The Segugio dell’Appennino is of ancient origin, yet is a rare breed that has yet to gain full recognition in the United States. The standard was approved by ENCI (Italy’s kennel club) in 2005, full recognition by the club was granted in 2010, and the FCI provisionally recognized the breed in 2023 after a bit of a delay. Part of the delay had to do with the fact that they are so genetically similar to the Segugio Marremano, despite several physical differences. However, after debate and persuasion from fanciers, the breed was officially brought into the fold – albeit on a provisional basis.

The dell’Appennino is a soft and gentle hound that becomes lively and animated during the hunt – whether an “official” hunt or out in the backyard! The breed has an exceptional nose and traditionally hunted either alone or as a pair, and makes an excellent dog for a hare hunting enthusiast. He can equally be a nice choice for a person competing in tracking or any of the scent sports. He gets along with other dogs and children alike, and is even respectful towards wild animals (that he isn’t hunting). Because of his high prey drive he is likely to chase cats. Energetic and loving of the outdoors, he does best with an active owner that can meet his physical requirements. Prospective owners should take note that he does not do well in apartments as his excessive barking could be a problem, and he otherwise needs space to stretch out. This is a breed that thrives with country living!

The Segugio dell’Appennino is a medium sized breed with long lean legs and a rustic yet athletic appearance. It has long hanging ears and round eyes with a “clever, merry and mild expression.” It comes in two possible coat varieties – shorthaired and wirehaired, each of which can appear in a variety of different colors: various shades of fawn, gray, brown or black/tan. Each of these colors can have a white trim.

The dell’Appennino is an extremely loyal breed and can be very obedient when trained. This said, like most scenthounds he is likely to follow his nose rather than respond to a recall command in the face of distraction. Keep him on leash when in an area that contains cars so that his life doesn’t get unnecessarily cut short! When provided with plenty of care and thought, this breed will otherwise live an average of 13-15 years.

The Gotland Hound is a scenthound that has existed for about 200 years and was bred to hunt hare and fox. This Swedish breed is bred solely for hunting and is rarely seen in dog shows. Together with the Smaland Hound (which this hound is highly related to), they are the two oldest Swedish breeds in existence. Once a popular farm dog on the island of Gotland up until the 1950’s, it was recognized at the time by the Swedish Kennel Club. When numbers dwindled (possibly due to politics) they lost their recognition and were only recently re-recognized in their country in 1990, although numbers are still extremely low and they are considered a very rare breed. Fanciers are currently working to keep the breed alive and afloat, as they consider the rich history one that is worth preserving!

Breeders of Gotland Hounds are focused on keeping working ability and temperament while still maintaining a healthy gene pool. With a breed as rare as this one (between 100-120 total for the last several years), there is concern about the gene pool becoming too small. Thankfully there are currently no health issues known in the breed which means that inbreeding isn’t as “dangerous” as it might be if large portions of the population were afflicted with health conditions, but a wider gene pool is always better. There have been some recent crosses with the Hygen Hound, a similar Swedish scenthound, with hopes of widening that gene pool a bit. In addition, members of the parent club are working hard to “advertise” this breed to the public who might be otherwise completely unaware these dogs exist. Fanciers are mindful that in order for the breed to survive, there must be more litters born per year than there currently are.

Gotlands are friendly with people and lively on the hunting field – traits that allow them to excel at the double-duty of companion and hunting dog. Their medium size allows them to remain very functional at both tasks. Furthermore they are also known for their abilities to get along with kids, and possess excellent health and general longevity (average lifespan being 14-15). A talented nose is the cherry on top of this versatile hound’s abilities! In order to reach their full potential in the home, it is essential that they be exercised every single day lest they become frustrated and destructive. Games in a fenced backyard, long walks and/or extended hiking sessions are all good options for fulfilling this need. Also, remember that these hounds were bred to hunt and they all have very strong instincts whether or not their owner formally takes them hunting… they will hunt on their own if they need to!

Gotland Hounds are loyal to their families but can be rather vocal and loud – common traits of scenthound breeds. Prospective owners who have never before owned a scenthound might be surprised by their vocal natures, and may also be unprepared for the extreme amount of physical endurance they possess on walks as well! These traits are valued in hunting hounds but can take a novice owner by surprise. Those whom have never cared for a scenthound may furthermore be surprised by the dogs’ prey drive. Many are not safe around cats or other small animals – whether wild or domesticated. Traits that definitely need to be considered when deciding whether this breed is for them. Fortunately, they are generally very good around other dogs.

