Medium
13 Years
36 Kg
Hound Dogs
Affectionate, Intelligent, Quiet
The Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized breed that belongs to the scenthound family. It is lightly built and has a square profile with a length almost equal to its height at the withers. The breed comes in two varieties: the coarse-haired and the short-haired variety. Both varieties are versatile hunting dogs that have keen nose and superb endurance. The breed features an elongated and narrow skull with very slight stop, black nose with wide nostrils and a slightly curved bridge. It has large, oval, dark eyes and low set, triangular ears that hang close to the cheeks. The teeth form a regular scissor bite. A lean neck of medium length supports the elongated head from the equally long shoulders. The Segugio Italiano also has straight and powerful forelegs and muscular thighs that aid in free and active movement. The legs are cushioned to the ground by tight, oval feet with thick pads. It also has a deep chest and a short but muscular back that rises slightly over the loin. The highly set tail tapers to a tip and carried high in a sabre curve. The coat of the coarse-haired variety is harsh, dense, wiry and close lying approximately 2 inches (5 cms) in length at its longest while the coat of the shorthaired variety is smooth, thick and shiny. The breed comes in black and tan or any shade of deep red to wheaten.
All dog breeds have different levels of intellect. Some dog breeds; working dogs in particular, are very independent thinkers and have been evolved to be very intelligent. Typically, a highly intelligent dog does well in obedience training and other activities. A highly intelligent dog can be very demanding and do require lots of physical and mental stimulation. If you’re looking for a relatively laid-back dog, that doesn’t require lots of mental and physical stimulation, then you must fully understand the level of intelligence of your dog breed of choice.
Before committing to a certain dog breed, you must fully understand their intellect levels and their specific levels of energy. To keep your dog well-balanced and happy, their needs must be met and maintained.
All dog breeds have different needs when it comes to the level of exercise they require. For the high energy dogs; which are your typical working dogs, they have a lot of energy and require lots of daily exercise along with plenty of mental stimulation. A highly energetic dog breed would suit an individual or family that is equally as active and loves the outdoors. There are also breeds that have relatively low exercise needs, such as toy dog breeds. Although they require daily exercise and mental stimulation, they’re just as happy chilling at home with their loved ones. This type of dog breed would suit an individual or family that prefers the peace and quiet and relaxation.
Before deciding on your chosen dog breed, Mypetzilla recommends that you research the exercise needs and whether you’re well equipped before committing to buying or adopting a particular dog breed.
There are several dog breeds that are known and potentially predisposed to developing health related conditions. Sensible breeding can help prevent the onset of health related conditions and this should always be taken into condition when researching your dog breed of choice. Before committing to a dog, you should speak to the breeder about any health related conditions that may affect the dog you’re looking to buy or adopt. You can also request to see any test results from genetic testing.
There are many dog breeds that tolerate children really well and are not affected by the constant noise and need for play-time. However, there are some dog breeds that don’t do very well with children and can become frustrated and snappy. That being said, all children should be shown how to handle and care for a dog in their home and should always be supervised when playing. As much as a dog can become annoyed and snappy with a younger child, the child can also become less tolerant and misbehaved towards the dog.
Mypetzilla recommends that you always supervise play-time between your children and dog. Children need to respect the boundaries and feeding time for the dog and likewise for the child. We also strongly advise that play-time doesn’t get out of control and too rough which can cause injury to both child and dog.
There are lots of dog breeds that are well suited to living in an apartment. It’s worthwhile noting that you need to check that you’re allowed dogs in your building before committing to bringing one home. If you do decide to own a dog and are living in an apartment, then you must make sure that they have plenty of room to roam around and frequent walks outside to prevent them from becoming bored and depressed.
Mypetzilla recommends that you check as to whether you’re allowed dogs in your apartment building and to fully ensure your apartment is dog proof before committing fully to bringing a dog home.
All dog breeds shed to some extent, some more than others. With this, all potential dog owners should be aware of this, as it will be a matter of putting up with some hair or lots of hair being left around the house. Depending on the dog breed, there are certain times during the year where some dog breeds shed the most and this is typically around spring and autumn. However, there are some dog breeds that shed all year round.
If you’re very house-proud, they you may want to choose a dog breed that sheds very little. Mypetzilla strongly recommends that you fully research your dog breed of choice and their shedding levels before committing.
All dog breeds require different levels of grooming. Some dog breeds are easier to maintain than others and only require a weekly brush to help keep their coat in good condition. There are some dog breeds that require regular trips to the grooming parlour and this can come at a huge cost. Either way, all dog breeds require their coat and nails to be maintained and cared for.
Mypetzilla strongly advices that potential owners research the grooming needs and associated costs with their desired dog breed before fully committing.
Barking is a necessity for your dog to communicate. However, it can also be a nuisance to yourself and fellow neighbours if it’s not kept under control. If you live in an apartment, then you’re better off choosing a dog breed that doesn’t bark as much. If you live further out and far from civilisation, then it’s worthwhile looking into a dog breed that does bark and will bark to alert you of any other company on your property.
