People say that this dog is one of the classic and ancient pointers, selected mainly in the northern regions of this peninsula. The breed has been present since the middle age and became widespread in the Renaissance period. The nobility held it in very high regard. In fact, feathered game hunting was exclusive to the aristocracy. The Gonzaga and Medici families bred them; the puppies born in those kennels were sought out by nobles and royal families.
This dog of ancient Italian origin used for bird hunting has modeled itself and developed over the ages; from the hunting of yesteryear by means of nets, he has adapted himself to the present hunting and shooting. Frescoes from the 14th century are proof of the indisputable timelessness of the Italian pointer over the centuries, whether either regarding his morphology or his aptitudes at hunting as a pointer. It is thought that the white-and-orange variety originated in Piedmont.
The white-and-orange variety from Piedmont was lighter in construction than the white-and-brown type from Lombardy. The white-orange dog from Piedmont was, because of his lighter construction, better to use in the mountains. The breeders have used those two types of dogs to a uniform combination that we now consider the Italian pointer (which is what Bracco Italiano means in English).
On February 19, 1949 the definitive standard was developed by the Italian Kennel Club (ENCI). This standard allows the heavy type and the lighter type.