Appearance-wise, the Gotland is light in bone and rectangular in body. The coat is smooth, dense and coarse, and always yellow/white in color – in which the yellow is the dominant color. White may appear on the face, under the neck, as a collar, on the chest, belly, legs, tip of tail and on the paws. The ears are relatively short and hang down to the sides of the head, framing dark-brown almond shaped eyes. The back should be flat and strong. They are low-maintenance as far as grooming – needing only a weekly brushing and a once-over to check ears, eyes, teeth, etc. With the right owner they can be a wonderful choice of pet!

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The Lithuanian Hound is a rare scenthound breed recognized only by the Lithuanian Kennel Club. They are, in fact, the only native breed to Lithuania! Bred to hunt hare, wild boar and fox they are thought to be the result of mixing Bloodhounds with Polish Hounds, Beagles and Russian Hounds hundreds of years ago. While at one time very popular in their home country, unfortunately numbers dropped drastically after World War 2  and only 78 individuals were said to be recorded at that time. Thankfully there was enough interest in the breed for fanciers and breeders to keep them alive and in 1966 the first official standard was written. Despite best efforts however, numbers are still low enough that inbreeding is a concern among fanciers.

Lithuanians are always black and tan in color, with a smooth coat. They are large, muscular and robust with “solid and massive bone structure”. The hanging ears are triangular in shape with rounded ends. The neck is muscular and without folds or wrinkles, and holds the wedge-shaped head upright. The muzzle is slightly short. The eyes are dark, oval and set deep in the skull. Teeth are large and meet in a scissor bite. It is very important in the standard that all teeth be present. The long tail is thick at the base and slowly thins as it reaches the end, like a sword. Normally held low, when the hound’s mood rises so does the tail!

The Lithuanian Hound is a determined hunter and when he sees his prey he’ll race after it with much enthusiasm – likely baying the entire time! After the hunt is over however, and he is safely back at home, he is easygoing and pleasant to live with as long as his needs are met. Like many scenthounds he needs plenty of vigorous exercise every day such as running alongside a bike, in combination with regular opportunities to run in a fenced area. A short walk is definitely not enough! If he isn’t exercised adequately he can become destructive and frustrating to live with. Keep in mind this active breed lives an average of 12-14 years and will need regular exercise throughout the majority of his life. It goes without saying but this is not an apartment-friendly breed, and a small house without a yard would not be a great fit either.

While Lithuanians are aloof and occasionally even aggressive around strangers, they form close attachments with their owners and develop deep social bonds. They get along well with older children and other dogs. Small kids may be too easily knocked over so they aren’t the best match. Household cats are also a no-go, as this breed is too hardwired to give chase to small, furry animals. Many of these hounds can become great watchdogs, alerting their people to the presence of unfamiliar visitors on the property.

Lithuanians Hounds like to please their owners and tend to learn quickly but are too prey-driven to be completely trusted off-leash unless given extensive training. For the average household it is best to keep them in a fenced area or safely on lead so that they don’t go running after the first small animal they see or sniff. It is recommended while training that the owner be firm, yet fair and utilize lots of short sessions throughout the day rather than one long “boring” lesson. Make training fun and you’ll both have a great time!

Although very social and people-driven, the Lithuanian isn’t prone to separation anxiety. He is also easy to care for as far as grooming, with a weekly brush being sufficient to keep his coat shiny. He does shed twice a year but his coat is so short it is barely noticeable, especially if he is getting brushed regularly. He only needs a bath every 6-8 weeks as long as he hasn’t dived into a mud puddle while hunting in the yard. General upkeep would be easy if it weren’t for the substantial exercise requirements, which means that a prospective owner must be ready to face that challenge head-on.

The Briquet de Provence is a scenthound from France, and this rare breed is recognized by the French Kennel Club and nowhere else. While its origins are unknown, some speculate that the breed came about by crossing the Italian Hound with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne. In the early 1900’s the breed was semi-popular however World War 2 caused a great drop in numbers that unfortunately has never recovered. It took until 2003 for a parent club to become organized yet even today the breed is extremely limited with only about one or two litter registered a year.

