Italian Segugio

The Italian Hound is a breed of dog characterized by a soft expression and large dark ochre eyes, which give it an elegant and distinctive appearance. They are dogs adapted to work in various terrains, hunting alone or in groups, and are characterized by their endurance and speed.

General details

The breed is of medium size, weighing between 18 and 27 kilograms. The height in males is between 49.5 and 60 cm and in females between 48 and 58 cm. Their life expectancy is 10 to 14 years. The breed is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The Italian Hound, also known as Segugio Italiano, has a rich and ancient history dating back to antiquity. Its origins can be traced back to the hounds of Egypt that were widely used for hunting. Over the centuries, these hounds have been preserved and maintained with remarkable consistency, displaying their enduring qualities and characteristics. Their role as skilled hunters has been appreciated throughout history, and the preservation of the breed without significant alterations highlights their valued traits. As an enduring breed, the Italian Hound continues to carry on the legacy of its ancient predecessors and remains an integral part of Italy's hunting traditions.

Breed characteristics

The Italian Hound is a breed of square appearance and medium size. The eyes are large, luminous, almond-shaped and dark ochre in color. The ears are triangular, flat and very wide, ending in a narrow point. At rest, the tail hangs down, but in movement it rises above the dorsal line. The breed has two types of coat: smooth and rough. The smooth coat is short, smooth and straight all over the body, while the rough type coat is shorter and coarser, although it may be softer in certain areas. As for color, different shades of fawn and black and tan are acceptable. Some fawn specimens may have white areas on the muzzle, skull, chest, neck, legs, feet and tail. The Italian Hound is a courageous dog, determined and passionate about its work. Its temperament allows it to adapt to different environments and situations, making it a versatile companion. It is an intelligent and obedient dog, which makes it easy to train. In addition, it tends to show an unwavering loyalty to its human family, establishing strong emotional bonds.

Common health problems

Information on the most common diseases in the Italian Hound breed is limited. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the most common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, volvulo-gastric dilatation, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.