{"id":32927,"date":"2014-10-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-27T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=32927"},"modified":"2025-08-12T16:56:55","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T13:56:55","slug":"rough-haired-italian-hound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-italian-hound-rough-haired-segugio-italiano","title":{"rendered":"Rough-haired Italian Hound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rough-haired Italian Hound, or <strong>Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte<\/strong>, is more than just a hunting dog; it&#8217;s a living piece of Italian history. This ancient breed combines an aristocratic appearance, incredible stamina, and a gentle, compliant nature. Today, it&#8217;s winning the hearts of not only hunters but also everyday families. Its ability to be a passionate and tireless partner in the field while remaining a tender and devoted companion at home makes it truly unique. The soft temperament and good manners of this hunting hound make it an excellent choice as a companion and family pet. It forms a deep bond with its owner and is highly sensitive to their mood, affectionate with children, and reserved with strangers. To learn more about this and other incredible breeds, check out what\u2019s next on <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\">Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Rough-haired Italian Hound: Breed at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"385\" height=\"331\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/rough-haired_italian_hound.jpg\" alt=\"Rough-haired Italian Hound\" class=\"wp-image-32896\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/rough-haired_italian_hound.jpg 385w, https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/rough-haired_italian_hound-300x258.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Breed Name<\/strong><\/td><td>Rough-haired Italian Hound \/ Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td><td>Italy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td><td>Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized hounds). Working trial is mandatory.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Life Expectancy<\/strong><\/td><td>11-14 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td><td>Males: 20.5-23.5 inches, Females: 19.5-23 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Weight<\/strong><\/td><td>Males: 44-62 lbs, Females: 40-57 lbs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Temperament<\/strong><\/td><td>Energetic, resilient, passionate hunter; at home\u2014calm, loyal, and sensitive.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Exercise Needs<\/strong><\/td><td>Very High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Relationship with Children<\/strong><\/td><td>Good, patient, and affectionate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Relationship with Other Animals<\/strong><\/td><td>Reserved; strong hunting instinct toward cats and small animals.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tendency to Bark<\/strong><\/td><td>High, has a loud and melodious voice<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coat Care<\/strong><\/td><td>Minimal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The History of the Rough-haired Italian Hound<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The history of the Rough-haired Italian Hound is rooted in antiquity, making it one of the oldest hound breeds in Europe. It&#8217;s believed that its ancestors were ancient Egyptian hounds brought to the Apennine Peninsula by Phoenician traders. These dogs, known for their speed and sharp sense of smell, were crossed with local dogs, including Roman Molossians, which added strength and stamina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Images of dogs strongly resembling the modern Segugio can be found on ancient Roman and Lombard artifacts. This suggests the breed was popular and highly valued for its working abilities thousands of years ago. During the Renaissance, hunting became a favorite pastime of the Italian aristocracy, and Segugios were an integral part of every grand hunting expedition. They were kept in the courts of dukes and nobles, and their beauty and grace were celebrated in the literature of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 19th century, the breed was informally divided into two main branches: the Lombard (for the plains) and the Alpine. This was due to the dogs&#8217; adaptation to different hunting conditions. However, official recognition and standardization happened much later. <strong>The first breed standard was established in 1881<\/strong>, but it wasn&#8217;t until the 1920s, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts and the Italian Segugio Lovers Club (Societ\u00e0 Italiana Pro Segugio), that the breed began to develop actively and take on its modern form. Two variations were officially recognized: the Rough-haired (a Pelo Forte) and its close relative, the <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/italian-hound-short-haired\">Shorthair Italian Hound<\/a> (a Pelo Raso). Today, both breeds are recognized by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and remain incredibly popular in their homeland, where they are still actively used to hunt hares, foxes, and wild boars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breed Standard and Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rough-haired Italian Hound is a dog of robust yet elegant build, combining strength and speed. Its appearance reveals a typical hound, bred for long chases over rugged terrain. The body is mesomorphic, almost square-shaped, with well-developed muscles but without excess bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Head:<\/strong> Long and narrow (dolichocephalic). The skull is oval, and the stop is gradual but noticeable. A characteristic feature is a slightly arched nasal bridge, known as a &#8220;Roman nose.