Segugio Italiano
Hound Medium
Ranked #189 by the AKC, the Segugio Italiano is a medium hound dog with roots in Italy. Bred to hunt hare and wild boar in the varied terrain of the Italian peninsula, working both individually and in packs with remarkable endurance.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Segugio Italiano
An ancient Italian scenthound dating back to the Renaissance, depicted in paintings by Italian masters and used by Italian nobility for centuries.. As of 2026, they hold the #189 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 19 to 23 inches tall and weighing 40 to 62 pounds, the Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized dog. Combines the refined elegance of an Italian sighthound with the scenting ability of a true scenthound, creating a unique dual-purpose hunter. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Still actively used for hunting in Italy, particularly for wild boar; gaining international attention as a versatile companion and show dog..
Lifespan Overview
The Segugio Italiano typically lives 10–14 years. Learn more about Segugio Italiano lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1000–$2000 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Segugio Italianos weigh 40–62 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
With trainability at 3/5 and energy at 4/5, the Segugio Italiano Gentle, affectionate, and devoted to their family; they are calm indoors but intensely driven when on a scent trail.. Full temperament guide →
History
One of the oldest Italian dog breeds, with evidence of their ancestors dating back to ancient Egypt; recognized by the AKC Foundation Stock Service.. Bred to hunt hare and wild boar in the varied terrain of the Italian peninsula, working both individually and in packs with remarkable endurance..
The breed gained AKC recognition and currently sits at #189 in popularity. Still actively used for hunting in Italy, particularly for wild boar; gaining international attention as a versatile companion and show dog..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Occasional | Moderate |
| Ear Infections | Occasional | Mild |
| Eye Disorders | Rare | Moderate |
Similar Breeds
Is the Segugio Italiano Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Segugio Italiano is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Segugio Italiano has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Segugio Italiano is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Segugio Italiano is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: The Segugio Italiano is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $30–75/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Segugio Italiano home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 10–14 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1000–$2000 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,167. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $158, broken down as follows: food ($61–93/mo), grooming ($30–75/mo), insurance ($42–68/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($318–737/yr) and supplies ($244–476/yr). As a medium breed, the Segugio Italiano falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.
Over a full 10–14 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $42–68/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Segugio Italiano owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Segugio Italiano fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Segugio Italiano belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Segugio Italiano presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (4/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Segugio Italiano is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Segugio Italiano may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Segugio Italiano's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Segugio Italiano Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Segugio Italiano requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Segugio Italiano if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Segugio Italiano's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, cannot tolerate frequent vocalization, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Segugio Italiano seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Segugio Italiano owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Segugio Italianos before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.