Segugio ItalianoItaly's elegant, gentle hare hound

History and Origin

Scenthounds have hunted in Italy since ancient times, and dogs resembling the Segugio appear in Renaissance art. The breed was used to track hare and wild boar, often in hilly and mountainous terrain, giving voice as it worked.

It comes in two coat types, short (pelo raso) and wire (pelo forte). It is very popular with Italian hunters and is gradually becoming known abroad.

The breed's lineage is often traced to ancient hounds of the Mediterranean world, and Italian hunters have used it for centuries to work in packs or alone. Its distinctive gait is light and springy, and its voice on the trail is clear and musical.

In Italy it is one of the most widely kept hunting breeds. It has been introduced to the US, where it is on the AKC pathway to full recognition.

Size, Coat Types and Colors

The Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized, lean scenthound with a light, springy build. Adults stand about 19 to 23 inches and weigh 40 to 62 lb. Males are a little taller and heavier than females, though both share the same refined outline.

The head is distinctive: long and narrow with a flat skull and a slightly convex profile, sometimes described as a dry head because the skin fits tightly without wrinkles. The ears are long, thin and triangular, hanging flat and reaching at least to the tip of the nose. The body is roughly square, the legs long and the tail thin and carried low or in a gentle curve.

Two coat types exist:

• Short-haired (pelo raso): smooth, dense and glossy
• Wire-haired (pelo forte): harsh and rough, up to about 2 inches long

Accepted colors are:

• Fawn in all shades, from deep red to pale wheaten
• Black and tan

White markings on the muzzle, chest and feet are allowed in both colors.

Temperament and Personality

At home the Segugio is gentle, quiet and affectionate without being pushy. It is usually excellent with children and other dogs.

Outdoors its hunting drive is very strong, and it is best leashed outside fenced areas. It can be watchful and will alert to strangers.

Segugi are typically sweet-natured and somewhat reserved, and many prefer quiet affection to boisterous play. They are not demanding and often settle easily in the house.

Its watchdog instinct is noticeable, and some can be wary of strangers until introduced.

With children, Segugi are often gentle and tolerant, and they typically get along well with other dogs. Introduce small pets carefully, as their hunting instinct is strong.

Is the Segugio Italiano Good With Cats?

The Segugio Italiano is generally not a natural match for cats, given its strong hunting drive. Its history of tracking hare makes running small animals hard to ignore.

Some Segugi raised with a confident cat from puppyhood learn to accept it, but many still chase cats outdoors or unfamiliar animals. Introductions should be gradual and supervised, with escape routes and high perches for the cat. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets should be kept securely separated. A well-socialized adult from a breeder or rescue that has been cat-tested is the safest option if a cat already lives with you.

Is the Segugio Italiano Easy to Train?

The Segugio is moderately easy to train at home but challenging outdoors. It is gentle and responsive in the house, but scent can quickly override its focus.

Use short, reward-based sessions with high-value food. Harsh corrections make this sensitive hound withdrawn. Basic manners and house training are usually straightforward. Recall is the hardest skill, so practice in fenced areas and on long lines. Scent work and tracking are great outlets that use its natural abilities and build cooperation. Expect training to go fastest indoors and slowest in fields and woods, where every trail competes for attention.

Can a Segugio Italiano Live in an Apartment?

A Segugio Italiano is not ideal for apartment living. It is calm indoors but needs daily exercise, scent work and ideally access to a fenced yard.

An apartment-dwelling Segugio needs long daily walks on a leash or long line and regular scent games. Its voice can also cause issues with neighbors if it is bored or left alone. A house with a yard and access to countryside suits the breed far better. If you do live in an apartment, a ground-floor unit near parks or trails makes daily scent walks far easier.

Exercise and Training

Plan on at least an hour of daily exercise, including long walks and scent work. Training is moderate in difficulty and goes best with rewards.

• Use a leash or long line outside fenced areas.
• Scent work, tracking and long hikes satisfy the breed's instincts.
• Keep training short and rewarding; the breed is sensitive.
• Do not leave it alone for long; boredom can lead to howling.

Grooming and Shedding

Both coat types are easy to maintain with weekly brushing. Clean the long ears regularly, as the AKC recommends.

The short coat needs only a quick weekly brush. The wire coat benefits from occasional hand-stripping to keep its texture. Shedding is moderate. Check the long ears weekly for dirt and moisture.

Feeding and Nutrition

The Segugio Italiano is a lean, athletic hound with a dry, lightly built frame. Its food needs depend on activity, so adjust portions to body condition rather than a fixed amount. Ribs should be easy to feel and a waist visible.

Hounds are often keen eaters. Measure meals, secure counters and trash, and avoid free feeding.

On hunting or long tracking days, feed a smaller meal well beforehand and the main meal after the dog has rested. This supports stamina and reduces digestive upset.

Young dogs should grow steadily on a diet suited to medium-sized breeds, without forced long runs before growth is complete.

Fresh water should always be available, especially during and after exercise.

Food rewards are essential for recall and scent training. Use small, high-value treats and subtract them from the day's ration.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Puppies, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

The AKC lists no known breed-specific inherited problems. Typical lifespan is 11 to 13 years.

The Segugio is generally robust. Keep ears clean and dry, keep the dog lean, and ask breeders about hip screening and the general health of the parents.

Segugio Italiano Price and Cost of Ownership

The Segugio Italiano is still uncommon in the US, and there is no reliable published price range. Some puppies are bred domestically, and others are imported from Italy, which adds transport, health certificates and paperwork costs. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines.

Hound rescues occasionally take in Segugi or similar dogs, especially from hunting homes.

Ongoing cost drivers include:

• Secure fencing for a scenthound
• GPS tracking collar for off-leash work
• Ear care for long, hanging ears
• Insurance covering injuries and general conditions
• Hand-stripping for wire-coated dogs

Food costs are moderate.

Hunting licenses and club fees may apply if the dog is worked.

Is the Segugio Italiano Right for You?

The Segugio suits active families with a fenced yard. It is not ideal for apartments or those wanting off-leash walks.

It does well with families who hike or jog and can provide daily exercise. Neighbors may hear its voice when it is bored. Owners who want a calm, gentle house dog with a working background will find it a rewarding companion.