ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISItalian hound
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog italian hound!
Here, you will find all the useful information about italian hound. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Italian Hound is a very old breed that was most likely imported from Egypt for Phoenician traders, but its exact ancestry has never been formally identified. Originally, it was mainly developed by the Egyptian people as a racing or hunting dog to track all types of game.
Depicted in numerous frescoes and paintings in Italy from the beginning of the 19th century, it was an extremely popular dog at the time and particularly effective. Nowadays, the Segugio is still present in the Italian peninsula, but is not very widespread outside its borders, with a morphological appearance that has never changed for centuries.
The International Cynological Federation registered it definitively on 9 March 1956 and the latest update of the official standard in force was published on 13 November 2015.
Italian Hounds are slender, athletic and invariably stubborn in their work. They are hardy dogs of medium size, with fine muscles and no trace of fat, as long as they are tall, with a square body and a clean line of withers that round off discreetly at the loins.
The back is strong and robustly built, the chest and shoulders well developed, giving the dog a good build and a balanced body structure. The head is long and dry, the muzzle is square and of medium length.
Two varieties of coat exist, the first is composed of a short hair of thick, smooth and silky texture, for the other, the hair is hard, in particular on the head, the ears, the trunk, the lower limbs and the tail, the length of the hair of the trunk must not exceed 5 cm. The two coat colours permitted by the breed standard are black and tan or fawn in all its shades.
The character of the Italian Hound is balanced, calm and particularly attached to his family, he is not the most demonstrative of companions, however, he appreciates the presence of his owners. The Segugio is also fond of playtime, especially if it is related to tracking or searching for objects.
Versatile, he is a good hunter and an excellent companion dog, rather independent, he is self-sufficient and will rarely ask for affection from those around him. They are initially programmed to hunt small and large game, and their temperament is generally solitary, due to their strong predatory instincts.
The Italian Hound is a very dynamic dog, constantly in need of exercise or intense physical activity. If you respect its expectations, it will prove to be a remarkable daily companion for its owners.
Adult: The Italian Hound will weigh approximately 18-28 kg (40-62 lbs) and will be approximately 52-58 cm (20.5-23") in height for males and 48-56 cm (19-22") for females.
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Origins
The Italian Hound, also known as the Segugio Italiano, is a very ancient breed whose origins date back to Antiquity. The first representations of dogs resembling the Segugio Italiano have been found on frescoes and sculptures dating back to the Roman Empire. These dogs were already used for hunting due to their exceptional sense of smell and endurance. Roman writings also refer to hunting dogs sharing physical traits with the contemporary Segugio, suggesting that their ancestors were already well established on the Italian peninsula long before the arrival of other dog breeds.
History
Over the centuries, the Segugio Italiano has been mainly used for hunting small game in Italy, especially for tracking wild boar and deer. The breed has experienced periods of great popularity, but also times when it nearly disappeared, particularly during the two world wars, when many European dog breeds suffered dramatic declines. After World War II, dedicated efforts by Italian dog lovers helped to save and revitalize the breed, focusing on the purity and hunting abilities of the Segugio.
Standard
The standard of the Italian Hound breed describes a medium-sized dog, with a slender and muscular body, suited for the endurance needed for hunting. Their head is long and noble with expressive eyes. The coat can be short or slightly longer and curly, with colors ranging from black and tan to fawn in different shades. The ears are of medium size and fall in elegant folds. Their gait is agile and fast, capable of covering great distances without showing signs of fatigue.
Physical characteristics
The Italian Hound is remarkable for its athletic appearance and sturdy construction. They generally measure between 52 and 58 centimeters at the withers for males, and slightly less for females. Their weight varies between 20 and 28 kilograms, depending on their size and physical condition. Their coat is typically short and smooth, although the wire-haired variety has slightly longer and more tousled fur, particularly around the face, giving the dog a cunning and lively appearance.
