The 2023 Westminster Dog Show Welcomes a New Breed

147th Westminster Dog Show Welcomes the Bracco Italiano

The 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan is just around the corner. And if that’s not enough to look forward to, here’s one more reason to be excited: the Bracco Italiano joins the competition in 2023. Newly eligible to compete in the Sporting Group, here is some insider knowledge about this powerful and versatile breed.

Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano, or “Italian Pointing Dog” in English, is often called the oldest European Pointer. Thought to have originated in the fourth or fifth century B.C., The Bracco Italiano was a well-established breed by the medieval period, where it was favored by the Italian Aristocracy and exported across the Old World.

Today, this docile, reliable, smart, and easy-to-train breed is cherished as a versatile hunting dog and family companion. A moderate-to high-energy breed, the Bracco Italiano requires daily physical and mental stimulation, which they can get through playing and training with their families (especially kids!), hunting, or dog sports like agility and obedience.

In addition to their strengths in the field and the home, the Bracco Italiano features a striking appearance. Their lean limbs and well-developed muscles reflect their athletic prowess, while their gentle expressions and floppy ears endear them to all ages. The Bracco Italiano requires minimal grooming due to their short coats, which can be all-white, white & orange, or white & chestnut. Overall, this breed is a mix of brains and brawn, loyalty and love. Watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan to see them in action!

About The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most well-known and prestigious dog shows in the world. Dig in to this extraordinary event that brings dog enthusiasts together to compete with – and cheer on – the best of each breed. And, discover when you can watch it all unfold in real time. Learn more about The Westminster Dog Show now.