Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound (Anglo-Françaises de Petite Venerie)

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound (Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie) is a reliable and strong hunting dog with its homeland in France. Over several hundred years of its existence this Scent Hound fairly deserved the reputation of an unsurpassed hunter of small game. Like majority of French sporting breeds it remains barely known outside its native land.

It’s universally agreed that the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound came to existence somewhere in XVI century when most breeders didn’t apply systematic approach to their work. That’s why information about its origin is pieced together from scanty written sources of that period. It’s almost certain though that it was produced by crossing various English and French Hounds. The word «petite» in the breed’s name confuses many English speakers who think it deals with the size of the dog, when it in fact deal with the dog’s designated quarry.

It’s widely suggested that English blood in this breed is primarily represented by the English Foxhound and/or the Harrier. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne, Petit Gascon Saintongeois, Poitevin and now-extinct Artesian and Norman Hounds are among the most probable French ancestors of this breed. The enhancement of the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound continued over the course of several centuries with new dogs’ varieties being gradually added to the mix.

The resulting dog possessed general physical characteristics and typical coloration of an English Hound but simultaneously it inherited from French dogs its slender body and distinctive shape of its face and head. The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound specialised on hunting various small game especially rabbits. The dog was capable of hunting both alone and in packs depending on the circumstances. It would find the scent trail of the rabbit and then start chasing it, indicating its position to the hunter with loud barking. After that it was supposed to direct the quarry back to the hunter’s gun. The breed became a true professional at this style of hunting and was greatly valued by hunters.

Throughout the XX century the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound enjoyed relative popularity in its native land. Nowadays very small number of this breed can be found in Spain, England and the United States. However it’s available for an open public on the rare pet market. The United Kennel Club (UKC) gave its complete acknowledgment to this hound in 1996. Unlike most present-day breeds vast majority of the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hounds are kept for their hunting prowess although this even-tempered and calm dog has already proved its suitability for the role of a companion animal.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound was developed exclusively as a highly proficient and dedicated hunter so there are few reports about its characteristics as a companion animal. It usually attaches strongly to all family members and likes to be in the limelight of its favourite people. At the same time this dog can easily put up with existence in a kennel environment especially if it’s provided with an opportunity to participate in hunting trips on a regular basis. As a rule the breed member is good with those children with whom it has been reared with them since a young age.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound is notable for excellent human tolerance as it got used to deal with several strange hunters. Without proper socialisation some individual dogs tend to express their excitement too exuberant on meeting a new person. This breed has certain potential as a watchdog because of its well-developed senses and natural watchfulness. However it shouldn’t be tasked with the functions of a guardian, as it possesses neither essential aggressiveness nor strong territorial instinct.

This breed suits perfectly for hunting in packs of several dozens of other dogs. This implies that breeders have done a good job of creating a highly skilful hound with non-aggressive temperament. Actually the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound craves to have one or several constant canine companions. Its relatively strong prey drive makes it dangerous for homeless cats and other types of pets. However it’s possible to introduce this dog to the household with a pre-existing cat but it should be done while it’s still a pliable and sociable puppy.

The most common problems for the breed include:

• ear infections;
• demodex mange;
• canine hip dysplasia;
• elbow dysplasia;
• eye problems.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound is an easy-to-groom breed. Its master should brush its coat on a weekly basis in order to spread natural oils and remove any loose hair. Ears of this working dog can collect grime, food, water and other small particles so it’s essential to pay enough attention to their regular cleaning. Other than that this dog should receive fairly basic care. The amount of shedding depends on an individual dog and some of them are extremely heavy shedders.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound is a highly trainable breed as far as it concerns hunting in a pack. At the same time the dog possesses fairly stubborn character, which is typical for a hound. Be prepared that its training will require more substantial amount of efforts in comparison with other dogs.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound tends to experience certain difficulties with concentration so it would be wise to make lessons short and fun. Only reward-based training will bring desirable results in the work with this breed. It doesn’t respond well to forceful stimulus and harsh treatment will only make it even more wilful and disobedient.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound needs a lot of vigorous daily exercises in order to stay healthy and happy. Its master should spend at least 45 minutes a day for walking and playing with this dog. It’s highly important to provide this breed with sufficient opportunities to reslease its energy in a positive way.

The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound can become a wonderful company for a jogger although it would undoubtedly prefer to run freely in a securely fenced territory. Remember that an under exercised dog is usually a hyper active, nervous, destructive and even aggressive.