The Segugio Italiano is assigned to the hound group [1] . They are an ancient scent hound who is thought to be a descendant of Egyptian hounds who went to the many city states making up what is now Italy. They may also be referred to as the Segit [2] , Italian Hound, Italian Segugio, or simply the Segugio. [3] While there are a few characteristics that this breed of dog shares with other breeds, there are also several unique characteristics that this dog has. This wikiHow will help you note what those are, and thus figure out whether a dog is a Segugio Italiano.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

  1. Segugi Italiani are usually somewhere between 19 to 23 inches (48 to 58 cm) tall, and they typically weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kg). [4]
  2. When looked at from above, Segugi Italiani should have an almost oval-shaped skull. When looked at in a profile view, their muzzle and skull top lines should be divergent. The dog should also have a stop that is marked a little by a slope that is soft. The dog's muzzle and skull should be the same length, and the dog's muzzle should be convex a little and deep (which creates a Roman nose). You should also notice thin, fine lips that are relatively tight and when looked at from a profile view, you should notice that the dog's upper lip is a little curved. The dog should also have black-colored lip edges, and lean, relatively flat cheeks. [5]
  3. Segugi Italiani should have flat, triangular-shaped ears that are quite broad, and ending in a point which is narrow. The dog's ears should be of a long enough length where they reach halfway to the muzzle's end. [6]
  4. Segugi Italiani should have luminous, large, dark ochre-colored eyes that are open almond-shaped. [7]
  5. Segugi Italiani should have a tail that is high-set on the croup's line, with a base that is thin and a uniform size throughout with the exception of the very fine tail tip. The tip of the dog's tail should reach almost or to the dog's hock joint. The tail should be hanging when the dog is relaxed, and raised higher than the line of their back when they are in motion. [8]
  6. Overall, Segugi Italiani should appear square, robust and balanced well with proportions that are medium. Their bones should be lean and strong with no noticeable fat. When the dog is hunting, their gait should be a gallop. [9]
  7. In some countries, the Segugio Italiano is actually considered to be two different breeds, the Segugio Italiano Pelo Raso (shorthaired) and the Segugio Italiano Pelo Forte (rough-haired). [10] The coat is the main difference between these two dog breeds. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Coat

  1. Regardless of what type of coat the dog has, their coat may be black and tan or any fawn shade (from an intense red to a faded color). [12]
    • If the dog is black and tan, their tan-colored markings should be similar to other dogs that are black and tan, and you may notice a star on their chest that is white in color. [13]
    • If the dog is fawn in color, you may notice white on the dog's skull, muzzle, pasterns, feet, neck, tail or hocks. You may also notice a star that is white in color on the dog's chest. However, there should ideally not be a lot of white. [14]
  2. Dogs with this coat should have a straight coat that is short in length and feels smooth, with hair that has a texture similar to a horse found throughout their body. On the dog's body or face, you may notice some dispersed hairs that are shorter. [15]
  3. Dogs with this coat should have hair no longer than 2 inches (5.1 cm) on their body, as well as rough hair that may feel more smooth on the dog's muzzle, legs, ears and tail. You should also notice "eyebrows" that aren't covering the dog's eyes, and a medium "beard". [16]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

  1. Segugi Italiani are known to be smart dogs who typically are quick learners and eager to please. However, they can also be relatively independent, meaning gentle yet firm training from early on is important. [17]
  2. Though they are not known to be particularly outgoing Segugi Italiani are known to be kind, friendly dogs who are also affectionate. [18]
  3. With enough exercise, Segugi Italiani are known to be calm dogs who are also gentle, meaning that they typically do well as part of a family. [19]
  4. Segugi Italiani are athletic, playful dogs who need a large amount of exercise every day. One possible exercise option is dog sports such as rally or agility, since they tend to enjoy doing this. [20]
  5. Segugi Italiani are alert dogs who will bark if they notice someone unfamiliar has arrived, making them good watchdogs. However, they are non-aggressive dogs, meaning they would not do well as a guard dog. [21]
  6. Segugi Italiani are sociable dogs who do not do well being by themselves. [22]
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Tips

  • Consider dog DNA testing if you want to find out your dog's breed, because this can help confirm whether your dog is a Segugio Italiano.
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Updated: August 2, 2021
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