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eyes:<\/strong> Large, almond-shaped, and expressive. The color is dark ochre. The gaze is soft, a bit sad, but attentive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ears:<\/strong> Long, wide, and triangular. They are set at the level of the cheekbones, hanging close to the cheeks, and covered with shorter hair. The tips of the ears are rounded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Body:<\/strong> The topline is straight. The chest is deep and well-developed, but not too wide, providing ample room for the lungs and heart. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, giving the dog a lean appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tail:<\/strong> Set high, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. When at rest, it hangs in a saber shape. When moving or excited, it can be raised, but not above the topline.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coat:<\/strong> The main distinguishing feature of the breed. The coat is hard, rough to the touch, and about 2 inches long all over the body. On the muzzle, it forms a characteristic beard and mustache, and above the eyes, thick eyebrows. This coat provides excellent protection against bad weather and thorny bushes while hunting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Color:<\/strong> Various shades of fawn (from pale fawn to rich red) and black and tan are permitted. A small white &#8220;star&#8221; on the chest is possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Segugio&#8217;s Dual Nature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/gallery-143654.gif\" alt=\"Rough-haired Italian Hound photo\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The temperament of the Rough-haired Italian Hound is a fascinating blend of two opposite worlds. <strong>In the field, it&#8217;s an unstoppable, passionate, and independent worker, but at home, it&#8217;s a calm, gentle, and deeply loyal family member.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When working, the Segugio completely transforms. Its primary driving force is a hunting instinct. It can chase prey for hours, or even a full day, tirelessly covering miles of difficult terrain. It&#8217;s known for its characteristic loud and melodious baying (&#8220;voice&#8221;), which an experienced hunter can use to determine the stage of the chase. This independence in decision-making can sometimes be perceived as stubbornness during training, so owners must be patient and consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, once it crosses the threshold of home, this hunter becomes an exemplary companion. It is very people-oriented and forms a strong bond with its owner and all family members. Its behavior is calm and balanced. The Segugio is affectionate with children, patiently enduring their games. It is somewhat cautious and reserved with strangers but not aggressive. This breed needs constant human presence and does not cope well with solitude, which can lead to destructive behavior and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An important character trait is its innate sensitivity and a certain timidity. Rough handling, yelling, or physical punishment can permanently undermine the dog&#8217;s trust. Therefore, early and gentle socialization is key to raising a confident and well-balanced dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Pros (+)<\/th><th>Cons (-)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Excellent Health:<\/strong> One of the healthiest breeds with a minimal number of genetic diseases.<\/td><td><strong>Very High Energy Needs:<\/strong> Not suitable for apartment living without intense daily exercise.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Loyalty and Affection:<\/strong> Becomes a faithful friend to the entire family.<\/td><td><strong>Strong Hunting Instinct:<\/strong> A danger to cats and other small pets. Prone to escaping if it catches an interesting scent.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Low-Maintenance Grooming:<\/strong> The rough coat doesn&#8217;t require complex grooming.<\/td><td><strong>Prone to Baying:<\/strong> Has a loud and clear voice that it uses actively.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Child-Friendly:<\/strong> Patient and gentle with children.<\/td><td><strong>Requires an Experienced Owner:<\/strong> Its independence and stubbornness can be a challenge for novices.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Stamina and Work Ethic:<\/strong> An ideal partner for hunting and active recreation.