The Provence is a durable hound that can hunt and take down game as large as a wild boar. It’s no surprise that members of the breed are brave and courageous when they need to be, however when at home they are affectionate, gentle, and devoted to their owners including children. Like other scenthounds they have a loud and distinctive bay that they use primarily when hunting, and they also share the scenthound-trait of getting along with other dogs. A strong senses of smell and a high aptitude for hunting completes the hound profile. One note about the “distinctive bay” – while they are admittedly loud while hunting, they tend to be fairly quiet at home provided they don’t see a squirrel through the window!

The Briquet de Provence is naturally obedient as he tends to develop a strong bond with his owner and wants to please. He can even be taught to leave the family cat alone which is more than can be said for certain other scenthounds! He does require an owner to be somewhat firm with household rules but the owner must be equally fair. The best results come when an owner starts training off while the dog is still in puppyhood – this holds true for basic obedience as well as training for hunting. This breed can be a great match for someone looking for either a hunting companion or an active sport dog.

The Provence is speedy and athletic, requiring lots and lots of exercise daily but can still be a great pet for those who can keep up with his exercise requirements! He does best on a large property (think: rural living) as without enough space and stimulation he can become destructive. No apartments for this very active hound! He tends to live between 11-13 years and will have higher-than-average energy level for a good portion of his life.

The Provence sheds very little and only requires a weekly brushing to keep his coat shiny and in healthy condition. As his long ears are more prone to ear infections, they must be regularly cleaned and checked for foreign bodies which could become lodged in them. Other than the occasional ear infection the breed is very healthy and not prone to any particular health problem. As they also don’t eat a large amount of food they can be very compatible for someone looking to maintain a dog on a lower budget. While all of these factors make the breed a potential match for many first-time dog owners… it is the energy level that a prospective owner must be able to handle.

“Briquet” means medium, and the Briquet de Provence is so named because of his medium-sized build. Despite an athletic figure he is solid and sturdy. He has dark oval-shaped eyes that exude a gentle expression. The long hanging ears are set at eye-level or slightly lower and have a soft roll in them. The tail is long and low set, and is strong at the base. The coat is smooth and soft, and comes in either red or fawn – the latter occasionally with a black overlay or mantle. A small amount of white is permitted on certain areas of the body. When moving, the gait is lithe and harmonious.

The Colombian Fino Hound, AKA the Sabueso Fino Colombiano, is an active and energetic scenthound developed to track and hunt large rodents such as the Capybara and Lowland Paca. His background is shrouded in mystery but might include the Bloodhound, the Spanish Hound, foxhound breeds, and possibly some pointing breeds as well. This very rare hound was developed over 200 years ago in Colombia and has been owned by all classes of people but more commonly kept in rural areas. As of today, he is only recognized by the Colombian Kennel Club however despite his rarity in most of the world, there were about 10,000 members of the breed in Colombia as if 2015. Super social – he is a great choice for a hunter as well as a family companion as he gets along well with both humans of all ages and other dogs. This affectionate hound also tends to love strangers so guard dog duties are probably a no-go.

Colombians are intelligent and can be trained (especially when there are no distractions around), but can be stubborn and willful if they catch the scent of prey. Owners need to be patient when it comes to obedience training! Because of their prey drive it can be hard to keep this hound in a home with cats or other small animals. Training can help mitigate some risk but an owner is taking a gamble dealing with this strong inborn trait to hunt. It is also wise to realize this breed is vocal by nature and while training may curtail it somewhat… this is unlikely to go away completely. Rather than trying to fit this hound into a home which is unsuitable, it makes sense instead to match him only with owners which fit his needs and quirks. And when it comes to training – all dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Colombian is no exception, but many would also excel in specialized training which works to their strengths: such as scentwork or flyball!

As the Fino is quite energetic he does need regular daily exercise to keep him happy and healthy. He has a very strong sense of smell and a high aptitude for hunting which means that daily walks or jogging sessions will most likely be mixed with plenty of sniff-fests along the way! Even better – take him out hunting and you’ll see a hardworking hound emerge which is an even better form of exercise! This is not a couch potato breed by any means and does best with active owners as he needs daily outings regardless of weather. This hound won’t fare well in an apartment and needs a place with room to stretch out in addition to regular walks or hikes.

