Italian Segugio
Other names: Segugio Italiano, SEGIT, Italian Hound
This Italian breed of canine is from the scent hound group. This ancient dog group actually comes in two coat varieties – a wire haired and a smooth haired dog. In addition to being a scent hound, the Segugio Italiano also excels at hunting and the capture and killing of his prey.
Key facts about the Italian Segugio
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Origins and history
The Segugio Italiano, or SEGIT as it is also known, is an ancient breed dating back thousands of years. It was initially bred by farmers, who needed a dog to hunt hare and rabbits and in some cases, even wild boar. The breed is more common in Italy, but not well known elsewhere.
Remains of other dogs, very similar to this breed, were found in the province of Verona. Also, a painting from around 1600, in the Borso d’Este castle, displays a dog very similar to the Segugio Italiano. Although no one really knows of their exact ancestry, these artefacts go some way to prove his heritage in Italy. In more recent years, the Segugio has become one of the most popular Italian hunting dogs.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Italian Segugio
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 23 in
Male : Between 20 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 57 lb
Male : Between 44 and 62 lb
Coat colour
This dog’s coat appears in a variety of colours - black and tan and any shade from red to fawn.
Type of coat
There are 2 varieties of the Segugio Italiano dog. One has a wiry, harsh coat that is around 5cm in length. The other, a smooth haired dog, has a short, thick, shiny coat.
Eye colour
Brown or Amber.
Description
The Segugio Italiano is a medium sized dog, athletic but not heavy. His lean, long limbs together with his muscular build allow him to hunt over many terrains for long periods. His square-shaped body is broad, but not stocky. He has a large, long head carried on a slender long neck. The Segugio’s ears are triangle-shaped and are set low on the side of his head.
Good to know
It will be no surprise if you have never even heard of this breed of dog. This is probably because not even one dog has been registered in the United Kingdom during the last 10 years. Any prospective owners will need to look further afield, most likely to Europe, to find a puppy.
Varieties
Temperament
Behaviour of the Italian Segugio
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Compatibility
Price
As this dog breed appears to be quite rare outside of its native Italy, it can cost anywhere from £300 upwards. In addition, a monthly budget of around £100 to £120 is needed to meet his dietary needs, vet bills, and pet insurance costs.
Grooming
This dog breed has 2 different coat types, smooth and short, and coarse and wiry. However, both types of hair need minimal grooming. Care must be taken with the Segugio Italiano’s long ears, to keep them clean and free from infection.
Nutrition of the Italian Segugio
A high protein, low fat diet should be given to the Segugio Italiano, in keeping with his working and energetic personality.
Health of the Italian Segugio
Life expectancy
There are no documented health issues with this breed at present. Its average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Strong / robust
The Segugio Italiano scent hound is known for his powerful nose and muscular legs. This breed can work over any terrain with speed and accuracy for many hours.
Withstand heat
As a working dog, he doesn’t generally suffer any ill effects from hunting in warmer climates.
Withstand cold
This dog won’t have any issues being outside in cooler climates.
Tendency to put on weight
As is the case with many working dogs, providing they are given adequate exercise, they shouldn’t gain any additional weight. However, for a retired scent hound, there is more of a risk of obesity once he becomes more sedentary, with little exercise.
Common illnesses
- Gastric dilatation/volvulus
- Glaucoma
- Heart defects
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy