Scent hound Medium size 18-28 kg

Italian Segugio

A tireless Italian scent hound for active homes with space to run - the trade-off is a strong nose and independent streak that make recall training slow.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
18-28 kg, 48-59 cm tall
High
Activity
Built for long days of tracking; needs real exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Pack hound, dislikes being left for long
Challenging
Trainability
Independent nose-driven worker; recall is hard
Low
Coat care
Short coat, weekly brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Friendly and gentle with familiar children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with dogs; watch small pets given prey drive
Light
Health burden
Generally hardy; ears need routine checks

The Italian Segugio typically weighs 18-28 kg, stands 48-59 cm, and lives 11-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you run, hike, or hunt and want a tireless outdoor companion,
you can provide a securely fenced yard,
you like scent games and long, sniffy tracking walks,
you want a hardy, low-grooming, generally healthy hound.

Do not consider this breed if…

you need dependable off-leash recall,
the dog would be alone most of the day,
you want a calm apartment or first-timer's dog,
you cannot commit to daily hard exercise.

A typical day with a Italian Segugio

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long run or hike with plenty of sniffing
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and a chew after exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk or scent game in the yard
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Downtime and a nap indoors
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second long walk or a tracking session
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A tired hound settles quietly

Temperament and training

Scenting drive Very high
Energy Very high
Independence High
Trainability Low
Friendliness High
Vocality Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash recall over a fresh scent trail · Under-exercising a tireless working hound · Expecting quick obedience from an independent nose dog

Family and environment

Kids Good
Friendly and gentle with familiar children.
Dogs Good
Pack-bred and sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Prey drive; safest raised with cats early.
Apartment Poor
Very high energy makes flats a poor fit.
House with a yard Suitable
Needs a secure, well-fenced yard.
City Manages
Only with committed daily exercise.
Countryside Ideal
Space and trails suit this working hound.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings reduce risk
Hip dysplasia Screened in breeding stock
Chronic ear infections Pendulous ears trap moisture; check often
Progressive retinal atrophy Inherited; DNA testing available

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Friendlier small-pack scenthound
Beagle
A merry, kid-proof scent hound that follows its nose over your commands - and tells the whole street when left alone.
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Similar medium pack hound
Harrier
A sturdy, sociable pack hound like a bigger Beagle - cheerful and good with company, but energetic with a nose that pulls it away.
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Another versatile tracking hound
Finnish Hound
A friendly, tireless Finnish scenthound bred for tracking, best for a rural, active home rather than close quarters.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Italian Segugio cost?
Common in Italy but rare in the US, so expect limited availability and likely a waitlist or import. Where puppies exist, prices often run about $800-$1,800 plus any import and shipping costs. Over an 11-14 year life, food and routine vet care typically add $10,000-$18,000 or more, before any major health issue.
Is the Italian Segugio easy to train?
Basic manners, yes; reliable off-leash recall, no. It is an intelligent but independent scent hound, and a fresh trail usually beats your call. Use patient, reward-based training and keep it leashed or securely fenced.
How much exercise does it need?
A great deal. Bred for long days of tracking, it needs an hour or more of real activity daily, ideally with room to run and sniff. Without it, expect restlessness, howling, and destructive behavior.
Is it good with children?
Yes, generally. It tends to be friendly and gentle with familiar children and sociable with other dogs. Supervise around small pets, as its hunting drive can kick in with cats and rabbits.