best with a person or family who will hunt with them,” Dennis said. “They need regular exercise and mental stimulation, or they will find other outlets for their energy that are not always positive. Their happy times are when they’re in the field running after birds.”

If you are interested in the breed, it’s important to note that getting hold of a puppy in the United States can be a tricky business given that there are only around half a dozen, longtime, dedicated breeders. In addition, you may have to fork out anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000.