<\/td><td><strong>Does Poorly with Solitude:<\/strong> Can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health of the Segugio: Typical Ailments and Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rough-haired Italian Hound is a breed that boasts <strong>excellent natural health<\/strong>. Centuries of natural selection, where only the strongest and most resilient individuals survived, have made it resistant to many of the genetic diseases that plague other breeds. However, like any dog, the Segugio has certain vulnerabilities that owners should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ear Infections (Otitis):<\/strong> Long, pendulous ears create a warm, moist environment ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi. This is the most common problem for the breed. <strong>Prevention:<\/strong> Regular inspection and cleaning of the ears (once or twice a week) with a specialized lotion. Frequent head shaking, scratching at the ears, or a bad odor are alarming symptoms that require an immediate vet visit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Musculoskeletal Disorders:<\/strong> Although hip dysplasia is rare, it is possible, as with any other medium to large-sized breed. It&#8217;s important not to over-exercise puppies until their skeletons are fully developed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bloat and Gastric Torsion (GDV):<\/strong> Dogs with deep chests have an increased risk of this dangerous condition. <strong>Prevention:<\/strong> Feed smaller portions 2-3 times a day instead of one large meal; avoid physical activity immediately after eating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hunting Injuries:<\/strong> While working in the field, a dog can get cuts, scratches, or insect and tick bites. It&#8217;s essential to always have a first-aid kit with you and regularly treat the dog for ectoparasites.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In general, with proper care, a balanced diet, and sufficient physical activity, the Italian Hound will rarely get sick and will live a long, active life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Care and Maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caring for the Rough-haired Italian Hound is straightforward but has its peculiarities related to its origin and purpose. The ideal living situation for it is a <strong>house with a large, securely fenced yard<\/strong> in a rural or suburban area. A high fence is mandatory, as its keen sense of smell and hunting instinct can prompt the dog to go on an adventure, ignoring the boundaries of its territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coat:<\/strong> The Segugio&#8217;s rough coat only needs to be brushed once a week with a metal brush or a furminator to remove dead hair and dirt. This also stimulates blood circulation in the skin. The dog doesn&#8217;t need frequent baths, only when it gets very dirty. Its coat has a self-cleaning property. The hair between its paw pads should be trimmed periodically, and its beard should be checked for food residues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Exercise:<\/strong> This is a key aspect of ownership. A Segugio requires at least <strong>1.5-2 hours of active walks every day<\/strong>. These can&#8217;t be slow strolls on a leash. The dog needs the opportunity to run and explore. Ideal activities include jogging with the owner, hiking in the woods or fields where it can safely run off-leash (assuming it has a perfect &#8220;come!&#8221; command). Insufficient exercise will lead to boredom, stress, and destructive behavior at home. Its energy is similar to other tireless hunters like the <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-griffon-nivernais\">Griffon Nivernais<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-bosnian-coarse-haired-hound-barak\">Bosnian Coarse-haired Hound<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apartment Living:<\/strong> It is possible but highly discouraged. The owner must be prepared to dedicate a significant portion of their day to meeting the dog&#8217;s physical and mental needs. Additionally, you should remember its loud voice, which may not be popular with neighbors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training and Socialization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Training the Italian Hound is a task that requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the dog&#8217;s hunting nature. It is smart and clever but also very independent. <strong>It will only obey an owner it respects<\/strong> and who has established a strong bond with it. Entrusting its training to strangers or instructors who use harsh methods is not recommended\u2014it can break the dog&#8217;s sensitive psyche.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basis of training should be <strong>positive reinforcement<\/strong>: praise, treats, and play. Commands should be practiced persistently but without pressure. Special attention should be given to the recall command (&#8220;come!&#8221;), as the hunting instinct can make the dog ignore everything around it when it&#8217;s on a scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Early socialization<\/strong> is critically important. From a young age, the dog should be introduced to different people, sounds, places, and other dogs. This will help overcome its natural timidity and raise a confident companion. However, socialization is powerless against its strong prey drive toward cats and other small animals. Coexistence with them is only possible if the puppy grew up with them from a very young age, and even then, constant supervision is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feeding Your Segugio: Key Recommendations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.tvaryny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/gallery-143654.jpg\" alt=\"Rough-haired Italian Hound photo\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Rough-haired Italian Hound is not a picky eater, but its diet must be high-quality, balanced, and meet its high energy needs. The key principle is that <strong>the amount of food should depend on the dog&#8217;s activity level<\/strong>. A hound that regularly hunts or trains needs significantly more calories than a companion dog that leads a calmer life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><thead><tr><th>Nutrient<\/th><th>Source<\/th><th>Importance for Hounds<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Proteins (25-30%)<\/strong><\/td><td>Lean meat (beef, turkey, chicken), fish, organ meats.