Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso

The Segugio Italiano is Italy's classic hare hound — the short-haired variety of a breed whose type is visible in Roman and Renaissance art.

History

Hounds of this outline appear in Italian art for two millennia, and the modern breed was standardised from dogs that had been hunting hare across the peninsula continuously. It hunts alone or in small groups rather than in large packs, tracking a hare and driving it back towards the gun.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle and affectionate at home and tireless in the field, mild with people and other dogs, with the hound's habitual independence on a line.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy; the drop ears want routine cleaning. Recall requires patience and realistic expectations.

Health

Generally sound, with ear infections and hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.