Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 1st March 2026
Segugio Italiano
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 1st March 2026
The Segugio Italiano, known as the Segit (pronounced “see get”), is loyal, gentle, and intelligent. Loved in its native Italy, this diligent and devoted dog gets its name from the Italian “seguire,” meaning “to follow,” after its unique way of herding hares while hunting to bring them to its owner. It makes a high-pitched and distinctive “ba ba ba” bark while trailing. Its features are a deep chest, square body, Roman nose, and large, floppy ears. It comes in two varieties: Pelo Raso, short-haired, and Pelo Forte, wire-haired.
Segugio Italiano Pictures
Quick Information
| Other names | Segit, Segugio, Italian Hound |
| Coat | Coarse, rough double coat, can be short or wiry |
| Color | Shades of fawn or black and tan, with some white markings permissible |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Scent hound |
| Life expectancy | 11-13 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | Males – 19. 5 – 24.5 inches Females – 19 – 24 inches |
| Weight | 39 – 62 pounds |
| Litter Size | 4-6 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Loyal, tenacious, courageous, intelligent, and eager to please |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | High; they have a musical bark and use it whenever bored or suspicious |
| Climate compatibility | High; known to be highly adaptable to most climates and terrains |
| Apartment compatibility | Low; needs vigorous outdoor exercise |
| Do they shed | They are low-shedders |
| Are they hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | High |
| How much do they cost | $600 – $1,200 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | FCI, AKC, ENCI |
| Country | Italy |
Other Similar Breeds
History and Origin
The history of this ancient breed is still being determined. Some believe it descended from Egyptian Pharaoh Hounds, while others propose Phoenician traders brought it to modern-day Italy. Another possibility is that it originated in ancient Gaul or modern France, and the Romans brought it back following their conquest of these lands. Primarily used for hunting boar, it was associated with Diana, the Goddess of Hunting. Statues depicting a similar dog alongside the goddess are found in the Vatican, Italy, and the rest of Europe. The infamous Roman Emperor Caligula hunted with large packs of Segugi Italianos. Its popularity peaked during the Renaissance period featuring in many artworks from the 1600s.
Traditionally, Segugi, plural of Segugio, hunted in massive packs of several hundred dogs. They were prized for their Bloodhound-like tracking ability, along with being able to capture or even kill prey without needing their owner’s guidance. However, with the decline of the boar population in the Italian countryside, so did its usefulness. Thus, it became rare by the nineteenth century and faced extinction. Through the dedicated efforts of breeders and enthusiasts, it survived, receiving recognition from the AKC in 2018 as part of the Foundational Stock Service. Today, it is among the top ten most popular dogs in Italy.
Temperament and Personality
These dogs are calm, reserved, and gentle. Their impressive stamina allows them to remain outdoors for a long time, thus requiring lots of exercise to stay healthy. These highly adaptable hunters can survive even in rugged and harsh terrains with the proper care. They are incredibly attached to young kids, making them great house pets. Also, their loyalty and vigilance make them excellent watchdogs, alerting their owner of suspicious activity with their loud, melodious bark. Historically, as pack hunters, they get along well with other dogs and enjoy playing with them. However, their high prey drive may make them aggressive towards smaller pets such as cats and rabbits.
Ideally, this breed is neither shy nor aggressive. It resents being alone and can become destructive when bored, leading to property damage. Training such behaviors out from your dog at the earliest is essential. A well-trained and socialized Segugio is a docile, intelligent, and well-mannered companion for all ages.
Care
Exercise
Its high endurance and hunting pedigree require at least one to two hours of daily outdoor exercise. A thirty to forty-five-minute brisk walk and scent play in a fenced area are necessary for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. You should engage in mentally stimulating activities like interactive games and puzzles. It also excels at dog sports such as agility, rally, scent detection, man-trailing, and competitive obedience.
Grooming
You can maintain the short-haired and wire-haired varieties by brushing a few times weekly. Check its long ears regularly for infections and keep them clean and dry. Trim the nails and brush the teeth to prevent plaque build-up. You can supplement daily brushing with some toys and treats designed to help with dental hygiene.
Health Concerns
The Segugio Italiano is an incredibly healthy breed with no known hereditary issues. Some problems common to dogs of its size, like GDV or bloat, hip dysplasia, and ear infections, may occur.
Feeding
Fix your dog’s food intake for a medium-sized breed with high energy levels. Hunting dogs thrive best on a low-fat and high-protein diet specially made for performance and stamina. Companions and house pets are less active and do well on high-quality adult food. Always provide clean and fresh water.
Training
The Segugio Italiano is eager to please and a quick learner. Becoming a well-adjusted family member requires a committed training regimen and early socialization.
Socialization: While not overly clingy, you must get your pet used to being on its own for short periods to prevent destructive behavior. Early socialization is necessary to deter aggression or shyness. Avoid making training sessions repetitive, as it can become stubborn once bored. Alternatively, use incentives such as treats, scent trails, and positive encouragement to keep your dog’s interest.
Obedience: Teach a recall, along with a harness and long line. It tends to bark, so train it with a “silent” or “hush” command to avoid noise complaints.
Leash: Always keep your Segugio leashed outside, as its hunting instincts may cause it to run off after prey. You should invest in a secure high fence for your garden to prevent it from jumping over.
Interesting Facts
- Some famous sculptures depicting this dog are the “Diana Hunter” and “Diana Scoccante L’arco,” housed in the Museum of Naples and the Vatican Museums in Rome, respectively.
- Some countries consider the Pelo Raso and Pelo Forte as different breeds.
- Houndsmen are called “Segugists” in Italy.
