Why the Pomeranian is Better than the Bracco Italiano as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Bracco Italiano: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian or the Bracco Italiano.

Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Pomeranian 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.

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.

Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano

FactorPomeranianBracco Italiano
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/53/5
Life Span12 to 16 years10 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/55/5
Easy To Groom2/55/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/53/5
General Health3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Potential For Playfulness3/54/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds55 to 90 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/54/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder22 to 26 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$2150$2300
Price Range$1500 – $2500$2000 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125.

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

    Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano

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

  • Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs. However, Bracco Italianos get along well with other dogs.
  • Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.
  • Pomeranians 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.
  • Pomeranians have low exercise needs. However, Bracco Italianos require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Pomeranians adapt well to apartment living. However, Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Bracco Italianos are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano

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

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

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

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Bracco Italiano weighs 55 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The Bracco Italiano is 22 to 26 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of Bracco Italiano

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 years.

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

    The Pomeranian live longer than the Bracco Italiano.

    Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

    Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Bracco Italiano

    The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Bracco Italiano puppy is $2300. The price of the Bracco Italiano typically ranges from $2000 – $2500. However, the price of the Bracco Italiano can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 5 Bracco Italiano puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bracco Italiano is more expensive than the Pomeranian.

    Pomeranian Bracco Italiano
    Average Price $2150 $2300
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $2000 to $2500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. 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 Pomeranian 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.

    Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

    Health Problems of Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bracco Italiano.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pomeranian than for the Bracco Italiano.

    6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 4 tests are recommended for the Bracco Italiano.

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

    Pomeranian Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians 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.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Pomeranians and Bracco Italianos

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pomeranian Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Pomeranian ranks 1 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1542 Pomeranians, 456 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pomeranians, and how common these diseases are in Pomeranians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 1 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 49 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 75 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 89 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 171 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Bracco Italiano Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Bracco Italiano ranks 31 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 96 Bracco Italianos, 2 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Bracco Italianos, and how common these diseases are in Bracco Italianos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 31 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 35 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 109 out of 198 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Pomeranian and in Bracco Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano:

    Disease Pomeranian Rank Bracco Italiano Rank
    Patella problems 1 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 49 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 75 out of 198 dog breeds 109 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems 89 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 171 out of 182 dog breeds 31 out of 182 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 35 out of 144 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Bracco Italiano

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Bracco Italianos?

    Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Bracco Italiano?

    Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.

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

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Bracco Italianos?

    Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Bracco Italiano?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Bracco Italiano

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Bracco Italianos?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Bracco Italiano?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Bracco Italianos?

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Bracco Italiano

    Pomeranians 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 Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians 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.

    Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Bracco Italiano?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Bracco Italiano. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

    Pomeranian versus Clumber Spaniel     Pomeranian versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Pomeranian versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomeranian versus Shihpoo     Pomeranian versus Beagle     Pomeranian versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Pomeranian versus Stabyhoun     Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pomeranian versus Pyredoodle     Pomeranian versus Airedale Terrier     Pomeranian versus Havanese     Pomeranian versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pomeranian versus Siberian Husky     Pomeranian versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Pomeranian versus Shiba Inu     Pomeranian versus Pekingese     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian 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 Pomeranian and the Bracco Italiano better suits you and your family.