Colombian Finos come in two sizes – the standard size which reaches a top height at the withers of about 20″, and a large which reaches up to about 24″ and may be more robust. So in general the standard is a small to medium sized hound while the large is a medium to large size. The body is rectangular in proportion, with distinctively long hanging ears and a long tail which reaches beyond the hock. The muzzle is slightly short yet rectangular. The coat is smooth, shiny, and sheds only moderately. When it comes to color, the breed is allowed in black, brown, red, white and brindle, and that “different shades, tones, patterns and combinations of these colors are acceptable”.

The Fino Hound can work for a first-time dog owner (in the right situation) as he is particularly loyal and has an easy-going temperament. There are a few health issues in the breed to be aware of – primarily hip dysplasia, but most individuals are healthy and hardy. When it comes to grooming this breed is easy and only requires the occasional brushing and bath to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Otherwise he benefits from regular eye and ear cleaning – particularly ears as breeds with long hanging ears are more prone to infection. Finally, while he can be prone to become overweight through overeating, keeping him on a regular ration of food isn’t difficult for a new owner to learn to do. His friendly nature with people and other dogs is also a big plus for novice owners! As long as the prospective owner is active and ready to dedicate plenty of time to exercise this hound, it can be a wonderful pairing!

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The Polish Hunting Dog is an ancient scenthound mainly used for hunting deer and wild boar, and is also used for tracking purposes. Like his cousin the Polish Hound, his ancestors are said to go back to the 13th century. This is a rare breed that is not recognized in the United States although is recognized by the FCI overseas. In terms of hunting abilities and temperament – unlike some scenthounds which were bred to face off against (sometimes very tough) prey, this breed is less likely to jump into a fight that he may lose. He’s generally more of a good-natured and noble fellow than he is a scrappy fighter.

The Hunting Dog isn’t overly stubborn in the way that many scenthounds can be, but can still get caught up and distracted if he sniffs something interesting. Every backyard excursion is likely to include a large amount of time sniffing and investigating the grounds for signs of wildlife. This means that he is amiable and ready to listen in the home when there aren’t distractions to deal with, but that will likely go out the window once he goes outside! With a high prey drive, households with small pets will want to keep those pets safely away from this hunter, and those with cats may want to consider a different breed altogether. On the plus side, the Hunting Dog tends to get along great with other dogs (and also children for that matter). With families, he is not usually recommended for those with very small kids or children who don’t know how to be gentle – he is far too sensitive for harsh handling and may react badly.

The Hunting Dog is intelligent and requires an outlet for his mind. In other words, he needs a job to do! Luckily, he can be quite successful when trained in dog sports including agility, obedience and canine freestyle. An owner must always keep in mind his high exercise requirement when it comes to training, however. If he has spent too much time cooped up in the house he’s going to be harder to train than if that excitable energy has had a proper outlet to be expelled. With enough exercise to get him into the right frame of mind, he can be pleasant and easy to train. It bears repeating again that this breed is sensitive and doesn’t do well when training is overly harsh! Loyal and eager to please, he enjoys learning when it comes from a trusted owner.

Polish Hunting Dogs are quite loving and affectionate towards their owners but may be aloof and suspicious of strangers at first. Once they get to know a new person, however, they become friendly and are always level-headed. They will befriend neighbors as well, and may either bewitch them with their beautiful voices (which can be heard loud and far) or annoy them, depending on the proximity of the neighbor’s property! This unique voice was bred into them in order to signal the hunter as to their whereabouts and hunting status.

Hunting Dogs need owners that are active and able to exercise their hounds daily. They require daily jogs that span at least a couple miles for each excursion, and/or have at least 90 minutes a day being exercised A home with a big backyard isn’t enough! The gold standard of exercise would include regular hunting trips combined with running (both free running in a fenced yard and running on lead with the owner) and games at home. Those without enough exercise will quickly become bored and prone to behavior issues such as excessive barking, digging in the yard, or chewing up your stuff! It would be hard to imagine a member of this breed thriving in an apartment or even a home with a small backyard unless they were constantly being taken out to run and hunt.

