Belgian Tervuren vs Bracco Italiano
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Belgian Tervuren
Herding Group
Bracco Italiano
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Belgian Tervuren Overview
Belgian Tervuren dogs showcase elegant proportions with a proud carriage and alert expression. Their distinctive long, straight double coat features rich fawn to russet mahogany coloring with black overlay. Square-built and muscular, they possess a refined yet powerful frame, complemented by their characteristic black mask and erect triangular ears.
Bracco Italiano Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Bracco Italiano showcases a distinctive noble head, pendulous lips, and pronounced stop. Their muscular build combines with an elegant gait, featuring a characteristic extended trot. The short, dense coat comes in white with orange or chestnut markings. Alert eyes and long ears complement their intelligent, enthusiastic expression.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Belgian Tervurens are less energetic than Bracco Italianos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Belgian Tervurens require more grooming attention compared to Bracco Italianos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Belgian Tervurens tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bracco Italianos.
- Trainability: Bracco Italianos may be slightly easier to train due to their Bracco Italiano's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bracco Italianos adapt better to apartment living, while Belgian Tervurens typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Belgian Tervuren and Bracco Italiano, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Belgian Tervuren | Bracco Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Belgian Tervuren | Bracco Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 21-27 inches 53-69 cm |
| Weight | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg | 55-90 lbs 25-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Belgian Tervuren | Bracco Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Alert, Intelligent | Affectionate, Intelligent, Enthusiastic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Belgian Tervuren | Bracco Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Belgian Tervuren Temperament
The Belgian Tervuren is known for being courageous, alert, intelligent, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bracco Italiano Temperament
The Bracco Italiano is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, enthusiastic, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Belgian Tervuren and Bracco Italiano, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
Bracco Italiano
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
Bracco Italiano
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
Bracco Italiano
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 1/5
Bracco Italiano
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
Bracco Italiano
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Belgian Tervuren Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervurens require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Tervurens require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bracco Italiano Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bracco Italianos need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bracco Italianos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Belgian Tervuren Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
Bracco Italiano Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
Belgian Tervuren
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working dog
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and agile
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intensive grooming required
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
Bracco Italiano
Pros
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Affectionate family companion
- Intelligent and trainable
- Good with children
Cons
- Needs extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate drooling
- Regular grooming required
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Belgian Tervuren and Bracco Italiano, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.