Segugio Italiano
seh-GOO-joh ee-tal-YAH-noh
Italy· Throughout Italy, particularly rural and mountainous regions
The Segugio Italiano is Italy's classic scenthound, a lean and elegant breed developed to trail hare and wild boar across varied terrain, occurring in both short-haired and wire-haired coat varieties.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1.5-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal to weekly, depending on coat
Coat length
Short or wire
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Both, with sufficient exercise
Garden size needed
Medium or larger, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Segugio Italiano
Italy's varied terrain, from Apennine hills to coastal scrub, produced a versatile scenthound descended from ancient Mediterranean hunting dogs. Bred to trail hare and boar with a keen nose and steady voice, the Segugio Italiano became the classic Italian hunting hound found across the peninsula.
- Region
- Throughout Italy, particularly rural and mountainous regions
- Climate it was bred for
- Varied Mediterranean and hill terrain across Italy
- Original job
- Trailing hare and wild boar by scent, often hunting silently until game is found
The long read
About the breed
Its long history as a working trail hound produced excellent stamina, a keen nose and a distinctive tendency to work with restrained silence until scent is confirmed, at which point it gives voice clearly for the hunter.
As a companion it is gentle, sociable and generally good with families, though it retains strong hunting instincts and needs plenty of exercise and secure boundaries to prevent it wandering off on a scent trail.
Widely kept by hunters across Italy, the breed has a growing following as a companion animal and is increasingly seen at shows and in other European countries.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Segugio Italiano greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Segugio Italiano is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Segugio Italiano's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
Antiquity
Roman and Mediterranean roots
The breed descends from ancient scenthounds used across the Italian peninsula for millennia.
1800s
Regional types consolidate
Various regional Italian scenthounds were gradually consolidated into a recognisable type.
1932
First official standard
The Italian kennel club formalised the breed standard for both coat varieties.
1956
FCI recognition
The Segugio Italiano received full FCI recognition.
2000s
Growing popularity as a companion
Increasing numbers of Segugi are kept purely as pets, in Italy and abroad.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and slightly arched loin.
- coat
- Either short and dense, or harsh and wiry, both weatherproof.
- ears
- Set below eye level, long, hanging flat against the cheeks.
- eyes
- Large, dark, gentle in expression.
- head
- Long and narrow, with a slightly domed skull and pronounced occiput.
- size
- Dogs 52-58cm, bitches 48-56cm at the withers
- colour
- Solid fawn in various shades, or black and tan.
- temperament
- Gentle, sociable and patient, but focused and tireless when following a scent.
- general appearance
- An elegant, lean and athletic scenthound of ancient Mediterranean type, built for endurance.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Segugio Italianos added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Segugio Italiano
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Segugio Italiano illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Segugio Italiano Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Segugio Italiano illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Segugio Italiano Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Segugio Italiano illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Segugio Italiano Mug
Ceramic mug with the Segugio Italiano illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Segugio Italiano video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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