Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Bracco Italiano.

Last Updated: May 01, 2022

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Collie Versus Bracco Italiano: Introduction

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

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

Note that the Collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth collie and the rough collie. Read our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

See this article that compares the Border Collie to the Bracco Italiano.

Finally, just like the collie, the border collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough border collie and the smooth border collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Collie versus Bracco Italiano

Collie versus Bracco Italiano: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie 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.

Collie versus Bracco Italiano: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the Bracco Italiano

FactorCollieBracco Italiano
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/53/5
Life Span10 to 14 years10 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/53/5
Easy To Groom2/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Height22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder22 to 26 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
General Health3/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/53/5
Easy To Train4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Weight50 to 70 pounds55 to 90 pounds
Average Lifespan12.0 years12.0 years
Average Price$1480$2300
Price Range$1000 – $1800$2000 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exam recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Bracco Italiano is 76 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Bracco Italiano

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

  • Collies require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Bracco Italianos are very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Bracco Italiano

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

  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano are very playful.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Bracco Italiano are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the Bracco Italiano get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size Comparison of the Collie versus Bracco Italiano

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

    The Collie weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Collie is 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Size of Bracco Italiano

    Lifespan of Collie versus Bracco Italiano

    The lifespan of the Collie is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Collie is 12.0 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 Bracco Italiano live as long as the Collie.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Bracco Italiano

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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 Collie.

    Collie Bracco Italiano
    Average Price $1480 $2300
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $2000 to $2500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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.

    Check out our list of best Collie breeders here

    Health Problems of Collie 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 Collie 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 Collie.

    4 health tests are recommended for Collie while 4 tests are recommended for the Bracco Italiano.

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

    Collie Health Problems

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

  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Collies 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 Collies 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 Collie Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

    This is because the Collie ranks 1 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 114 Collies, 16 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.

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

  • Collie Eye Anomaly problems: Rank 1 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 1 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems: Rank 1 out of 7 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 13 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 16 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 65 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 107 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 182 out of 198 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 Collie and in Bracco Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Collie and the Bracco Italiano:

    Disease Collie Rank Bracco Italiano Rank
    Collie Eye Anomaly problems 1 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 1 out of 182 dog breeds 31 out of 182 dog breeds
    Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems 1 out of 7 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 13 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 16 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 65 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 107 out of 144 dog breeds 35 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 182 out of 198 dog breeds 109 out of 198 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: Collie versus Bracco Italiano

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Collies shed more than Bracco Italianos?

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

    Bracco Italianos shed moderately.

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

    Collies 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 Collie or the Bracco Italiano?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    Bracco Italianos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about Bracco Italianos?

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

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Bracco Italiano?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Bracco Italianos are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Collie or the Bracco Italiano

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Bracco Italianos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Collies and Bracco Italianos?

    Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Collies 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.

    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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Bracco Italianos?

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

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Bracco Italianos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Bracco Italiano

    Collies 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 Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Bracco Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Bracco Italianos do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Collies are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Collie versus Boxer     Collie versus Newfoundland     Collie versus West Highland White Terrier     Collie versus Bulldog     Collie versus Bolognese     Collie versus Belgian Sheepdog     Collie versus Finnish Spitz     Collie versus Cocker Spaniel     Collie versus Miniature Schnauzer     Collie versus Pharaoh Hound     Collie versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Collie versus Chow Chow     Collie versus Afador     Collie versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Collie versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

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