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Discover everything about Segugio Italiano
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Segugio Italiano?
At a glance
Segugio Italiano overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
As a primitive hunting breed, the Segugio Italiano is extremely robust and has very few known breed-specific hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of general issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and rare cases of epilepsy or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), as there are no official mandatory health tests for this breed. By choosing a puppy from healthy parents with voluntary joint and eye screenings, you are ensuring a genetically very fit companion.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
48–58 cm
Weight
18–23 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short to medium length, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Typical coat colors
- Various shades of fawn
- often with white chest
- paws
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Segugio Italiano, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Segugio Italiano right for you?
The Segugio Italiano is a sensitive, extremely enduring scent hound and pack dog—bred for hours of loud hare hunting in rough terrain, where his nose takes absolute command.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive scent work like mantrailing or tracking—simple walks will never satisfy this specialized hunter.
- You are physically active and looking for a tireless companion for long hikes in nature.
- You appreciate a dog that is gentle and almost cat-like indoors, and you lead him with subtle, patient communication rather than harsh pressure.
- You can provide a high, securely fenced property where he can relax without immediately bolting at the slightest scent.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that stays reliably by your side off-leash in the woods—once he catches a fresh scent, he switches to autopilot.
- You live in a thin-walled apartment—as a specialist in baying while tracking, he has a piercing voice that he loves to use when excited.
- You are away from home for long periods daily—he is a deeply rooted pack dog for whom isolation is an absolute nightmare.
The real vibes check
A Segugio Italiano lives in two extremes: indoors, he curls up like a heat-loving cat on the softest cushion, but outdoors, he mutates into an uncompromising, loud hunting machine. You won't get blind obedience, but rather a highly specialized, sensitive athlete who cooperates with you—as long as the wind isn't telling a more exciting story.
Breed Profile
The Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized dog with a slim, athletic build that reflects its endurance and speed. He has a distinctive, long muzzle, large, droopy ears and dark, expressive eyes that show his sensitive and intelligent nature. The breed exists in two variants that differ in hair length: one with short fur and one with rough, slightly longer fur. However, both variants have no underfur and come in various shades of fawn, often with a white chest and paws. They are categorized in FCI Group 6 (running and bloodhounds) and there is no distinction between show and working lines.
- Height
- 48 - 56 cm (Female), 52 - 58 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 20 kg (Female), 20 - 23 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Sensitive, persistent, loyal
- Coat
- Short to medium length, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various shades of fawn, often with white chest and paws
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The Segugio Italiano is one of the oldest dog breeds on the Italian peninsula, with a history dating back to antiquity. It is believed that its ancestors descend from ancient Egyptian scenthounds brought to the Mediterranean and eventually to Italy by Phoenician merchants. Historical evidence of this early presence can be found in numerous Roman sculptures and ancient coins depicting dogs with the characteristic drop ears of this type. For centuries, the Segugio Italiano has been bred in Italy as a highly specialized scenthound. Its original and still primary purpose is the persistent hunting of small game, particularly hares, as well as wild boar. Unlike sighthounds, the Segugio Italiano hunts exclusively by using its excellent sense of smell and its loud voice while on the trail; it is a pure nose-hunter rather than a sighthound. This specialization made it a highly valued companion to the Italian nobility as early as the Renaissance. In the early twentieth century, systematic purebred breeding began to consolidate the breed into its two current varieties. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Segugio Italiano in the scenthound group. While it remains an extremely popular and widely used hunting dog in its native Italy, it is still considered a rarity outside the country's borders.
Original Use
The Segugio Italiano was bred for hunting hares and other small game, known for its speed and endurance.
Origin
Italy
Date
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Segugio Italiano is a devoted and loyal companion that bonds closely to its people. His sensitive nature means he responds well to his family's moods and is happiest in a calm and loving home. He is a dog that likes to be challenged both mentally and physically, and he thrives in an environment that offers him plenty of exercise and interaction. As a hunting dog, the Segugio is from Very active by nature and needs a lot of exercise to be happy. He loves long walks and hikes and is also a good candidate for dog sports such as agility or canicross. His endurance and keen sense of smell make him an excellent sniffer dog, and he could do well in search and rescue or tracking. The Segugio Italiano is a very people-oriented dog that loves being close to his family. He can learn to stay alone, but he prefers to be in company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. In terms of temperament, the Segugio is a calm and even-tempered dog that generally gets along well with other dogs and animals. However, he is also a very alert dog and can be a good guardian, fiercely protecting his home and family. Despite its loving and gentle nature, the Segugio Italiano has a strong prey drive and can be prone to chasing small animals. This should be taken into consideration when thinking about bringing a Segugio into a family with small pets. Overall, the Segugio Italiano is a loyal and loving companion that is best suited to active families who spend a lot of time outdoors. With the right training and socialization, he can be a wonderful family dog and a loyal friend.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Segugio Italiano has impressive sniffing abilities and is often considered one of the best scent detection dogs. In Italy it is often used to hunt game, where it demonstrates its exceptional skills.
What Awaits You
The Segugio Italiano is a calm, alert and intelligent hunter and makes an excellent pet.
