Segugio Maremmano

It is a rustic Italian scenthound from the Maremma, the wild coastal country straddling Tuscany and Lazio. A compact, sturdy, athletic medium-sized dog, it was bred above all for function: a bold nose, real stamina and the toughness to work boar and hare across difficult terrain. It comes in both rough and smooth coats and has been granted provisional FCI recognition.

It is a medium-sized hound, standing roughly 46 to 58 cm and weighing around 13 to 23 kg. The build is compact, sturdy and athletic rather than large or heavy, suited to tireless work over rough, demanding country.

They typically live around 11 to 13 years. The Maremmano is a robust, weatherproof breed with a reputation for hardiness and carries none of the structural exaggeration that troubles some pedigree dogs. A lean weight, good ear and dental care, full parasite control and regular vet checks all support a long, sound life.

With its own family it is loyal, affectionate and dependable, and its pack-hound heritage usually makes it sociable and tolerant with other dogs. However, its prey drive towards small animals is very high, so it is a poor match for homes with small pets, and as with any active hound, time around young children should be supervised.

A great deal. It is a tireless, high-energy hound bred to work all day across rough ground, needing long walks, hikes, secure running and nose-based activities, plus genuine mental stimulation. It does not thrive on short strolls, and an under-stimulated dog is likely to become frustrated, restless and noisy. A genuinely active home with access to space is essential.

No, grooming is straightforward. The coat, whether rough or smooth, is weatherproof and low-maintenance, needing only regular brushing to remove dead hair, with the rough variety benefiting from occasional tidying. Routine care matters most: cleaning the drop ears, keeping nails trimmed, maintaining dental hygiene and checking the dog after work for cuts, ticks and grass seeds.

No. It is first and foremost a working hound: independent, very high in prey drive, vocal and demanding of physical and mental work. It belongs in an active, experienced, ideally rural home with secure fencing and owners committed to plenty of demanding daily exercise, rather than first-time owners or quiet, low-activity households.

Developed as a hardy working landrace, it has few inherited problems but limited formal health data, so focus on the health and working soundness of the parents. The practical priorities are those of any active, drop-eared scenthound: ear care, orthopaedic soundness, and the cuts, strains and parasite exposure that come with hunting in dense cover.

Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Segugio Maremmanos tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Segugio Maremmano needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.

Better with some experience. Segugio Maremmanos are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Segugio Maremmano really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.