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Norwich Terrier vs Segugio Italiano

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Norwich Terrier vs Segugio Italiano

You don’t see many people torn between a Norwich Terrier and a Segugio Italiano. but maybe you’re the type who loves under-the-radar breeds and got sucked down a rabbit hole of obscure European hounds and feisty little British terriers. Both are energetic, barky, and built for work. Both need mental stimulation and a job to do. But that’s where the similarities end. The Norwich is your compact shadow. a 12-pound firecracker that fits in a tote bag but thinks it’s ten times that size. He’s affectionate to a fault, thrives in apartments, and will bond deeply with older kids and adults alike. But don’t be fooled by his size. He’s wired to chase, dig, and yap, and if you’ve got a yard with a mouse problem, he’ll treat it like a personal mission. He’s stubborn, yes, and training takes patience, but his adaptability makes him a city-friendly terrier with heart. The Segugio is another beast entirely. At 40 to 60 pounds, he’s built for miles of tracking through Italian hills. Lean, long-nosed, and relentless, he lives to follow a scent. and he won’t come when called if he’s on one. He needs space, a secure fence taller than your hopes, and an owner who understands hound logic. He’s friendly but not quite the cuddlebug the Norwich is. Kids? Maybe, but his size and intensity can be overwhelming for little ones. Here’s the real difference: the Norwich wants to be part of your life, every moment of it. The Segugio wants your permission to go do his own thing. and then report back later. If you want a dog that fits in your life, go Norwich. If you want a dog that reshapes your life around adventure, go Segugio. One fits in your apartment. The other needs the horizon.

Norwich Terrier
Segugio Italiano
9–10 in
Height
19–23 in
11–12 lb
Weight
40–60 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
11–13 yr
$2.0–4.5k
Puppy price
$1.0–2.5k
#108
AKC popularity

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Norwich Terrier Segugio Italiano
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Norwich Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Norwich
Good with Other Dogs
Segugio Italiano is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Segugio
Affectionate w/ Family
Norwich Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Norwich
Coat Grooming
Segugio Italiano needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Segugio
Drooling Level
Norwich Terrier drools less (1-point difference)
Norwich
The verdict

Choose the Norwich Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Apartment or small home living
  • Families with older children
  • You value good with young childrenNorwich Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Segugio Italiano if…

  • hunters
  • active families
  • experienced hound owners
  • You value good with other dogsSegugio Italiano scores higher here.
Norwich Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwich Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Segugio Italiano Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Segugio Italiano home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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