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Segugio Italiano
Health grade A- Shoulder height48–58 cm
- Weight18–23 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Puppy price1,200–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Segugio Italiano is a sensitive, extremely enduring scent hound and pack dog—bred for hours of loud hare hunting in rough terrain, where his nose takes absolute command.
- Health grade A: The Segugio Italiano is considered a very robust breed, yet orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as hereditary eye diseases like ectropion / entropion, can occur.
- You enjoy intensive scent work like mantrailing or tracking—simple walks will never satisfy this specialized hunter.
- You are physically active and looking for a tireless companion for long hikes in nature.
- You expect a dog that stays reliably by your side off-leash in the woods—once he catches a fresh scent, he switches to autopilot.
Self-check
Would the Segugio Italiano really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Segugio Italiano fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Segugio Italiano right for you?
At a glance
Segugio Italiano overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
48–58 cm
Weight
18–23 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short to medium length, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: Italy
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Segugio Italiano, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Segugio Italiano come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Segugio Italiano — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Coat type
Illustrative imageShort
Smooth
Illustrative imageWire
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog that is gentle and almost cat-like indoors, and you lead him with subtle, patient communication rather than harsh pressure.
- You can provide a high, securely fenced property where he can relax without immediately bolting at the slightest scent.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a thin-walled apartment—as a specialist in baying while tracking, he has a piercing voice that he loves to use when excited.
- You are away from home for long periods daily—he is a deeply rooted pack dog for whom isolation is an absolute nightmare.
The real vibes check
A Segugio Italiano lives in two extremes: indoors, he curls up like a heat-loving cat on the softest cushion, but outdoors, he mutates into an uncompromising, loud hunting machine. You won't get blind obedience, but rather a highly specialized, sensitive athlete who cooperates with you—as long as the wind isn't telling a more exciting story.
Breed Profile
The Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized dog with a slim, athletic build that reflects its endurance and speed. He has a distinctive, long muzzle, large, droopy ears and dark, expressive eyes that show his sensitive and intelligent nature. The breed exists in two variants that differ in hair length: one with short fur and one with rough, slightly longer fur. Both variants, however, have no undercoat and come in various shades of fawn, often with a white chest and paws. They are categorized in FCI Group 6 (running and bloodhounds) and there is no distinction between show and working lines.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 48 - 56 cm (Female), 52 - 58 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 20 kg (Female), 20 - 23 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- Sensitive, persistent, loyal
- Coat
- Short to medium length, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various shades of fawn, often with white chest and paws
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Segugio Italiano is a devoted and loyal companion that bonds closely to its people. His sensitive nature means he responds well to his family's moods and is happiest in a calm and loving home. He is a dog that likes to be challenged both mentally and physically, and he thrives in an environment that offers him plenty of exercise and interaction. As a hunting dog, the Segugio is from Very active by nature and needs a lot of exercise to be happy. He loves long walks and hikes and is also a good candidate for dog sports such as agility or canicross. His endurance and keen sense of smell make him an excellent sniffer dog, and he could do well in search and rescue or tracking. The Segugio Italiano is a very people-oriented dog that loves being close to his family. He can learn to stay alone, but he prefers to be in company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. In terms of temperament, the Segugio is a calm and even-tempered dog that generally gets along well with other dogs and animals. However, he is also a very alert dog and can be a good guardian, fiercely protecting his home and family. Despite its loving and gentle nature, the Segugio Italiano has a strong prey drive and can be prone to chasing small animals. This should be taken into consideration when thinking about bringing a Segugio into a family with small pets. Overall, the Segugio Italiano is a loyal and loving companion that is best suited to active families who spend a lot of time outdoors. With the right training and socialization, he can be a wonderful family dog and a loyal friend.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Segugio Italiano has impressive sniffing abilities and is often considered one of the best scent detection dogs. In Italy it is often used to hunt game, where it demonstrates its exceptional skills.
What Awaits You
The Segugio Italiano is a calm, alert and intelligent hunter and makes an excellent pet.
Housing & Care
The Segugio Italiano is generally suitable as a city dog, but it needs a lot of exercise and space to run around. An apartment may be suitable for him as long as he gets enough daily exercise. A fenced garden or nearby parks are ideal for satisfying his urge to move. When it comes to small children, the Segugio Italiano is generally a friendly and patient dog. He can get along well with them as long as they treat him with respect and care. However, as with any dog breed, children should always be supervised to ensure that both the dog and children feel comfortable and safe. The Segugio can also get along well with other pets, especially if introduced to them early on. However, good socialization and introduction are important to ensure a harmonious combination.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Segugio Italiano is an intelligent dog that is eager to learn. He responds well to positive training and reward methods. It's important to keep him mentally and physically occupied to keep him happy and balanced. Since the Segugio is a hunting dog, it is important to keep it on a leash or exercise it in a safe, fenced area. His hunting instincts can be strong, and he may have a tendency to prey on wild animals. Training should aim to reinforce his basic obedience and help him control his impulses. The breed can be well suited to various sports such as mantrailing, tracking or even dog sports such as agility. These activities not only offer him meaningful activity, but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It is important that the Segugio Italiano is socialized early to ensure that he gets along well with other dogs and people. Attending a dog school or engaging an experienced dog trainer can help develop proper socialization skills.
