🐕 Medium · Italy

Italian Hound: Size, Weight & Temperament

An Italian pack hound for hare hunting with an exceptional nose, independent-minded, and strongly guided by its sense of smell.

~ Some experience
Italian Hound dog breed portrait
Photo: Canarian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Weight male20–28 kg
Weight female18–26 kg
Shoulder height48–58 cm
Size classMedium (12–25 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 15 months
Life expectancy13–15 years
Activity levelHigh
OriginItaly
ClassificationFCI Group 6, Section 1.2 (Medium-sized Hounds)
Temperament & character

At home the Segugio Italiano is calm and affectionate, but out on a walk it follows its nose with great independence. It is friendly and shows no tendency toward aggression.

Exercise & stimulation

It needs long daily walks with opportunities for nose work; on an interesting trail it can tune out its surroundings entirely. A secure fence is therefore essential.

Grooming

Both the short-haired and wire-haired varieties are low-maintenance; the pendant ears should be checked regularly.

Suitable for beginners?

Manageable for beginners who accept its independent, nose-led nature and invest in secure fencing and consistent recall training.

Health & common problems

The breed is considered robust with few hereditary problems; hip dysplasia and ear infections occur occasionally.

Good with: active owners with a garden, less suited to apartment living alone

Is your Italian Hound at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.