Segugio Italiano
The Segugio Italiano is one of Italy's most ancient and beloved hound breeds — descended from the scent hounds depicted on Etruscan vases and Roman bronzes dating to 500 BCE.
Origin
Italy
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
18–28 kg (40–62 lbs)
Height
48–59 cm (19–23 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for an active Italian scent hound.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Segugio Italiano is one of Italy's most ancient and beloved hound breeds — descended from the scent hounds depicted on Etruscan vases and Roman bronzes dating to 500 BCE. It is Italy's most common hunting dog and appears in 15th-century Italian art. The Segugio hunts hare by solo tracking — working independently, then driving the hare back past the waiting hunter. It exists in two coat varieties: the short-coated (pelo raso) and the rough-coated (pelo forte). Despite being a serious hunting dog, the Segugio is gentle and affectionate at home.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: needs-manual
A medium-sized, lean, elegant hound with a slightly hare-footed stance and a lean, muscular build. The pelo raso variety has a short, smooth coat; the pelo forte has a rough, harsh coat. Always in fawn or black-and-tan. The head is long and refined with large, low-set ears.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Temperament & Personality
Gentle, affectionate, and calm at home — an unusually agreeable companion for a solo hunting hound. Lively outdoors. Independent when on a scent trail.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. Very low grooming (shorthaired) or light brushing (rough). Secure fencing.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Generally very healthy due to centuries of working selection. Hip dysplasia at low rates. One of the healthier medium hound breeds.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Segugio Italiano appears in 15th-century Italian paintings including works attributed to the Florentine school — it was the preferred hunting dog of the Italian Renaissance nobility.
The Segugio is depicted on Etruscan vases and Roman bronzes from 500 BCE — making it one of the best-documented ancient dog breeds in European archaeological art.
