The Segugio Italiano is a loyal and personable breed of great stamina, great heart, and impeccable intelligence.
Fleet of foot and possessed of elegance, the Segugio Italiano is a tenacious hunter with superlative stamina. Its willing nature, intelligence, gentle and docile demeanor make it ideal as a companion, and well suited for people of all ages. It works diligently as an eager pet to conform to the needs of its owner. Such character, coupled with its unwavering loyalty, has made it the darling of Italy. Well-mannered and vigilant, the Segugio Italiano makes an excellent watch dog, watching both property and owner. You will find it neither aggressive nor shy, but courageous, with a cautious nature. The Segugio Italiano is not a bold breed. It is adapt to any living situation provided it has enough mental and physical exercise. The dog comes in two coat types, the Pelo Raso (short-hair) and Pelo Forte (wire-hair). Within those coat types you will find the Segit to be either fawn or black & tan with very little white visible on the coat. Both coat varieties shed, but minimally.
History
The Segugio Italiano is also known as the Segit (pronounced: see get). It is an ancient breed thought to have descended from Egyptian hounds who found their way to the many city states that make up today’s Italy. A scenthound originally used for wild boar dating back to Italy’s pre-Roman era, similar dogs have been depicted in statues of “Diana Cacciatrice” and “Diana Scoccante L’arco” located in the Museum of Naples and the Vatican Museum respectively. Remains of dogs identical to these hounds were discovered in the province of Verona, and a painting dating back to 1600 in the Borso d’Este castle shows a hound identical to the Italian hound. Though their exact origins remain shrouded in mystery, these artifacts serve as evidence to the hound’s long and pervasive history in the region.
After the decline of wild boar in the Italian countryside, the Segit, like many similar hunting dogs, saw a drop in popularity; many dog breeds faced extinction. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated houndsmen and the resilience of the breed, this native son of Italy is now one of the most popular dogs in its homeland. Today, Segits are most often seen hunting rabbits and other small game. Rarely tracking unintended game, this robust, medium-sized hound can be run both solo or in packs. It has been used not only to track, but to track and kill, its quarry. Known for its powerful nose and “steel legs” this dog can work in any terrain with speed and accuracy for hours on end.
Quick Facts
Temperament: intelligent / friendly / eager to please
Height: 19-24.5 inches
Weight: 39-62 pounds
Life expectancy: 11-13 years
Foundation Stock Service
Health
At this time the Segugio Italiano has no known health defects.
Grooming
Given the Segugio Italiano’s two coat types, brushing once or twice a week will suffice. Due to its long ears, the ears should be cleaned regularly, kept dry, and flipped over regularly to allow air into the canals to prevent ear infections. Nails should be trimmed as needed. Teeth should be checked regularly for plague build-up. Specific toys and treats will help prevent dental issues along with regular brushing.
Exercise
A brisk 30-45 min walk and 1-2 hours of free-roaming time per day will keep your Segugio Italiano healthy, happy and fit. For apartment dwellers the dog will need regular trips to the dog park. For active homes, two or three major outings a week will suffice with lesser activities throughout the rest of the week. Playing games and training for dog sports like agility, obedience and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
Training
The Segugio Italiano needs a consistent and firm handler. He is eager to please and learns quickly. As with many hounds, they are best kept on a lead outside of a fenced area. Early socialization with help prevents you from having a shy or timid hound.