Polish Hunting Dogs are medium in size with deep chests. The coat is smooth and harsh to the touch, with abundant undercoat. Surprisingly, it is water resistant! It requires only a weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep clean and healthy – the breed doesn’t tend to be overly stinky. The coat sheds a moderate amount and is not hypoallergenic. Color possibilities include black/tan, chocolate/tan, or red. The hanging ears are low set and broad at the base. The long tail, carried low at rest and high when moving, is adorned with a brush at the tip.

Photo By Grzegorz Weron

The Segugio Maremmano is a scenthound from the area of Maremma, in Tuscany Italy. Primarily used to track and hunt wild boar, they are also occasionally used to hunt other animals such as hare. An extremely rare breed in America, they are recognized by the Italian Kennel Club and are provisionally recognized by the FCI. In fact, despite their rareness in most of the world the breed is booming in their home country, in particular owned and appreciated by hunters. A large gene pool and many separate bloodlines means this breed should continue to remain healthy and genetically diverse for the foreseeable future. The average lifespan of this robust hound is 13-14 years, and there are no frequently-seen health issues as of yet.

Segugios are a medium-sized breed with a lot of energy. They need the type of owner that can get them out and exercise with them regularly. An ideal owner doesn’t necessarily need to do frequent grooming (the breed is low maintenance in that regard), but does need to be active and physically fit enough to keep up! The perfect home may or may not include kids and/or other dogs (this hound is friendly with both), and if either exists in the household, can also help in the exercising process – older kids and active dog playmates can make great exercise companions! In fact, another dog is highly recommended to keep this social hound company. When it comes to specific exercise – a game of ball is a fun way to work out in the backyard and a hike on the weekend is the perfect way to end a good week. Combine this with regular walks and doggie playtime with a canine companion and you’ll be set!

The intelligent Maremmano has a high capability to be trained and it is recommended to start young and to incorporate early socialization at the same time. This breed needs mental stimulation just as much as physical exercise and training is essential for healthy brain development. The Maremmano needs lots and lots of consistency, and an owner may need an extra bit of patience as the breed can also be extremely stubborn.

The Segugio Maremmano can come in one of two different coat types. Short haired is the most popular and commonly seen “variant”, although they also come in a rough haired variety. Either variety can appear in either fawn, black/tan or brindle coloration. The breed has triangular-shaped ears which hang to the side of the cheeks, a well-developed wide chest, and a tail that can be either long or docked about halfway down the tail (which is more frequently seen). They are smaller and less elegant in stature than their Italian cousin, the Italian Hound.

The Segugio is a very loyal dog that forms a strong bond with his owner. In Italy, it is more common for him to be owned by a hunter than strictly as a companion dog but he can make a fine companion when matched with the right household. He is not a dog for an apartment-dweller, both because of his loud hound voice which can bother close neighbors as well as his high exercise requirement. A home with a large yard is a much better situation for him! He also requires an owner who isn’t gone for long periods of time as he can become lonely without human interaction. Hunting dogs are used to working and engaging with their human counterparts as well as their fellow dog pack mates. They are social and not meant to be alone for long stretches of time.

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The Brazilian Tracker was originally recognized by the FCI in 1967 and was bred to hunt wild pigs and jaguars. Unfortunately, not long after they were created, almost all members of the breed died from an outbreak of disease. Those that weren’t killed by disease instead tragically succumbed to death via excess insecticide from a negligent farm worker. How did these two events wipe out almost the entire bloodline? The Tracker was only being bred by one man at the time, meaning most dogs were on his property when these happenings occurred. Not willing to give up, fanciers of this large scenthound formed the Rastreador Brasileiro Breed Improvement Group in an effort to recreate them, and successfully did so! The breed was re-recognized by the Brazilian Kennel Club in 2013.

Like many hounds, the Tracker can be obstinate and independent (meaning difficult to train) but ultimately is good-natured and docile. Although not overly-affectionate, he forms a strong bond with his human family despite the fact that he has always been bred as a hunting dog rather than as a pet. While he can make a fine companion for the right person, prospective owners should be prepared for his extremely high prey drive, stubborn nature and high energy. He needs to be able to run and exercise excessively every day or he’ll become bored and develop problematic behaviors. Furthermore he needs a job to do. If he’s not used as a hunting dog, a similar activity must be substituted.

