Health First

Any breeder with a true love for the breed, knows how important it is to banish all impressionable risks. To make sure that risks are minimal with any combination, it is important to test the dam and sire for hereditary deficiencies. Vicini del Monastero is the first Bracco Italiano kennel in The Netherlands that only breeds with dogs who are tested for Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Elbow Displasya (ED). Only when the results are outstanding, the dog becomes a candidate for a breeding. Testing for HD is common practice with dog breeders. Funnily enough the ED-tests are subject of controversy in the breeding society. Many say that a dog with ED is very easily recognized by looking at the way the dog moves.

Banish risks

From our own experience we know that a dog who moves perfectly, isn't a guarantee for a dog without ED. After testing ED was found with our bitch Giulia Locatelli della Croccia. A dog who runs and plays like a completely healthy dog. Before we had sharpened our breeding-rules Giulia had a litter. Because one of the puppies from that litter had to operated on her elbows, we decided to have Giulia x-rayed with the above mentioned result. This was the ultimate proof for us that we have to everything in our power to expel the risk of transmittable ED.

Honesty first

As we mentioned, we are the first Bracco Italiano breeder in the country who demands of the bitches and sires that are used for breeding, are HD- and ED-free. While this does expell some risks it certainly isn't a 100% guarantee for a perfectly healthy puppy. For any of the future owners of a Vicini-puppy it is comforting to know however, that we know our responsibility as a breeder. That responsibility starts with the well-considered upbringing of your puppy in the first weeks. We pay much attention to nutrition, we see to it that a puppy gets all the medical attention it needs and that the limbs and joints aren't overloaded. If a puppy does have a birth deficiency, defect or illness, we will do our utmost to find the best possible treatment in consultation with the vet and the owner. This is one of the reasons why we think it is so important that we have an open and honest relationship with all future owners of one of the puppies from our kennel.