Segugio Italiano

The Segugio Italiano is one of Italy's most ancient and distinctive hunting dog breeds, a medium-sized scenthound of considerable elegance and athletic capability developed over many centuries across the Italian peninsula to hunt hare and other game, following scent with determination and stamina across the varied terrain of Italy's agricultural, woodland and upland environments. Images resembling the modern Segugio appear in Italian Renaissance art, and the breed's type - a lean, elegant, deep-chested hound with a fine head and a long, slightly arched muzzle suited to carrying scent - has been remarkably consistent over centuries of selective breeding for function. The breed comes in two coat varieties: the shorthaired (pelo raso), which has a short, close-lying coat, and the wirehaired (pelo forte), which has a dense, somewhat rough and bristly coat providing additional protection in rough terrain. The Segugio Italiano is registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group and is rarely seen in the United Kingdom.

The Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized, lean and well-proportioned dog of considerable elegance. The long, narrow head with hanging ears, the deep chest, the tucked-up abdomen and the long, slightly curved tail carried upright when working are all characteristic of the scenthound type. The shorthaired variety has a fine, close coat in black and tan, or in various fawn shades; the wirehaired variety has a denser, slightly rough coat in the same colours. Adults typically stand 48 to 59 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 18 to 28 kilograms.

The character is affectionate and sociable with its own family and with other dogs - the pack hunting background produces a dog accustomed to working with others of its kind in a cooperative way. It can be reserved with strangers but is not typically aggressive. The scent drive is the defining behavioural characteristic: a Segugio on a scent trail is entirely absorbed in the task and effectively deaf to instructions, which makes secure containment and reliable recall essential management considerations.

The breed is vocal - the Italian hound voice is considerable and owners should be aware that this is a normal and deeply ingrained breed characteristic, not a training failure.

Health is generally good, reflecting the long history of natural selection under working conditions. Hip Dysplasia testing of parents is recommended.

Purchase prices from breeders range from £600 to £1,200. Monthly running costs average £75 to £130. Italian breed clubs are the primary resource for breed information and responsible breeder contacts.

Affectionate, gentle and sociable with its own family. Good with other dogs given the pack hunting background. Can be reserved with strangers. Driven and tenacious when on scent. Vocal - the Italian hound voice is a significant characteristic. An engaging, warm and devoted companion for owners who understand the scenthound character.

Intelligent but driven by scent in a way that can make traditional recall and off-lead compliance challenging. Positive reinforcement works well in controlled environments. The breed is trainable to a reliable standard in appropriate settings but will always prioritise scent over commands in the field. Early socialisation is important.

Needs at least 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. The hunting hound background produces real stamina and a strong drive to follow scent. Secure fencing is essential - a dog on scent is oblivious to traffic and other hazards. Recall training is challenging and cannot be relied upon near interesting scents.

The Segugio Italiano is generally considered a healthy breed with relatively few documented hereditary conditions given its long history of natural selection under working conditions. Hip Dysplasia testing is recommended. The breed is not common enough in the UK for a comprehensive domestic health programme. Italian breed clubs are the primary source of health information.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a medium active breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight - the breed should be lean and athletic. Do not overfeed.

The shorthaired variety requires minimal maintenance - a weekly wipe-down. The wirehaired variety has a coarser, denser coat requiring brushing once or twice weekly. Both varieties are relatively low-maintenance. Nails require regular trimming.

Purchase price from a breeder: £600 to £1,200. The breed is very rare in the UK. Monthly running costs: £75 to £130.

Suits active, experienced owners who appreciate a scenthound character. Requires substantial daily exercise and secure containment given the strong scent drive. Vocal - the hound voice is considerable and owners must be prepared for this. Rare in the UK - sourcing requires research. Not suited to inactive households.