If you’re looking for a hunting dog that’s as tenacious as it is loyal, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie should be a top contender. Known for its exceptional nose and tireless work ethic, this French hound is a favorite among hunters.
But what do you need to consider before bringing one of these dogs into your home and your life? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie.
History and Origin of the Breed
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie (or simply, the Anglo-Français) is a relatively new breed, having been officially recognized by the Société Centrale Canine in 1983.
However, the breed’s roots can be traced back much further to the various strains of scent hounds used in hunting across Europe for centuries, particularly in France.
The Development of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
As French hunters began developing their own unique breeds of hounds, they sought to create a dog that was versatile enough to work across different terrains and in varying climates but also a dog that was loyal and obedient yet still tenacious enough to track and hunt game.
Through careful breeding, the Anglo-Français came to embody these characteristics, becoming an all-purpose hunting dog that could handle anything from small game (like rabbits and hares) to larger prey (like wild boar and deer).
The breed was developed by crossing several hounds, including the Petit Gascon-Saintongeois, the Petit bleu de Gascogne, and the Poitevin.
Each of these breeds brought unique traits to the mix, resulting in a dog that is athletic and agile, with an excellent sense of smell and a strong prey drive.
Breed Promotion
In recent years, breeders and enthusiasts have been working to increase awareness of the Anglo-Français and its unique qualities. The breed’s versatility and adaptability make it an excellent choice for hunters and active families.
At the same time, its loyal and affectionate nature makes the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie a wonderful companion for those looking for a devoted four-legged friend.
Physical Characteristics and Appearance
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a medium-sized dog with a lean, muscular build and a long, narrow snout that helps to amplify its already impressive sense of smell.
Size and Proportions
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie stands between 19 and 22 inches tall at the withers and weighs around 40 pounds.
It is typically well-proportioned, with a balanced build. It has strong, sturdy legs and a deep chest, which allows for plenty of lung capacity and endurance in the field.
Despite the relatively small size, this dog is tough, resilient, and can handle challenging terrains with ease.
Coat and Color Patterns
The Anglo-Français’ coat is short and dense, which helps to protect them from the elements during long hunts. The coat comes in several colors, including:
- White
- Black and bright tan
- White, black, and pale tan
- White and orange
The coat is easy to care for, requiring only occasional brushing to keep it looking its best.
Distinctive Features
In addition to its distinctive coat and coloring, the Anglo-Français dog has several other unique features that set it apart from other breeds.
For one, it has a keen sense of smell, thanks in part to the long, narrow snouts and large, floppy ears.
Additionally, it has a distinctive bark that is sharp and distinctive, allowing the handler to keep track of the dog even when it is out of sight.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Like all hunting breeds, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is known for its high energy and spirited nature. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners and handlers and are always eager to please.
They’re also very observant and quick to pick up on cues from their environment, which makes them excellent at tracking game and other prey.
General Disposition
Despite their high energy and intense drive, the Anglo-Français dog is generally a friendly and affable breed. They enjoy spending time with their owners and are often quite sociable with other dogs and pets.
Members of the breed require a fair amount of exercise and mental stimulation, however, so it’s important to ensure they get plenty of playtime and activity to stay healthy and happy.
Intelligence and Trainability
The Anglo-Français is a highly intelligent breed and responds well to consistent and positive training techniques.
They’re quick learners and love to please their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train if done correctly.
However, they can also be independent and stubborn at times, so it’s important to begin training them as early as possible to avoid behavioral issues down the line.
Socialization and Interaction with Other Animals
The Anglo-Français is generally quite sociable with other dogs and pets, but as with any breed, early socialization is key.
Puppies should be introduced to other animals and people as early as possible and given plenty of positive reinforcement to help them develop healthy social skills.
With proper socialization and training, these dogs make excellent family pets and hunting companions alike.
Health and Lifespan
Like all breeds, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is susceptible to certain health issues and should receive regular preventative care to keep them in good health.
Common Health Issues
Some of the most common health issues seen in the Anglo-Français include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic, orthopedic condition in which the two bones that form the hip joint do not fit properly, causing pain and impaired mobility
- Elbow Dysplasia: A genetic, orthopedic condition in which the three bones that form the elbow joint do not fit properly, causing pain and impaired mobility
Preventative Care and Regular Checkups
To maintain optimal health, the Anglo-Français should receive regular preventative care, including vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine check-ups with a veterinarian.
They should also be provided with a healthy, balanced diet and given plenty of exercise to keep them in top physical condition.
Expected Lifespan
The expected lifespan of an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is typically between 10 to 15 years, although some dogs may live longer with proper care and attention.
As with all dogs, proper care and attention are key to ensuring they reach their full lifespan potential.
Conclusion
With their high energy, tenacious spirit, and loyalty to their owners, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a dog that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking for a reliable companion in the field or simply looking for a loyal and active pet, this breed is definitely worth considering.
