Steady and gentle at home, with a soft look, yet full of drive once on a scent. It is described as calm, responsive and smart, and it happily works alone or with a pack.16
how to spot oneSegugio Italiano coat and colours
smooth (pelo raso) or rough (pelo forte)
A lean, athletic hound with a long oval head, a soft expression, large dark eyes and very long triangular ears. The smooth variety has a short, dense, glossy coat, while the rough variety wears a coarse coat up to about 5 cm long.12
Coloursfawn from deep red to paleblack and tansmall white markings on face and chest tolerated132
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Segugio Italiano. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
by countryIs the Segugio Italiano legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Segugio Italiano in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksSegugio Italiano exercise needs
High. Bred to hunt across varied terrain for many hours, so it thrives on long daily walks, running and nose work.13
the hands-on bitsSegugio Italiano grooming and care
Low. The smooth coat needs a quick weekly brush; the rough coat benefits from regular brushing. The long hanging ears should be checked and kept clean.12
where they are happiestSegugio Italiano at home
Suits an active home with a secure garden and plenty of outdoor time; more and more are now kept as family companions.3
who they like aroundSegugio Italiano with people and other pets
Used to working in packs and alongside people, so it enjoys company of both dogs and its family.1
where it all beganSegugio Italiano history
Italy's classic scent hound is thought to be very old, and dogs like it appear in Roman statues and Renaissance hunting scenes. Dogs of this type were shown in Milan in 1886, a breed club formed in 1920, and after nearly vanishing by 1945 a new breed society restarted it in 1947.321
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Statues of Diana the Huntress from Roman times show hounds that look much like the Segugio.3
2
It can keep hunting for up to about twelve hours at a stretch.3
3
The breed standard singles out its resonant, very pleasant voice.1
4
The smooth and rough coat varieties each have their own FCI standard.4
5
When the breed society reformed in 1947, only 69 dogs were registered that year.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Segugio Italiano' translates to 'Italian Hound' in English, reflecting its origin as a scenthound breed from Italy.6
I wake slowly, stretching on the cool tile. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears, and I wag my tail. Then the leash jingles, and I'm all alert. We walk through the field, my nose working the scents of grass and earth. I catch a rabbit trail and pull, my whole body focused. After the run, we rest under an olive tree, and I lean into my human's leg. At home, I curl on the sofa, watching the door. It's a simple, perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Smooth-haired variety: Standard No. 337, Group 6, Section 1.2 (medium-sized scent hounds); accepted 11 May 1993; current standard 13 Nov 2015; working trial4
FCI
Rough-haired variety: Standard No. 198, Group 6, Section 1.2; definitive acceptance 9 Mar 1956; current standard 13 Nov 2015; working trial5
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Segugio Italiano, and at what times?
Feed your adult Segugio Italiano at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.17Pet Wiki plan
What should a Segugio Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, caffeine, or raw meat and bones.18Pet Wiki plan
How often should I bathe a Segugio Italiano?
Bathing every two months is a good starting plan, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.19Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Segugio Italiano need brushing?
Brush your Segugio Italiano once a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. The rough-coated variety may benefit from more frequent brushing to prevent tangles.19Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Segugio Italiano's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.19Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Segugio Italiano need?
This breed needs a lot of exercise, including long daily walks, running, and nose work. They were bred to hunt for hours, so plan for at least an hour of activity each day.13Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Segugio Italiano's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste. Check and dry the long floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.19Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Segugio Italiano live?
The lifespan varies, but many dogs of this breed live into their early teens. Senior years usually start around age 8, so schedule annual vet checkups to keep them healthy.1Pet Wiki plan
Is a Segugio Italiano good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are steady and gentle at home and enjoy the company of both dogs and their family. They can be good with children when properly socialized, but always supervise interactions.16
Can a Segugio Italiano be left alone?
They prefer company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise beforehand and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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