Italian Hound (Segudzho)

The Segugio Italiano, also known as the Italian Hound, is a breed that combines grace and agility. This Italian-bred dog has a long history of being an expert hunter, distinguished by its extraordinary stamina and acute sense of smell. The Segugio is a friend that infuses your life with a little Italian charm, whether you’re in the city or the countryside.

This breed is easily identified by its athletic, sleek build and unusually short coat, which comes in a variety of colors. Their loyalty and intelligence are evident in their big, expressive eyes. Despite their majestic appearance, Segugios are actually friendly, active dogs that love company.

If you’re thinking about getting a Segugio for your house, get ready for an energetic and entertaining pet. They are perfect for active families or individuals because they enjoy running and exploring. These dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy because they are naturally curious.

General characteristics of the Italian Hound breed

The Italian name for this breed is Segudzho, derived from the word Segugio, which means "hound." These are tough, determined, and devoted hunting dogs. Both in a pack and on their own, they can work. Hunting is similar to hounding; they locate and pursue game. However, they also possess the ability to catch and kill an animal, just like a greyhound.

Segujos were once used to hunt hare and then wild boar. They are tenacious and able to move over difficult terrain. They have a ringing voice and an acute sense of smell. Because of this, even though they don’t bite people, they can make excellent guards. Despite the hound’s independence, they are now more frequently kept as companions since they are devoted to their owners.

Pros

Segugio is a hunting dog. It tracks down game with skill and purpose, and it doesn’t even require lengthy training. These days, the breed is favored by hound enthusiasts as well as active dog breeders, making it popular not just among hunters. Owners observe that these dogs have the following benefits:

• hardy, hard-working;
• cheerful, playful;
• good-natured, affectionate;
• calm, reserved;
• love children;
• do not conflict with other dogs;
• have good health;
• unpretentious, almost do not shed.

Cons

It is difficult to locate a purebred puppy outside of Italy due to the breed’s rarity. Other than that, these dogs have few drawbacks:

• need physical exercise;
• do not tolerate loneliness;
• can run away and get lost in pursuit of prey.

An excellent breed for outdoor enthusiasts, the Italian Hound, also known as Segugio, is prized for its agility and sharp hunting instincts. Not only are these Italian-bred dogs excellent trackers, but they also make wonderful family companions. They demonstrate why they should have a special place in homes all over the world with their unique blend of intelligence and loyalty, which invites dog lovers to explore their training and care requirements.

History of origin

Although the exact origin of the breed is unknown to scientists, a wealth of images, including those of ancient Roman statues, and archaeological discoveries point to its antiquity. Some people believe that Egyptian greyhounds were these dogs’ ancestors. After arriving in Italy, they were mixed up with Roman molossers.

The resulting dogs were used for hunting and quickly gained popularity. They developed useful traits through breeding that would enable them to drive a wild boar. They were particularly well-liked in the Renaissance. However, there was no one type; various varieties were distinguished, including Alpine and Lomellino hounds.

Segugios have been exported from Italy to other European nations since the 17th century. However, as time went on, their appeal started to wane; hunting in packs was outlawed, and new breeds emerged. The Italian Kennel Club didn’t start paying attention to them until the early 1900s, at which point the breed started to thrive again. Two varieties of Italian hounds were identified and a standard was developed: wire-haired and short-haired.

The FCI recognized the breed in 1956 and it was placed in the medium hound category. Additionally, there were two breeds of Segugios at the close of the 20th century. Despite the fact that these dogs are mostly popular in Italy, the population has now recovered. They are employed for both companion and game tracking.

Appearance

Segugio is a stunning canine of medium size. Its narrow, sharp muzzle and lean, fit build are traits of greyhounds, while its long hanging ears, powerful legs, and slightly stretched body are traits of hounds.

Males can grow up to 60 cm at the withers, but the average height is 55 cm. All dogs weigh no more than 25–26 kg because they are almost entirely fat. The quality of the coat is the primary distinction between the wire-haired and short-haired types.

The 20th century’s 90s saw the approval of the final standard. Despite this, modern hounds’ appearances haven’t really changed over the ages. They possess the following qualities:

• the head is large, proportional to the body, elongated into an oval;
• the forehead is flat, the occipital protuberance is noticeable;
• the muzzle is long, the stop is almost not pronounced;
• the jaws are strong, the lips are thin, do not droop, the cheekbones are flat;
• the bridge of the nose with a small hump, the lobe is large, protruding forward, black;
• the ears are set low, hanging, long, the ear is densely soft, wide, curls into a tube;
• the eyes are large, almond-shaped, set wide apart, usually dark brown;
• neck is conical, long, without dewlap;
• chest is deep, not wide, belly is flat;
• the tail is thin, long, set quite high, has a saber-like shape;
• limbs are rather thin, but strong, with well-defined joint angles;
• paws are oval, toes are arched with hard pads and tufts of hair in the interdigital spaces;
• hair is short, smooth, or more rigid, up to 5 cm long;
• fawn, red or black and tan color, solid color or with small white spots on the muzzle, chest, paws.

Further images of Segugio:

The Segugio, or Italian Hound, is a breed that is elegant and adaptable at the same time. These dogs are not only fantastic hunters but also wonderful companions because of their excellent sense of smell and limitless energy. They make excellent pets in addition to being skilled hunters because of their amiable nature and devotion, which can win over hearts.

Taking care of a Segugio needs dedication. Regular outdoor activities are crucial because they thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation. Keeping your dog active is essential for their happiness and well-being, whether it’s through long walks, runs, or yard games. They also gain from socialization and training, which makes them more complete companions.

It’s critical to comprehend the needs of Italian Hounds before deciding to adopt one for your home. Even though they can be independent and a little stubborn, they can be very responsive given enough time and training. They are a pleasure to be around because of their loving disposition, and they frequently develop close relationships with their families.

All things considered, the Segugio is a loving family pet that can fit into a variety of lifestyles rather than just being a hunting dog. Italian Hounds could be the ideal choice for you if you’re searching for a canine companion who is both energetic and loyal. If you embrace the adventure that this breed entails, you’ll make a lifelong, devoted friend.

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