Page 153 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Segugio Italiano

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Wheaten
19–23in 40–62lb 10–14 years Black and tan
(48–59cm) (18–28kg)

This intelligent and sweet-natured hound makes a good
RENAISSANCE HOUND
companion for a family that enjoys the outdoors
The Segugio Italiano’s distinct appearance—
body of a sight hound, head of a scent hound—
Italian hounds of this type are thought The Segugio Italiano is usually calm
reflects its combined skills of speed, endurance, to date from pre-Roman times and to and quiet, but when at work emits a
and tracking. Dogs with a similar look are seen
in European paintings (below, a scene from a be descended from Egyptian hounds. distinctive, excited, high-pitched bark.
Flemish illuminated manuscript c.1515–20) and Originally bred as a boar hunter, the bread Primarily kept as a working dog, the
sculptures, from the 16th and 17th centuries, is now more often used by farmers to track breed is good with children and other
when wild boar hunts were extravagant affairs rabbit, and is appreciated for its versatility. dogs, provided it is well-trained. It needs
involving noblemen on horseback, liveried A fast sprinter, it also has the stamina for access to open spaces and plenty of daily
musicians, and hundreds of dogs. By the end running long distances, and is tenacious exercise in order to work off its physical
of the Renaissance period the popularity of this
grand style of hunting declined and these dogs in following a scent. In addition, it has and mental energy. Although the Segugio
were not needed in such large numbers. an unusual hunting technique in which Italiano is usually cautious in temperament,
it follows rabbits (the breed name even a well-trained dog is likely to take
comes from the Italian word seguire, off if it spots a rabbit. There are two coat
meaning to follow) and drives them varieties: wire-haired and short-haired.
toward the hunter, thus enabling a
hunter to work alone.
Elongated head
with small stop Large, dark,
oval eyes

Black nose
Low-set,
pendant ears

Back arches
toward croup

Red

Smooth coat

White tip to tail

SHORT–HAIRED
Oval feet

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