Character
The Italian Segugio is known for its balanced temperament and intelligence. They are affectionate dogs with their family, but can be reserved towards strangers, making them good guard dogs. They have a strong hunting instinct and can sometimes be stubborn, but with proper training, they are obedient and eager to please. They are also known for their loyalty and attachment to their master, making them excellent companions both at home and during outdoor activities.
Life expectancy
Italian Scenthounds are generally healthy and have a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. As with all breeds, a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and plenty of exercise contribute to a long and healthy life.
Exercise and activity needs
The Italian Greyhound is a very active breed that requires a lot of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. This dog is energetic and loves long walks, running, and outdoor games. Regular activity is crucial to prevent behavior problems related to boredom and energy accumulation. Italian Greyhound owners should plan for at least an hour of intense exercise per day. Ideally, they should have access to a large fenced yard or a park where the dog can run freely.
Recommended diet
The Italian Hound's diet should be adapted to their high activity level. It is recommended to provide them with high-quality food rich in proteins and fats to support their energy. Portions should be adjusted according to their weight, age, and health condition. Regular consultation with a veterinarian will help determine the most suitable diet, avoiding high-calorie foods that could cause obesity, especially if daily exercise is insufficient.
Training and obedience
The training of the Italian Hound must start from a young age, especially to control its chasing instinct. This intelligent and sometimes stubborn dog responds well to consistent and positive training. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, are very effective. Socialization training is also crucial to help the dog behave well with other animals and in the presence of humans.
Behavior with children
The Italian Greyhound is generally affectionate and patient with children, making it an excellent family companion. However, as with all breeds, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and young children to avoid accidents, such as falls or unexpected reactions from the dog to sudden movements.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Well socialized, the Italian Greyhound can live with other pets, especially other dogs. However, its hunting instinct may drive it to chase small animals, such as cats or rodents. Early and ongoing socialization is essential to teach this dog to respect its non-canine companions.
Grooming needs
The grooming of the Italian Greyhound is relatively simple due to its short coat. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat. Attention should also be paid to its ears, which can accumulate dirt and require regular cleanings to prevent infections.
Health
The Italian Greyhound is a generally robust breed but can be subject to genetic issues typical of large dogs, such as hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to monitor and treat any health issues from an early stage.
Average price
The price of an Italian Greyhound puppy can vary considerably depending on its lineage, place of purchase, and the breeder's reputation. On average, prices range from 500 to 1200 euros. In the United States, the price can range from 600 to 1400 dollars.
Expenses
Annual expenses for an Italian greyhound include food, veterinary care, vaccines, parasite treatments, and equipment such as leashes and toys. In Europe, costs can range from 1000 to 1500 euros per year. In the United States, it can range from 1100 to 1700 dollars.
Name ideas
When it comes to choosing a name for an Italian Hound, owners may be inspired by nature and hunting-related names that reflect the spirit and origins of the breed. For example, Orion, which evokes the famous hunter from Greek mythology, or Luna, which refers to the moon, often associated with nocturnal hunting activities. A name like Echo could symbolize the dog's ability to persistently track traces, while Sila, taken from an ancient word for forest, would remind of its favorite hunting habitat.
Legislation and regulation
In general, there are no specific prohibitions regarding the ownership or breeding of the Italian Hound. However, owners must comply with local legislation regarding dog ownership, which may include mandatory registrations and vaccinations.
Official recognition
The Italian Hound is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which guarantees its status and allows its participation in various international events and competitions. The official breed club in the country of origin, Italy, is responsible for promoting and preserving the breed.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees are available for the Italian Hound from official breed clubs, which is crucial to maintain the quality and standards of the breed. Pedigrees help trace the dog's lineage and certify its purity.
Destination and usage
Historically, the Italian Hound is used for hunting game due to its exceptional sense of smell and great endurance. Although it is still used in this role in many regions, it has also become a beloved domestic companion for its friendly nature and energy.
Prohibitions
To date, there are no known specific bans against the Italian Scenthound in any country or region of the world. However, potential owners should check local breed regulations, which can vary significantly.
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