The Bracco Italiano, as its name suggests, originated in Italy as far back as the 4th or 5th century B.C. This old breed is thought by many to mostly be a cross between the Asiatic Mastiff and the Segugio Italiano. For centuries these dogs were used to help track and retrieve during hunts, though over time they became popular house pets as well. Today there are two variations of the breed, the Lombard Pointer and the Piedmontese Pointer, respectively bred in Lombardy and Piedmont. The main difference between the two is that the Braccos from Piedmont tend to be lighter in color and frame than the Lombardy Braccos. Sadly, around the 19th century the breed nearly disappeared entirely, and very well might have had it not been for the dedicated work of several breeders during and after the world wars who made it their mission to preserve the breed into the future. Thanks to them, the Bracco Italiano has survived into modern day and in 1949, the Italian standard for the breed was finally drafted and released. Today these lovable family dogs can be found in homes all around the world with a fan base that continues to grow as more of these dogs find their way into the hearts of owners and breeders everywhere.