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Breed Characteristics
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Italian Shorthaired Hound
| Other Names | Segugio Italiano; Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Weight | 39.5 - 61.5 lbs. (18 - 28 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 20.5 - 23 in. (52 - 58 cm) Females: 19 - 22 in. (48 - 56 cm) |
| Coat | Smooth, thick, shiny and dense. |
| Colour | Solid fawn shades, black and tan; may have white markings |
| Litter Size | 4 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 13 years |
| Origin & History | The Segugio Italiano is quite common in Italy, where it originated. It was and still is used by Italian farmers for hunting rabbits. Since the people were poor in Italy, they needed a dog that was versatile in hunting because they could not afford to feed many dogs. The Segugio Italiano has a special way of hunting; it herds the hares and brings them to the hunter. The Italian word for "to follow" is “seguire,” and this is where the dog got its name; it follows the hare, making big circles. It can stay on a hare's track for a long time, never giving up, and is also a good tracking dog with a very strong sense of smell. |
| Personality | The Segugio Italiano is a hunting dog that is mostly used for hares, and is not interested in birds or other animals. It has a noble, calm character. Good with people and other dogs, but most be socialized at an early age. It also hunts in packs with other Segugios. When he is on a rabbit’s trail, he makes a funny excited and distinctive barking with a high-pitched “ba ba ba” noise. These wonderful dogs are very intelligent and affectionate. Good with children and other dogs. Makes a good watchdog. With intelligence comes a dog that needs to be mentally challenged. If not properly exercised and mentally stimulated they will become bored, destructive, and may become barky and unhappy. They need to feel secure within their human pack with an owner who is calm, but firm, confident and consistent with the rules. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | Easy to groom; a weekly brushing to remove loose hair will suffice. Keep nails trimmed and check ears regularly. |
| Exercise | The Segugio Italiano needs plenty of exercise. It needs to be taken on a daily walk or jog. The Segugio Italiano is a very fast runner with great stamina and is a good long-distance runner, which makes for a great jogging companion. This breed loves running on the plains and the woods. Will thrive if they are given the chance to use its hunting skills in tracking trials or hunting expeditions. They also enjoy swimming and retrieving. If they become restless or high strung it is a sure sign that the dog is not receiving enough mental and/or physical exercise. |
| Other Considerations | This breed will do okay in an apartment due to its calm character if sufficiently exercised. Do not let this dog off the leash in an unsafe area. If he spots a rabbit his hunting instincts may get the best of him as he takes off after it. |