Brazilian Trackers are big into digging and even bigger into chasing small animals! This holds true with both wild animals such as squirrels, as well as domesticated pets. He would make a horrible companion for a cat! His high energy level also means he’s likely to bowl over toddlers and younger kids. He would be better in a home with older children or no children at all. He is friendly but has a hard time controlling his energy, which means he also isn’t a good match for senior citizens. He does get along very well with other dogs, however, and can work/hunt easily in a large pack without showing aggression.

The Tracker tends to live 11-13 years. Because the recreation of the breed is relatively new, there is not a lot of health information at this time.

The Brazilian Tracker is a beautiful dog! One of the most striking of his physical features is the wonderful array of color patterns he is allowed to come in. Patterns include blue mottled, tricolor, or bicolor (which can include white/fawn, white/black or black/fawn) – and any of these patterns can appear with additional fawn markings on the head or body. The coat itself is smooth and dense, is low-shedding, and requires very little grooming. His general appearance shows similarities to the various coonhound breeds in his ancestry, including a long muzzle and long hanging ears.

Photo By Gilson MACEDO

The Small Swiss Hound was created in order to have a smaller hound that could hunt more easily in a diminished area. In Switzerland at the turn of the century, enclosed hunting grounds were introduced to the country. These areas of land were too small for the popular Swiss Hounds to easily hunt as they simply ran too quickly, which necessitated a breed with shorter legs that wouldn’t cross the predetermined borders so easily and speedily! The Swiss Hounds were crossed with Bassets, and these smaller hounds fit the bill as they were just as skilled at trailing game and had just as much exuberance to hunt, but would do so at a slower pace. The first breed club was formed in 1905, and roughly a hundred years later they were also recognized by the UKC.

Energetic and friendly, the Small Swiss makes a great companion to those who can keep up with their exercise requirements, and who are able to put time and effort into training. These hounds possess big personalities and will let their owner know when they’re happy or when they’re unhappy – and will do so with lots of pizzazz! If not given enough attention they’ll think nothing of making a big destructive mess, and/or telling the neighbors all about their grievances. Like other scenthounds, they possess loud and melodic abilities to howl and bay! This said, if their mental and physical needs for exercise are met they can be calm and easygoing in the home, albeit possibly a little on the loud side.

The Small Swiss comes in the same four distinct color patterns as the original Swiss Hound. These include the bernese (tricolor), jura (black/tan), lucerne (blue speckled/tan), and schwyz (white/orange). Interestingly while the breed is usually smooth coated, the bernese color alone can also appear in a rough coated variety. This coat distinction is not found in the larger Swiss Hound. Aside from this occasional difference, the biggest variance between the two breeds include the size of the dog (which is small as compared to the original Swiss’ medium size), a more rectangular body and shorter legs.

Small Swiss Hounds are friendly with people and love to play! Quite affectionate, they love spending active time with their human families, whether it be playing in the yard or having a hiking adventure. Although they get along just fine with strangers, they develop very deep bonds with those in their households to the point that it can be difficult to re-home them if such a situation arises. These hounds also tend to get along well with both children and other dogs alike. Their good nature doesn’t often extend to small animals however as they often see them as prey, meaning families with small pets may want to look for a different breed. This is also not a good fit for those living in apartment settings because they do need lots of activity and a large yard to run in.

The Small Swiss needs daily mental stimulation as well. For owners that cannot take their dog out hunting, this can take the form of various “nose games” such as scentwork or tracking, or can also take the form of obedience training. All dogs should have at least basic obedience training and the Small Swiss is no exception! This intelligent breed can take very well to training, especially when started early, but do be aware that they have a stubborn streak and are known to “put their foot down” when they don’t feel like following a command. An owner must be even more patient and determined than the hound! Because of this trait, they do best with owners who aren’t easily swayed by manipulation.

The Small Swiss Hound is easy to maintain as far as grooming, including the rare rough coated individual. Owners only need to brush the coat once a week or so and bathe infrequently (every 6-8 weeks or so). The breed isn’t known for having a very strong doggy odor unless they roll in something gross. It is important to check and clean the long ears weekly however, as dogs with hanging ears are more prone to ear infection. Finish with a nail trim, a chore that is easiest to do weekly. After grooming is finished, wiping the coat down with a soft cloth or chamois will make it extra shiny!

Photo By Canarian