Mypetzilla advices that you research the behaviours of your dog breed of choice and whether this would work for you and your family. It’s worth noting that dogs can be trained to bark less and this will take a lot of effort and training from the owner.
Majority dog breeds form very close relationships with their owners and as a result can become very stressed when left alone for a period of time. If a dog is suffering with separation anxiety then they’re very likely to become destructive around the home as a way of dealing with their anxieties. Dog breeds that do form strong bonds with their owners are better accustomed to a household where one member of the family remains home, whilst the others are out, this is to help avoid further anxieties and destructive behaviours.
Mypetzilla recommends that all potential owners research their dog breed of choice on their bonding abilities and how well-adjusted they are to being left alone at home. It’s also worth noting that you should never leave your dog for longer than 4 hours alone at home.
There are certain dogs breeds that have very high intellect and therefore easier to train than other dog breeds. There is also a downside to this; as fast as they learn the new trick or command, they can easily pick up bad habits just as quick. Other dog breeds that don’t rank as high on the intellect scale require patience and plenty of reward treats from their owners during training.
Before committing to a certain dog breed, Mypetzilla advices you to fully research your dog breed of choice and their level of training needs.
All dog breeds have different energy levels. The working dog breed has one of the highest energy levels in comparison to the low-energy dog’s breeds such as the Toy dog breed group. To keep a dog truly happy, healthy and well-balanced, their energy levels must be met.
High-energy dog breeds need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. High energy dog breeds would suit an active family or person. Dog breeds that are considered as low-energy, love to spend the majority of their time relaxing and sleeping in their favourite, comfy spot. A low-energy dog breed would suit an individual that equally loves the quiet life and relaxing lifestyle. Of course, low-energy dogs still need their daily walks and mental stimulation, just not as much as a high-energy dog breed.
Mypetzilla recommends that potential owner research fully on the type of dog breed that would suit their existing lifestyle and to also take into consideration the dog breeds energy levels and exercise requirements.
Before you decide on what dog breed would be suitable for you and your family, you must consider whether they’re a friendly dog breed and if you already have other pets within the household. For homes that already have dogs and other domestic pets, then it’s wise to choose a dog breed that has a friendly personality and temperament.
There are some dog breeds that mix well with other dog breeds and there are others that don’t suit one another and this could potentially cause issues later on down the line.
Another important point to consider is whether the dog breed of choice is friendly towards people and children.
Mypetzilla recommends to research fully on the right dog breed for your family and to also consider their temperament and characteristics.
The Segugio Italiano is thought to be an ancient breed which descended in pre-Roman times from scenthound ancestry in ancient Egypt. The breed is believed to have been brought to Greece and then to Italy where it might have been crossed with the Roman Molossus breed. The earliest evidences about the existence of this breed can be found in ancient statuaries in Italy including the “Diana The Huntress” in the Naples Museum and “Diana with Bow and Arrow” at the Vatican Museum, as well as in several Italian Renaissance paintings. The breed’s appearance and abilities were greatly improved and mended during the Renaissance period when the Segugio Italiano was in great demand for hunting. The breed was extensively involved in grand hunts (hunting hare, fox, and wild boar) usually working in a pack along with the hunters in horseback as well as trumpeters and beaters in full livery. Unfortunately, as the grand hunts ended the Segugio Italiano fell into a period of neglect. By the late 19th century, the Segugio Italiano had evolved into several varieties including the Lomellina hound and the Alpine hound. Luckily, the onset of the 20th century brought renewed interest in the breed and is now one of the most abundant dogs in Italy, prized as a wonderful companion. A Segugio Italiano won the first European Cup in 1993 in France.
The Segugio is a calm breed, often barking only when there is a need to alert the owner. It has a deep, harmonious voice. The Segugio Italiano is very gentle and even-tempered and the mastiff blood makes him more open to training than most hounds. This robust, very hardy, agile, and enthusiastic dog has an outstanding nose that can work alone or in a pack. It is perfectly adaptable in hunting, from flat, open country to the most rugged mountainous terrain and has an enormous endurance, often hunting a full 12-hour period without rest.
Being independent and sometimes stubborn, the Segugio Italiano needs firm, consistent but gentle and patient training from a loving owner and training sessions should be short, fun and varying. Early socialization is required in order to raise a hound with balanced temperament while obedience training of at least basic level should be given at an early age.
The coat of the Segugio Italiano requires minimal maintenance. Brushing or combing on a weekly basis to remove loose or dead hair is sufficient. The addition of boiled linseed oil to the breed’s base diet will help bring out the lovely shimmer of the coat.
The Segugio Italiano is a robust and hardy breed with no major health problems. It has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years.
This working breed needs space and a lot of exercise. It has a lot of endurance that needs to be channelled or it will transform into boredom which can result in unsocial or destructive behaviour. Daily long walks on leash, jogging or any vigorous activities in an open and secured space will keep this breed physically and mentally fit. It is not recommended for an apartment living and will do best in a house with a secured, well-fenced yard.
Centuries of working side-by-side with people and working in packs has made the breed sociable and even-tempered and generally reliable with children and gets along well with other dogs. Although the Segugio Italiano is independent and has a stubborn streak, the breed can be a wonderful companion pet.
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