Italian Segugio

The Segugio Italiano dog is affectionate to almost everyone he meets.

This breed certainly loves kids. They make excellent childminders and playmates.

He has a very sensitive nature and doesn’t like to hear raised voices in the home. But likewise, he is a very calm and gentle character.

A very smart dog, however can also be stubborn if things get too repetitive when training.

The Segugio Italiano is certainly an excellent scent hound and in addition, he will hunt and kill prey when required to.

Even though the Segugio Italiano will bark when a stranger approaches, he will be friendly when he gets to know them.

As with the majority of hounds, he can be quite independent. However, he does need the company of his master or another dog for most of the day.

If this dog is left alone for any long period of time, he will become bored, and start to “sing”.

Although these canines are eager to please and train quite easily, a firm but consistent hand is required. He can also be quite stubborn if repetitive routines are used when training. As a noisy dog, his “singing” can annoy the neighbours, so the Segugio Italiano must be taught the command to remain quiet from a very young age. 

Part of this dog’s hunting technique involves baying loudly and melodiously when on a scent trail.

As with many scent hounds, when out walking he only needs to pick up on a scent and he will dash off without thinking of the consequences. The Segugio Italiano has little road sense when he is following a scent, so it’s important to keep him on a lead when out walking. 

This breed is meant to be active and engaged as a working dog. If he becomes bored, or is left alone for long periods of time, he can become quite destructive. 

As a working breed, this dog will always appear to be hungry and ready to accept a welcome snack.

The Segugio Italiano will definitely alert you to any unwanted visitors, however your neighbours may not appreciate his loud voice.

Although the Segugio Italiano can adapt to living in a town, he does actually need plenty of outside space.

This canine needs a vast amount of daily exercise, supplemented with other dog sports, such as obedience, agility and even jogging. 

This dog will be fine travelling in a dog crate in the rear of a vehicle, especially if on route to the hunting field. 

Not very friendly towards cats and other small pets, due to his high prey drive.

As a pack animal, he gets along fine with other canines, especially if he has been socialised with them from a young age. 

Providing the Segugio Italiano has been properly socialised and trained with small children, he will have no problem being their playmate. He is very adaptable and gentle around kids.

A good tempered, loving and gentle dog, but he does have a very high need for lots of exercise. Probably not best suited to an elderly owner.

This is a very energetic dog, who needs a minimum of 2 hours vigorous exercise each day. Providing you can meet these needs, the dog will happily lay on the floor and sleep afterwards. Bear in mind that he can often be quite stubborn too.