Description
A medium-sized hunting hound with a coat that can be rough or smooth, in a range of colours from cream to red and black and tan, the Segugio Italiano is a very active dog with considerable stamina.
In his native Italy, he was originally used to flush boar rather than actually catch his prey, but as boars are not present in great numbers in modern Italy, he is now used more often to find hares and spring them to the gun. The breed is rare in the UK: it made its first appearance here in 1989 and numbers have been very small ever since.
Temperamentally, the Segugio Italiano is a quiet breed, tending towards cautious, though his natural intelligence makes him relatively trainable.
Breed Group
Hound
Vulnerable Native Breed
No
Size
Large
How much exercise?
More than 2 hours per day
Length of coat
Short
How much grooming?
Once a week
Supposedly sheds?*
Yes
Town or Country
Country
Type of home
Large House
Minimum Garden Size
Large
Lifespan
Over 10 Years
* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical advisor before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on
the Kennel Club website.
The Hound Breed Group
Breeds originally used for hunting either by scent or by sight. The scent hounds include the Beagle and Bloodhound and the sight hounds such breeds as the Whippet and Greyhound. Many of them enjoy a significant amount of exercise and can be described as dignified, aloof but trustworthy companions.