Housing & Care
The Segugio Italiano is generally suitable as a city dog, but it needs a lot of exercise and space to run around. An apartment may be suitable for him as long as he gets enough daily exercise. A fenced garden or nearby parks are ideal for satisfying your urge to move. When it comes to small children, the Segugio Italiano is generally a friendly and patient dog. He can get along well with them as long as they treat him with respect and care. However, as with any dog breed, children should always be supervised to ensure that both the dog and children feel comfortable and safe. The Segugio can also get along well with other pets, especially if introduced to them early on. However, good socialization and introduction are important to ensure a harmonious combination.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Segugio Italiano is an intelligent and eager to learn dog. He responds well to positive training and reward methods. It's important to keep him mentally and physically occupied to keep him happy and balanced. Since the Segugio is a hunting dog, it is important to keep it on a leash or exercise it in a safe, fenced area. His hunting instincts can be strong, and he may have a tendency to prey on wild animals. Training should aim to reinforce his basic obedience and help him control his impulses. The breed can be well suited to various sports such as mantrailing, tracking or even dog sports such as agility. These activities not only offer him meaningful activity, but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It is important that the Segugio Italiano is socialized early to ensure that he gets along well with other dogs and people. Attending a dog school or engaging an experienced dog trainer can help develop proper socialization skills.
Nutrition & Care
Your Segugio Italiano's diet should be balanced and varied to keep him healthy and support his energy. High-quality, protein-rich dog food is a good choice, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. As an active dog, the Segugio requires a sufficient amount of calories, but it is important to watch weight to avoid becoming overweight. Regular weight checks and adjusting the amount of food can help. Grooming the Segugio Italiano's coat is relatively easy because it has no undercoat. Regular brushing will help remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and shiny. The Segugio can handle the German climate well but may need some extra protection in the colder months as it has less undercoat. The Segugio Italiano generally sheds moderately. Regular brushing reduces hair loss and keeps the coat clean. You should be prepared to find some fur in your home, but they are easier to manage compared to some other breeds.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
As a primitive hunting breed, the Segugio Italiano is extremely robust and has very few known breed-specific hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of general issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and rare cases of epilepsy or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), as there are no official mandatory health tests for this breed. By choosing a puppy from healthy parents with voluntary joint and eye screenings, you are ensuring a genetically very fit companion.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check his long, floppy ears and keep them dry, as well as ensure joint-friendly development during his upbringing to avoid future problems.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested and pay attention to healthy ear structure to reduce risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Segugio Italiano
Steffi B., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2008)
Wir haben unsere Segugio-Hündin Gina vor einigen Jahren aus Sardinien adoptiert. Wir waren dort im Urlaub und wollten uns eigentlich nur als Flugpaten im Tierheim anbieten, aber es war Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Gina ist ein absolut wundervoller Hund: Sie ist unglaublich schlau, lernt extrem schnell und zeigt sich in der Familie als extrem liebevoll und sanft, besonders im Umgang mit unserem Sohn.
Allerdings darf man ihren Charakter nicht unterschätzen. Sie ist eine sehr sensible Seele, die stark auf unsere Stimmungen reagiert. Man braucht bei ihr viel Feingefühl, denn mit Härte erreicht man bei dieser Rasse überhaupt nichts. Drinnen ist sie eine ruhige, angenehme Begleiterin, aber man merkt ihr das Erbe als Jagdhund in jeder Faser an, sobald es nach draußen geht.
Thomas K., Halter aus Baden-Württemberg (Rüde & Hündin, seit 2014)
Ich lebe nun schon seit Jahren mit meinen zwei Segugi a pelo raso (der kurzhaarigen Variante), Foco und Stella, zusammen. Beide stammen aus extrem elenden Verhältnissen aus der Toskana, wo sie als reine Gebrauchshunde misshandelt wurden. Wer sich auf diese Rasse einlässt, findet die loyalsten, feinfühligsten und verschmustesten Freunde fürs Leben. Sie binden sich extrem eng an ihre Menschen und zählen quasi ständig durch, ob auch wirklich alle Familienmitglieder zu Hause sind.
Die große Kehrseite ist jedoch der unbändige Jagdtrieb. Draußen sind sie Vollblutjäger, die jede Fährte mit leidenschaftlichem Geläut anzeigen. Ein Freilauf ist bei uns so gut wie unmöglich, weshalb man sich auf ein Leben an der Schleppleine und sehr viel Auslauf einstellen muss. Wer versucht, diese Hunde mit Härte oder erzwungener Unterordnung zu erziehen, wird scheitern – sie kooperieren nur über eine echte, sanfte Partnerschaft.
Sabine M., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2017)
Mein Segugio Luca kam ebenfalls über den Tierschutz zu mir. Was mich an ihm von Anfang an fasziniert hat, ist dieser typische, fast melancholische Blick und seine unglaublich soziale Art. Er versteht sich absolut problemlos mit jedem anderen Hund und verhält sich im Haus extrem ruhig und unauffällig. Er liebt es, in unserer Nähe zu sein, und ist ein sehr anpassungsfähiger, gutmütiger Kerl.
Interessanterweise ist sein Jagdtrieb gar nicht so extrem ausgeprägt, wie man es oft liest. Er kann bei mir fast überall ohne Leine laufen, egal ob im Wald oder am Strand. Ich vermute allerdings, dass das daran liegt, dass er die aktive Jagd in seiner Vergangenheit einfach nie kennengelernt hat. Dennoch merkt man, dass er Bewegung braucht – ohne ausgiebige, lange Spaziergänge ist er nicht ausgelastet.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Segugio Italiano
Is a Segugio Italiano the right dog for me?
The Segugio Italiano is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Segugio Italiano live?
The average life expectancy of a Segugio Italiano is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Segugio Italiano need?
Segugio Italiano grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Segugio Italiano good for families with children?
The Segugio Italiano can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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