Bracco Italiano’s ears are long, low, and hang close to the head in soft folds. This shape comes from the breed’s long history as a hunting dog. The folded ears helped push smells toward the nose while the dog worked in the field.

But this same shape also blocks air from moving inside the ear. It also traps moisture. Because of this, Bracco Italiano’s ears are more prone to infections than those of dogs with short or upright ears. This is why cleaning and checking them often is so important.

What Makes Bracco Italiano’s Ears Unique?

The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest pointing breeds in Europe, with origins dating back to the 4th or 5th century BC in Italy. That long history has shaped every part of the dog, including those distinctive ears. They hang low and close to the cheeks, with a soft, velvety texture that sets them apart from most other gundog breeds.

What really makes them stand out is how they work together with the breed’s overall head structure. The long neck and slightly wrinkled skin around the face and ears give the Bracco a distinguished, almost aristocratic appearance. But functionally, these ears are designed to gather scent particles from low ground and direct them toward the nose, a real advantage in the field.

Ear Shape, Size, and Breed Standard

According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the official international canine organisation that sets the Bracco Italiano breed standard, the ears should be long, with the leather reaching the tip of the nose when drawn forward. They sit low on the skull and should be soft, thin, and covered with fine hair.

The table below summarises the key ear specifications as described in the official breed standard.

Why Bracco Italiano Has Long, Droopy Ears

The drooping shape of the Bracco’s ears isn’t an accident of domestication; it’s a feature that developed alongside the breed’s hunting role. Long, pendulous ears create a kind of funnel effect when the dog has its nose to the ground. They help stir up and channel air currents, pushing scent upward toward the nose.

This is a trait shared by many scent-driven hunting breeds, from Bloodhounds to Basset Hounds. In the Bracco Italiano’s case, the ears work together with its broad, open nostrils and long muzzle to create one of the most efficient scenting systems among pointing breeds.

How Their Ears Support Their Hunting Instincts

The Bracco Italiano was historically used for both pointing and retrieving in dense Italian terrain. During a hunt, the dog works with its nose close to the ground, and the long ear flaps act almost like blinkers, helping focus the dog’s attention while physically funnelling scent toward the nose.

Beyond scent, the ears also play a role in communication. Like most dogs, the Bracco uses ear position to signal alertness, curiosity, or submission. When on a scent trail, the ears droop lower and press closer to the face, a subtle but clear signal that the dog is locked onto something.

Common Ear Problems in Bracco Italiano

Long, floppy ears create a warm, dark, and poorly ventilated environment inside the ear canal, which is exactly the kind of place bacteria and yeast like to grow. As a result, Braccos are more prone to ear infections than upright-eared breeds.

The table below outlines the most common ear conditions seen in Bracco Italiano dogs, along with their typical causes.

Keep Your Bracco Italiano’s Ears Healthy: Read more in Bracco Italiano Ear Infections No One Warns You About.

Ear mites are less common in adult dogs but still worth knowing about, especially if your Bracco has contact with cats or other dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that recurring ear infections in dogs can sometimes signal an underlying allergy or hormonal issue, and persistent cases should always be investigated further by a vet.

Signs of Healthy vs. Unhealthy Ears

Healthy Bracco Italiano’s ears should be pale pink inside, odour-free, and free of visible discharge or wax buildup. The dog should show no signs of discomfort when the ears are gently touched. Unhealthy ears often smell musty or sour, may appear red or inflamed, and the dog might shake its head or scratch frequently.

Here’s a quick reference for what you’re looking for during routine ear checks.

• Healthy: pale pink skin inside the ear canal, no odour, minimal light-coloured wax
• Healthy: dog is relaxed and comfortable when ears are handled
• Unhealthy: dark brown or black discharge, strong or musty smell
• Unhealthy: redness, swelling, or heat around the ear opening
• Unhealthy: frequent head shaking, tilting the head, or pawing at one ear

How to Clean Bracco Italiano’s Ears Properly

Cleaning Bracco Italiano’s ears correctly makes a real difference in preventing infections. The key is using the right product and avoiding the temptation to probe too deep into the canal.

• Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution; never use water, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol
• Gently lift the ear flap and apply enough solution to fill the canal without overfilling
• Massage the base of the ear for about 30 seconds to loosen debris
• Let the dog shake its head; this moves loosened wax up toward the opening
• Wipe away visible debris from the outer canal using a clean cotton ball or gauze pad
• Never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal; this can push debris deeper and damage the eardrum
• Dry the outer ear thoroughly after cleaning, especially after water exposure

For dogs that swim regularly or live in humid climates, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) advises drying the ear canals after every water exposure as a primary prevention step against recurring otitis externa.

Tips to Keep Bracco Italiano’s Ears Healthy

Routine care is much simpler than treating an infection. A few consistent habits go a long way with this breed.

• Check ears weekly; look, smell, and gently touch to catch problems early
• Clean ears every 2 to 4 weeks using a vet-recommended solution, or more often after swimming
• Keep ear hair trimmed if it grows densely around the canal opening to improve airflow
• Dry ears thoroughly after baths or outdoor water play
• Feed a balanced diet; chronic infections can point to food sensitivities
• Avoid over-cleaning, which can strip natural oils and disrupt the ear’s healthy microbiome

How Often Should You Clean a Bracco Italiano’s Ears?

For most Bracco Italiano dogs, cleaning every 2 to 4 weeks is sufficient. Dogs that swim frequently or have a history of ear infections may need weekly cleaning. Always follow your vet’s specific guidance based on your individual dog’s history.

When an Ear Problem Needs Veterinary Care

Home ear care has clear limits. If you notice any of the following, don’t wait; get a vet appointment as soon as possible.

• Any significant discharge that is dark, bloody, or has a strong odour
• Your Bracco shakes its head persistently or cries when the ear is touched
• The ear flap or canal appears swollen, red, or very warm to the touch
• Head tilting that doesn’t resolve after a day or two
• A recurring infection that clears up briefly and then returns
• Any sudden change in hearing or balance

Left untreated, ear infections can progress into the middle and inner ear, causing permanent hearing damage. Haematomas (the blood blisters that form from excessive head shaking) also require veterinary drainage; they don’t resolve on their own and can cause lasting deformity of the ear flap if ignored.

Simple Ear Care for a Healthy Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano’s ears are one of the breed’s most recognisable and purposeful features. They’ve been shaped by centuries of hunting work, and they’re genuinely beautiful in their own right. But they do need consistent attention. A quick weekly check, regular gentle cleaning, and prompt veterinary care when something looks off- that’s really all it takes to keep those magnificent ears healthy for years. If you’re caring for a Bracco, consider ear checks as just another part of the routine, no different from walks or feeding time.

Give Your Bracco Italiano the Best Care Possible: Read more in Bracco Italiano Dog: The Rare Italian Breed Families Fall in Love With.

FAQs

Why does my Bracco Italiano keep scratching its ears?

Persistent scratching usually points to an infection (bacterial or yeast), ear mites, or an allergic reaction. Check for any discharge, odour, or redness inside the ear. If symptoms don’t improve within 24 to 48 hours, consult a vet to rule out infection or underlying allergies.

How long are Bracco Italiano ears supposed to be?

According to the FCI breed standard, the ears should reach the tip of the nose when drawn forward. This means they’re genuinely long relative to the dog’s head, which is part of what gives the Bracco its distinctive, classic appearance.

Can I use baby wipes to clean my Bracco’s ears?

It’s not recommended. Baby wipes are not formulated for ear canals, may contain fragrances or chemicals that irritate sensitive skin, and don’t effectively clean inside the canal. Always use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution designed specifically for dogs.

Are Bracco Italiano dogs prone to deafness?

There’s no documented genetic predisposition to deafness specific to the Bracco Italiano. However, untreated chronic ear infections can eventually lead to hearing loss over time, which is one more reason why routine ear care matters for this breed.

How do I know if my Bracco Italiano has an ear infection?

Common signs include a musty or sour smell from the ear, dark or yellow discharge, redness inside the ear flap, frequent head shaking, and scratching or pawing at the ear. Any combination of these symptoms warrants a vet visit for proper diagnosis and treatment.