<\/td><td>Building blocks for muscles, important for strength and stamina.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fats (15-20%)<\/strong><\/td><td>Fish oil, vegetable oils, fatty meat.<\/td><td>Primary energy source for prolonged exertion. Improves coat condition.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carbohydrates<\/strong><\/td><td>Grains (rice, buckwheat), vegetables.<\/td><td>Additional energy source, fiber for good digestion.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Vitamins and Minerals<\/strong><\/td><td>Vegetables, fruits, specialized supplements.<\/td><td>Support immunity, bone, and joint health.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can choose a premium or super-premium dry food for active medium-sized dogs, or you can opt for a raw or homemade diet. For natural feeding, meat and organ meats should make up the bulk of the diet (about 60-70%). You should avoid fatty pork, splintering bones, and table scraps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to divide the daily food ration into 2-3 meals to reduce the risk of bloat. And, of course, the dog should always have access to clean drinking water, especially after physical activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interesting Facts About the Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ancient Roots:<\/strong> This is one of the few breeds whose history can be continuously traced for over 2000 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A &#8220;Voice,&#8221; Not a Bark:<\/strong> The sound the Segugio makes during a chase is called a &#8220;voice.&#8221; It is very melodious and clear, and hunters can distinguish its tonality to understand if the dog has found a scent or already sees the prey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Two &#8220;Coats&#8221;:<\/strong> The existence of two variations\u2014the rough-haired and the shorthaired\u2014allowed the breed to adapt to different climatic conditions and types of terrain in Italy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>More Than a Rabbit Hunter:<\/strong> Although the main prey for the Segugio is traditionally the hare, it is successfully used to hunt foxes, wild boars, and even birds. In this, it resembles versatile European hounds like the <a href=\"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/breed-small-blue-gascony-hound\">Small Blue Gascony Hound<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A National Treasure:<\/strong> In Italy, the Segugio is considered a national treasure and an integral part of the country&#8217;s hunting culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is the Italian Hound suitable for a family with children?<\/strong><br>Yes, provided the family leads an active lifestyle. The Segugio is very patient and gentle with children. However, as with any dog, interactions with small children should be supervised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can the Italian Hound live in the same house with a cat?<\/strong><br>This is extremely risky. Its hunting instinct is very strong. Peaceful coexistence is only possible if the puppy grew up with the cat from a very early age, and even then, complete safety is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How much exercise does it need?<\/strong><br>A lot. A minimum of 1.5-2 hours of intense activity every day. A simple walk on a leash will not satisfy its needs. It needs to run, preferably off-leash in a safe area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does the rough-haired hound shed a lot?<\/strong><br>Shedding is moderate. The rough coat holds onto dead hair well, so regular brushing (once a week) helps keep the home clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is it easy to train?<\/strong><br>Yes and no. It is intelligent and learns quickly, but its independence and stubbornness can be a challenge for a novice. It requires a patient, consistent owner who can establish themselves as a leader.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Rough-haired Italian Hound, or Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte, is more than just a hunting dog; it&#8217;s a living piece of Italian history. This ancient\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":32884,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8896],"tags":[11614],"moimportance":[],"class_list":["post-32927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dogs-breeds-us","tag-wirehaired-dogs"],"views":30,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32927"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32927\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32929,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32927\/revisions\/32929"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32927"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=32927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}