Breed History:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a French scenthound developed by crossing traditional French hunting hounds with English Foxhounds. Originating in France during the 19th century, the breed was specifically created for pack hunting small and medium-sized game such as hares, foxes, and roe deer.

Despite its name, "Petite Vénerie" does not refer to the dog's size but rather to the type of game it was bred to hunt. French hunters sought to combine the endurance, scenting ability, and pack-working instincts of native French hounds with the speed and stamina of English hunting dogs.

Today, the breed remains primarily a working hunting hound in France and is relatively uncommon outside its native country.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	48–56 cm	15–22 kg
Female	46–54 cm	14–20 kg

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 11–13 years

Breed Appearance:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a lean, athletic, and elegant hunting hound.

The breed commonly features:

• Long refined head

• Strong muzzle

• Large expressive eyes

• Long drop ears

• Deep chest and athletic frame

• Long tail carried gracefully

Its coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant.

Common coat colours include:

• Tricolour (white, black, and tan)

• White and orange

• White and black

• White and tan

The breed possesses the classic appearance of a traditional European hunting hound.

Breed Type – Scenthound:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is an energetic, intelligent, and determined hunting breed.

It is known for being:

• Friendly and sociable

• Hardworking and persistent

• Intelligent and alert

• Energetic and athletic

• Cooperative with other dogs

The breed was developed to work in packs and generally gets along well with other dogs.

Its scent-tracking instincts are exceptionally strong.

Training:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is intelligent but can be independent when following a scent.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• Recall training

• Obedience and impulse control

• Scent-work activities

The breed excels in:

• Tracking

• Hunting trials

• Scent detection

• Endurance activities

Consistency and patience are important, particularly when training around distractions.

Health & Care:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is generally healthy but may occasionally be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Ear infections

• Bloat (gastric torsion)

• Hunting-related injuries

Routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and maintaining good physical condition help support long-term health.

Regular ear checks are important because of the breed's long ears.

Living Conditions:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is best suited to active households.

Ideal environments include:

• Rural homes

• Hunting properties

• Houses with secure fenced yards

• Active outdoor families

Apartment living is generally not recommended because of the breed's exercise requirements and tendency to follow scents.

The breed thrives when given opportunities to explore and work.

Exercise:

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks or runs

• Tracking and scent games

• Hunting activities

• Hiking and outdoor adventures

• Interactive training sessions

Mental stimulation is essential because of the breed's strong scenting instincts.

Grooming:

The coat is easy to maintain.

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional bathing as needed

• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Excellent scenting and tracking abilities

• Friendly and sociable temperament

• Good with other dogs

• Athletic and hardworking

• Low-maintenance grooming needs

• Generally healthy breed

Disadvantages:

• High exercise and mental stimulation requirements

• Strong scent drive can complicate recall training

• Not ideal for sedentary households

• May become vocal when excited or tracking

• Requires secure fencing due to wandering tendencies

• Best suited to active owners or hunting homes

• Rare outside France and difficult to find in many countries