Segugio MaremmanoCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Segugio Maremmano comes from an unregistered population of hunting dogs in the Maremma Toscana, in southern Tuscany. The breed has existed there since the 1930s, when enthusiasts first tried to have it officially recognised. Tuscan wild boar hunters created it, adapted to this kind of hunting and to the local terrain.

Thanks to Dr Bosio, a vet and president of the Italian hound club, the standard was officially recognised. Wikipedia says ENCI recognised the breed in 2009, when more than 6,600 dogs were registered, the highest number among the Italian breeds. The FCI accepted it provisionally in 2018.

How the breed developed

• 1930s – The breed is present in the Maremma; first attempts at recognition.
• 2009 – Recognition in Italy (ENCI).
• 2018 – Provisional FCI recognition; more than 90% of puppies are short-haired.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a breed without exaggerations, natural in appearance and easy in movement, with a rectangular body, a fairly broad skull, high-set ears and expressive eyes with an attentive, lively gaze.

General appearance

There are two varieties: short-haired, harsh to the touch and dense, often with undercoat; and rough-haired, 3–4 cm long. Wikipedia says more than 90% of dogs are short-haired.

The standard accepts fawn from light to dark red, black and tan, and brindle. There may be white markings.

The standard describes it as a hound specialised in hunting wild boar, with a strong hunting instinct, a strong temperament, self-confidence and a pleasant voice that differs at each stage of the hunt.

It is a working dog that needs a determined, patient owner. Like any hound, it needs a lot of recall practice.

Tips for effective training

• Be determined. It has a strong temperament.
• Practise the recall. On a scent, it forgets about you.
• Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
• Think of the neighbours. It barks on a scent.

It is a hunting hound, created for the difficult terrain of Tuscany, so it needs plenty of exercise and work for its nose every day.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is best suited to hunters.
• Check the ears often.
• The fence must be solid.

Coat and skin care

The short coat should be brushed once a week, the rough coat a little more often. The ears should be checked regularly, especially after hunting.

Common health problems

No health studies have been published for the breed and no specific diseases are known. As with any boar-hunting dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check it for wounds after every hunt.
• Check for ticks after outings.
• Clean the ears regularly.

An active hound needs good-quality food, adapted to its level of effort.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• A wild boar specialist. The standard says it was created for hunting wild boar.
• Very popular in Italy. In 2009 it had the most registrations of any Italian breed.
• Almost always short-haired. More than 90% of puppies are short-haired.
• A close relative. A 2015 study found no major genetic differences from the Segugio dell'Appennino.
• A changing voice. Its bark differs according to the stage of the hunt.

What does it hunt?

Mainly wild boar, but also hares and other mammals.

How big does it get?

Males measure 48–54 cm and weigh 16–23 kg.

What kind of coat does it have?

Short or rough; the short coat is much more common.

Is it recognised by the FCI?

Yes, provisionally, since 2018.