Overview
The Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso is the smooth-haired type of the Italian Segugio, closely similar to its wire-haired relative apart from coat and a slightly smaller size. It is a lean, medium-sized hound bred mainly to hunt hare.
It is tireless in the field and bays loudly on the trail. Today it is also appreciated as a gentle companion for active owners.
History
The origins of the breed are unknown but thought to be ancient. Hunting dogs on Roman statues of Diana and later Renaissance hunts show similar hounds in Italian life for many centuries.
A breed club and standard appeared in 1920, but the breed was nearly lost around the Second World War. A new society formed in 1947, numbers recovered, and the FCI fully accepted the breed in 1993. Dogs have since been exported to a number of countries.
Appearance
This is a medium-sized, roughly square hound. Dogs usually stand 50 to 58 cm and bitches are about 2 cm smaller, with weights of 20 to 28 kg. It combines sighthound features, such as long legs, tucked-up loins and a roached back, with a scent hound head and low-set ears.
The coat is short and smooth, either fawn in any shade from fox-red to pale or black-and-tan, with small white marks tolerated on the face and chest.
Temperament
The Segugio is single-minded on a scent trail but gentle and affectionate at home. It works well alone, in small groups or in packs, and is known for its determination and stamina.
It is a vocal dog that bays when hunting, and it generally gets along well with people and other dogs.
Care and exercise
This hound needs plenty of daily exercise and ideally the chance to follow scents safely. It can be restless if bored and should be kept in a secure area, since it will follow its nose.
Grooming is simple: an occasional brush and a regular check of the ears.
Health
The breed is generally robust, as it comes from working hunting lines. Ear care is worthwhile because of the drop ears, and regular routine veterinary checks are sensible.
