Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bracco Italiano Versus Japanese Chin: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin? 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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin 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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin 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 Bracco Italiano and for the Japanese Chin. 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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin.

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

Bracco Italiano versus Japanese Chin: Overview

A very important difference between the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bracco Italiano is a large-sized dog while the Japanese Chin is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Japanese Chin belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Bracco Italiano versus Japanese Chin: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bracco Italiano to the Japanese Chin 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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin

Factor Bracco Italiano Japanese Chin
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 90 pounds 4 to 9 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $2500 $2110
Price Range $2500 – $2500 $1800 – $2425
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bracco Italiano 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 Japanese Chin. 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 Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Japanese Chin is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin

    Below is a list of where the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin are most different:

    • Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Japanese Chins adapt well to apartment living.
    • Bracco Italianos do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Japanese Chins do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Bracco Italianos require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Japanese Chins have low exercise needs.

    The Similarities Between the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin

    The Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin are most similar:

    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin 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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bracco Italiano versus Japanese Chin

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin.

    Bracco Italianos weigh 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Bracco Italianos are 22 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Japanese Chins weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Chins are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bracco Italiano versus Japanese Chin

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

    The lifespan of Japanese Chins is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Chins is 12.0 years.

    Price of Bracco Italiano versus Price of Japanese Chin

    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 reviewing the prices of 2 Bracco Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Japanese Chin puppy is $2110. The price of the Japanese Chin typically ranges from $1800 – $2425. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 32 Japanese Chin puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bracco Italiano is more expensive than the Japanese Chin.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bracco Italianos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins

    A breakdown of the prices of Japanese Chins

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bracco Italiano puppy or the Japanese Chin 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 Bracco Italiano versus Health Problems of Japanese Chin

    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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Bracco Italiano.

    4 health tests are recommended for Bracco Italiano while 4 tests are recommended for the Japanese Chin.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bracco Italianos and in Japanese Chins.

    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.

    Japanese Chin Health Problems

    Japanese Chins are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chin puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Japanese Chin 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 Japanese Chins for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination, minimum age 3 years
  • Gangliosidosis (GM2)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Japanese Chins here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bracco Italiano versus Japanese Chin

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

    Japanese Chins do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bracco Italianos shed more than Japanese Chins?

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Japanese Chins shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bracco Italiano or the Japanese Chin

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Japanese Chins do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bracco Italiano or the Japanese Chin?

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

    Japanese Chins are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Bracco Italiano Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Japanese Chin?

    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.

    Japanese Chins have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Bracco Italianos Bark and Howl? What about Japanese Chins?

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

    Japanese Chins bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Japanese Chins Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Japanese Chins can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bracco Italiano vs. Japanese Chin

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

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

    Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Japanese Chins Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Japanese Chins cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bracco Italiano or the Japanese Chin?

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Bracco Italianos good family dogs? What about Japanese Chins?

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

    Japanese Chins are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Bracco Italianos and Japanese Chins?

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

    Japanese Chins get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Easier to Train than the Japanese Chin?

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Japanese Chins are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Bracco Italiano Better for Apartment Owners than the Japanese Chin?

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Japanese Chins adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bracco Italiano or the Japanese Chin?

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

    Japanese Chins are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Bracco Italiano versus Japanese Chin. 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 Bracco Italiano and the Japanese Chin better suits you and your family.