Pet Wiki

Segugio Italiano

Also called Italian Hound, Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso, Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte, Italian Short-haired Segugio, Italian Rough-haired Segugio

Steady and gentle at home, with a soft look, yet full of drive once on a scent.

SizeMedium
Weight18 to 28 kg (40 to 62 lb)males 18 to 28 kg, females 18 to 26 kg12
Height48 to 60 cm (19 to 24 in)males 52 to 60 cm, females 48 to 58 cm132
CoatSmooth (pelo raso) or rough (pelo forte)
OriginItaly45
GroupFCI group 6
Recognised breedShort profile
great stamina
calm and responsive
rich, musical voice on the trail
163

Personality what they are like

Steady and gentle at home, with a soft look, yet full of drive once on a scent. It is described as calm, responsive and smart, and it happily works alone or with a pack.16

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth (pelo raso) or rough (pelo forte)

A lean, athletic hound with a long oval head, a soft expression, large dark eyes and very long triangular ears. The smooth variety has a short, dense, glossy coat, while the rough variety wears a coarse coat up to about 5 cm long.12

Coloursfawn from deep red to paleblack and tansmall white markings on face and chest tolerated132

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Segugio Italiano. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Bred to hunt across varied terrain for many hours, so it thrives on long daily walks, running and nose work.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low. The smooth coat needs a quick weekly brush; the rough coat benefits from regular brushing. The long hanging ears should be checked and kept clean.12

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active home with a secure garden and plenty of outdoor time; more and more are now kept as family companions.3

Company who they like around

Used to working in packs and alongside people, so it enjoys company of both dogs and its family.1

The story where it all began

Italy's classic scent hound is thought to be very old, and dogs like it appear in Roman statues and Renaissance hunting scenes. Dogs of this type were shown in Milan in 1886, a breed club formed in 1920, and after nearly vanishing by 1945 a new breed society restarted it in 1947.321

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Statues of Diana the Huntress from Roman times show hounds that look much like the Segugio.3

  2. 2

    It can keep hunting for up to about twelve hours at a stretch.3

  3. 3

    The breed standard singles out its resonant, very pleasant voice.1

  4. 4

    The smooth and rough coat varieties each have their own FCI standard.4

  5. 5

    When the breed society reformed in 1947, only 69 dogs were registered that year.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Segugio Italiano' translates to 'Italian Hound' in English, reflecting its origin as a scenthound breed from Italy.6

Name ideas for your new friend

BellaDolceTracciaNasoSoleLunaRocciaPietraCacciaPaceVentoOrso

A day in the life told by a Segugio Italiano

I wake slowly, stretching on the cool tile. My human gives me a scratch behind the ears, and I wag my tail. Then the leash jingles, and I'm all alert. We walk through the field, my nose working the scents of grass and earth. I catch a rabbit trail and pull, my whole body focused. After the run, we rest under an olive tree, and I lean into my human's leg. At home, I curl on the sofa, watching the door. It's a simple, perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Smooth-haired variety: Standard No. 337, Group 6, Section 1.2 (medium-sized scent hounds); accepted 11 May 1993; current standard 13 Nov 2015; working trial4
FCI
Rough-haired variety: Standard No. 198, Group 6, Section 1.2; definitive acceptance 9 Mar 1956; current standard 13 Nov 2015; working trial5
AKC
Listed as a breed on the AKC website6

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Segugio Italiano, and at what times?

Feed your adult Segugio Italiano at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.17 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Segugio Italiano eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your dog's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, caffeine, or raw meat and bones.18 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Segugio Italiano?

Bathing every two months is a good starting plan, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.19 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Segugio Italiano need brushing?

Brush your Segugio Italiano once a week to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. The rough-coated variety may benefit from more frequent brushing to prevent tangles.19 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Segugio Italiano's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.19 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Segugio Italiano need?

This breed needs a lot of exercise, including long daily walks, running, and nose work. They were bred to hunt for hours, so plan for at least an hour of activity each day.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Segugio Italiano's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste. Check and dry the long floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.19 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Segugio Italiano live?

The lifespan varies, but many dogs of this breed live into their early teens. Senior years usually start around age 8, so schedule annual vet checkups to keep them healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Segugio Italiano good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are steady and gentle at home and enjoy the company of both dogs and their family. They can be good with children when properly socialized, but always supervise interactions.16

Can a Segugio Italiano be left alone?

They prefer company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise beforehand and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard 337 (English) fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for rough coat, size, weight
  3. Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, facts, size
  4. FCI - Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso (337) fci.beused for recognition
  5. FCI - Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte (198) fci.beused for recognition
  6. AKC - Segugio Italiano akc.orgused for temperament
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.