Which is Better Between the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano?

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Bouvier des Flandres Versus Bracco Italiano: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Bouvier des Flandres and for the Bracco Italiano. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Bouvier des Flandres or the Bracco Italiano.

Bouvier des Flandres versus Bracco Italiano: Overview

Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are similar in size. The Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Bouvier des Flandres belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Bracco Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Bouvier des Flandres versus Bracco Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bouvier des Flandres to the Bracco Italiano based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano

Factor Bouvier des Flandres Bracco Italiano
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 26 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Weight 70 to 100 pounds 55 to 90 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1990 $2500
Price Range $1600 – $2500 $2500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Minimum age 18 months. The ABdFC recommends testing be repeated every two years until at least 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bouvier des Flandres in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Bracco Italiano. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Bouvier des Flandres is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Bouvier des Flandres is a better pet than the Bracco Italiano. So, you should get the Bouvier des Flandres!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano

    Below is a list of where the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are most different:

    • Bouvier des Flandress do not get along well with other dogs. However, Bracco Italianos get along well with other dogs.
    • Bouvier des Flandress require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.
    • Bouvier des Flandress have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Bracco Italianos have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano

    The Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are most similar:

    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are very playful.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    Size Comparison of Bouvier des Flandres versus Bracco Italiano

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano.

    Bouvier des Flandress weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Bouvier des Flandress are 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bouvier des Flandres versus Bracco Italiano

    The lifespan of Bouvier des Flandress is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bouvier des Flandress is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Bracco Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bracco Italianos is 12.0 years.

    Bracco Italianos live longer than Bouvier des Flandress.

    Price of Bouvier des Flandres versus Price of Bracco Italiano

    The average price of the Bouvier des Flandres puppy is $1990. The price of the Bouvier des Flandres typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 58 Bouvier des Flandres puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Bracco Italiano puppy is $2500. The price of the Bracco Italiano typically ranges from $2500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Bracco Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bracco Italiano is more expensive than the Bouvier des Flandres.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Bouvier des Flandres and Bracco Italiano. For different price points, the charts show how many Bouvier des Flandres puppies or how many Bracco Italiano puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bouvier des Flandress. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bouvier des Flandress. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bouvier des Flandres puppy or the Bracco Italiano puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Bouvier des Flandres versus Health Problems of Bracco Italiano

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Bracco Italiano is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Bouvier des Flandres.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bouvier des Flandres while 4 tests are recommended for the Bracco Italiano.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bouvier des Flandress and in Bracco Italianos.

    Bouvier des Flandres Health Problems

    Bouvier des Flandress are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bouvier des Flandres puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bouvier des Flandres puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bouvier des Flandres breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bouvier des Flandress for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Minimum age 18 months. The ABdFC recommends testing be repeated every two years until at least 8 years of age.
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bouvier des Flandress here.

    Bracco Italiano Health Problems

    Bracco Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bracco Italiano puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Bracco Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bracco Italiano breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Bracco Italianos for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bracco Italianos here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bouvier des Flandres versus Bracco Italiano

    Bouvier des Flandress do not like to be left alone.

    Bracco Italianos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Bouvier des Flandress shed more than Bracco Italianos?

    Bouvier des Flandress do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bouvier des Flandres or the Bracco Italiano

    Bouvier des Flandress do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bouvier des Flandres or the Bracco Italiano?

    Bouvier des Flandress require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bouvier des Flandres Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bracco Italiano?

    Bouvier des Flandress have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Bracco Italianos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Bouvier des Flandress Bark and Howl? What about Bracco Italianos?

    Bouvier des Flandress are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Bracco Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Bouvier des Flandress Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bouvier des Flandress can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bouvier des Flandres vs. Bracco Italiano

    Bouvier des Flandress do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Bracco Italianos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Bouvier des Flandress Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bouvier des Flandress cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Bracco Italianos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bouvier des Flandres or the Bracco Italiano?

    Bouvier des Flandress do not get along well with other dogs.

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bouvier des Flandress good family dogs? What about Bracco Italianos?

    Bouvier des Flandress are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Bracco Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bouvier des Flandress and Bracco Italianos?

    Bouvier des Flandress get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Bracco Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Bouvier des Flandres Easier to Train than the Bracco Italiano?

    Bouvier des Flandress are very easy to train.

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bouvier des Flandres Better for Apartment Owners than the Bracco Italiano?

    Bouvier des Flandress adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bouvier des Flandres or the Bracco Italiano?

    Bouvier des Flandress are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Bracco Italianos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bouvier des Flandres versus Bracco Italiano. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Bouvier des Flandres and the Bracco Italiano better suits you and your family.