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The Italian Segugio also known as the Italian Hound, Segugio Italian, or just the Segugio, is an Italian breed that is extremely popular in its homeland. The name comes from the word, seguire, which is Italian for "to follow". This dog was originally bred for use as a hunting dog, primarily used for hunting hare. In the day that the breed was originally created, there was great poverty in Italy and the farmers could not afford to feed many dogs, so the breeding was done to come up with a very versatile, all around good dog. In a sense, the Italian Segugio is a herding dog, as well. The dog actually herds the hare, circling them tirelessly, until they get them all herded in a group to the hunters. They excel at tracking, due to their highly developed sense of smell.

This breed is not yet eligible for registry with the American Kennel Club, but there are other registries that do accept the Italian Segugio for registry. These are the FCI, , the KC, and the DRA. While this may hold little importance to the hunter or average family, registry is important for the breeder or those who are interested in competing with the dogs. It will give the dog far greater value in these instances.

According to breed standards, the dog should be between 19 and 23 inches tall, when measured to the withers, with males being somewhat larger than females. Weight can be between 40 and 62 pounds. The ears are held in the drop position and the eyes are a gorgeous chestnut color with a sensitive and caring expression. The nose is dark and the muzzle is somewhat long. The tail is tapered, being thick at the base and getting thinner towards the tip. The two distinctive features on the Italian Segugio are its beard and the mane of fur around the neck.

The most typical color for the fur is the blonde-yellow. This breed comes in both wire or rough-coated and smooth-coated. They are average shedders and their grooming is fairly easy, only needing a thorough brushing once per week or so to ensure that there is no matting, nothing stuck in the fur, and to remove loose hairs. The fur on the smooth coat is typically shorter than that on the wire or rough coat.

The Italian Segugio that is suited for both hunting work, as well as to be the loved and cherished family pet. They are very intelligent, affectionate, and fairly calm dogs. The high level of intelligence that the breed possesses means that they should have plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. If they are not kept busy enough, they will be prone to obsessive barking or destructiveness. They are very loyal to their family. The breed is very social and will want to spend alot of time with you and the rest of his or her "family". They make good watch dogs, as well.

Training should be consistent, with the human establishing his or her position as "pack leader" from the start. If you are firm, stable, and calm, the dog will respond well to training and learn quickly, since the breed is very intelligent. This is really a wonderful all around dog, whether its purpose is to work or to become a family member. The loyalty and affections will endear them quickly to you and you will have a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Tiegert.
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