Nutrition & Care
Your Segugio Italiano's diet should be balanced and varied to keep him healthy and support his energy. High-quality, protein-rich dog food is a good choice, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. As an active dog, the Segugio requires a sufficient amount of calories, but it is important to watch weight to avoid becoming overweight. Regular weight checks and adjusting the amount of food can help. Grooming the Segugio Italiano's coat is relatively easy because it has no undercoat. Regular brushing will help remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and shiny. The Segugio can handle the German climate well but may need some extra protection in the colder months as it has less undercoat. The Segugio Italiano generally sheds moderately. Regular brushing reduces hair loss and keeps the coat clean. You should be prepared to find some fur in your home, but they are easier to manage compared to some other breeds.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
The Segugio Italiano is considered a very robust breed, yet orthopedic problems such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as hereditary eye diseases like ectropion / entropion, can occur. Cases of epilepsy are also known. A responsible breeder therefore has their breeding dogs X-rayed and examined by a veterinarian. Before buying a puppy, ask to see official X-ray results showing HD A–B and ED 0, as well as proof of freedom from ectropion / entropion and an unremarkable history regarding epilepsy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check his long, floppy ears and keep them dry, as well as ensure joint-friendly development during his upbringing to avoid future problems.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested and pay attention to healthy ear structure to reduce risks in the lineage.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
4
Risks tracked
0
Recommended standard
3
High severity
Head & nerves
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
We sort tests into three tiers — from the core standard to a fully exemplary program.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Segugio Italiano cost?
A Segugio Italiano costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,770 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€25,720.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,770
Across the dog's life
~€25,720
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative imageIllustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Segugio Italiano is one of the oldest dog breeds on the Italian peninsula, with a history dating back to antiquity. It is believed that its ancestors descend from ancient Egyptian scenthounds brought to the Mediterranean and eventually to Italy by Phoenician merchants. Historical evidence of this early presence can be found in numerous Roman sculptures and ancient coins depicting dogs with the characteristic drop ears of this type. For centuries, the Segugio Italiano has been bred in Italy as a highly specialized scenthound. Its original and still primary purpose is the persistent hunting of small game, particularly hares, as well as wild boar. Unlike sighthounds, the Segugio Italiano hunts exclusively by using its excellent sense of smell and its loud voice while on the trail; it is a pure nose-hunter rather than a sighthound. This specialization made it a highly valued companion to the Italian nobility as early as the Renaissance. In the early twentieth century, systematic purebred breeding began to consolidate the breed into its two current varieties. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Segugio Italiano in the scenthound group. While it remains an extremely popular and widely used hunting dog in its native Italy, it is still considered a rarity outside the country's borders.
Original Use
The Segugio Italiano was bred for hunting hares and other small game, known for its speed and endurance.
Origin
Italy
Date
Antike
Owner experiences
Many owners in the German-speaking countries, where the Segugio Italiano almost always arrives through rescue from Italy, describe life w…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners in the German-speaking countries, where the Segugio Italiano almost always arrives through rescue from Italy, describe life with one at home as remarkably uncomplicated and harmonious. Indoors these dogs are usually very gentle, almost silent housemates that love soft places to lie, take up little space and form a close, cuddly bond with their people. As former pack hounds, they are considered very sociable with other dogs, so living with other dogs rarely causes problems.
That calm behavior at home is balanced, however, by a big need to run. According to owner accounts, normal walks are barely more than a warm-up for this breed. Owners stress that a yard with a high, secure fence is a big plus, because some dogs turn out to be surprisingly good climbers and jumpers as soon as a trail looks tempting. Because of its instincts, smaller pets in the same household, such as cats or rabbits, often put things to the test, unless the dog has been used to them from a young age.
Sources:hundehilfe-toskana.dewamiz.defellnasen-stuttgart.depaw-champ.comhundehilfe-mariechen.de
One theme runs through owner accounts and dog forums: the strong hunting drive and the intense passion for tracking.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
One theme runs through owner accounts and dog forums: the strong hunting drive and the intense passion for tracking. As soon as a Segugio off leash lowers its head and catches a fresh trail, many of these dogs stop listening entirely. Many owners say honestly that off-leash time in the woods or in areas with lots of game is simply impossible for years, often for the dog's whole life. For most owners, a long line is part of the basic equipment.
To keep this passionate hound happy, owners rely on focused scent work. Mantrailing, tracking or dummy games: give a Segugio a job where it gets to use its fine nose in a controlled way, and it works with real commitment and obvious joy. On walks, though, it needs its people to plan ahead and stay alert at all times, because it often smells game long before its owner notices anything.
Sources:fellnasen-stuttgart.dehundehilfe-mariechen.destreunerherzen.comcankuna.netpurina.de
Owners and rescue organizations agree that training a Segugio Italiano takes a lot of finesse.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners and rescue organizations agree that training a Segugio Italiano takes a lot of finesse. These dogs are considered very sensitive and react to harshness, raised voices or pressure by immediately withdrawing or refusing. With positive reinforcement, calm and clear consistency, on the other hand, they learn quickly and show surprisingly soft, cooperative obedience in basic training. Still, the breed keeps a typical streak of independence. The Segugio is not a dog for blind, unquestioning obedience.
Owners consider the breed physically robust and weather-hardy when it's on the move, but in everyday life it is quite sensitive to cold and wet. Because of its thin layer of body fat and short coat, especially in the smooth-coated variety, many Segugios avoid rain and need a warm coat in winter. Rescue dogs are also more often reported to be easily startled or to have separation stress at first. This is put down to the lack of stimulation in their earlier life in Italian kennels, and it calls for patiently getting them used to everyday sights and sounds.
Sources:fellnasen-stuttgart.dehundehilfe-mariechen.destreunerherzen.comwamiz.dezooroyal.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Segugio Italiano the right dog for me?
The Segugio Italiano is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Segugio Italiano live?
The average life expectancy of a Segugio Italiano is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Segugio Italiano need?
Segugio Italiano grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Segugio Italiano good for families with children?
The Segugio Italiano can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Segugio Italiano come in?
The Segugio Italiano comes in these colors: Fawn, Black and tan, Tricolor.
Are you a Segugio Italiano breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Segugio Italiano.