The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in France. They are a rare breed, but their unique characteristics make them a great addition to many families.
This breed is known for its hunting abilities, specifically for small game like rabbits and hares. Their strong instinct to hunt means they require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
One of the most distinctive features of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is its short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential to keep them looking their best.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a pleasure to work with, but consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
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History
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie has a rich history that spans centuries. Developed in France, most likely beginning during the 16th Century, this breed was created by crossing English hounds with the French hounds.
Its ancestors include Poitevins, Beagles, the Petit Gascon-Saintongeois, and other breeds, which were used for hunting small game. These dogs were bred to hunt small game and that is where the name comes from.
The breed was traditionally used by the French as a creepy dog for small game, and it usually hunts in a pack. The word "petite" in French means 'small', but it does not refer to the height of the dog, but rather the size of the prey that it hunts.
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996, and it is also recognized by the French Kennel Club. Despite its name, this is not a "petite" or small breed, but rather a medium breed.
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Physical Characteristics
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a medium-sized breed with a well-balanced and solidly built body.
Their head is somewhat curved, but not domed, and their ears are medium in shape, curving towards the front of their face.
Their long muzzle has a distinctive "hound mouth" with the upper lip hanging over their lower lips.
Their nostrils are relatively large with wide open nostrils, and their deep eyes are expressive and sometimes implanted.
Their limbs are muscular and support a strong body with a fairly deep chest.
Their back is firm and straight, and their loin is quite short and muscular.
Their croup is fairly long and slightly sloping, with a slight tuck up.
They typically stand between 48 cm and 56 cm tall and weigh between 15 kg and 20 kg.
Their short coat is dense and comes in two varieties: tricolor (white and black with tan markings) or white and orange.
Those with a tricolor coat have a black nose, while the rest of the dogs display a brown nose.
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Temperament and Behavior
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a breed that's all about being a working dog. They're bred to hunt and their temperament reflects that.
They have a high energy level and a free spirit, which can make them a bit challenging to manage. Their strong hunting instinct can make them reserved and less likely to form a strong bond with humans.
Despite this, they can make good companions for the right owner. They're generally non-aggressive and have a sweet disposition, making them a good fit for families with children. However, very small children should be supervised during playtime to prevent injuries.
Their highly energetic nature and stubborn behavior mean they're not suitable for everyone. They do best in a rural or farm setting where they can run around and play, and they're generally ill-suited to city life due to their loud baying and howling.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a working dog through and through, bred to hunt and thrive in a pack environment. They're not often kept as pets, but can make obedient companions with the right owner.
These dogs have high energy and a free spirit, which can make them a bit reserved at times. They're courageous and tenacious when hunting, but calm and docile at home.
Their sweet disposition makes them a great fit for families with children, but very small youngsters should be supervised during playtime to prevent injuries. With proper care and attention, they can get along fine with kids.
However, their highly energetic nature and stubborn behavior make them unsuitable for everyone. They do best in a rural or farm setting where they can run and play, and are generally ill-suited to city life due to their loud baying and howling.
Despite their vocal nature, they're perfectly happy to live outdoors, at least part of the time. With a large fenced-in yard and no local noise ordinances, some owners may be able to manage this breed in towns.
As a highly intelligent breed, they require physical activity and mental stimulation to thrive. They're hardworking, vocal, and intelligent, making them a great fit for hunters and people who live in the country.
Their strong hunting instincts mean they're not a good fit for homes with smaller animals like cats, birds, or rodents. They'll chase and hunt, making living harmoniously with non-dog animals a nightmare for their owners.
Exercise & Training
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a highly energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Daily exercise is a non-negotiable for this breed, with a minimum of 1 hour's worth of concentrated exercise expected daily.
They thrive on physical activity and can get a satisfying amount of exercise from tagging along on hunts, but if that's not an option, taking them for swims and runs is a suitable substitute.
This breed is intelligent, but also incredibly stubborn, making training a challenge.
They respond well to lessons, especially those involving hunting, but they can be prone to wandering off and refusing to return when called.
It's essential to provide a balanced diet that supports their joint and bone health, especially considering their high-activity lifestyle.
With patience and consistency, owners can develop a strong bond with their Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie and help them become well-behaved and obedient companions.
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They generally have sweet dispositions and make good companions, but they're not suitable for everyone due to their high energy levels and stubborn behavior.
In fact, they're better suited to being working dogs than pets, and they do best in a rural or farm setting where they can run about and play.
Care and Maintenance
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
Their short, dense coat only requires weekly brushing to keep it looking its best. Some individuals may shed more than others and will require more frequent brushings.
You should also pay extra attention to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and easily develop ear infections. Dry their ears thoroughly after water exposure to prevent chronic infections.
The nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid nail-born infections.
This breed needs extensive amounts of exercise, and daily walks are a must. They're great for healthy people who love to jog and hike, but they may not be suitable for apartment living without a small yard.
To keep your Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie healthy, treat them with flea, heartworm, and tick prevention medications once a month.
Here's a quick rundown of their care requirements:
Health and Nutrition
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a robust breed with a relatively long lifespan of about 13 years on average. They are generally not prone to health problems, but hip and elbow dysplasia, demodectic mange, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy can occur.
As a medium-to-large breed, they do well on a large-breed formula made with rich sources of protein and healthy fats. This breed can also thrive on an active or working breed formula due to their high energy level and working life.
Ear infections are a common issue in hounds, including the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie, and can be prevented with regular ear cleaning and medicated drops.
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Nutrition
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a high-energy breed that requires a specialized diet to support its active lifestyle.
As a medium-to-large breed, this dog does well on a large-breed formula made with rich sources of protein and healthy fats.
Nutritionally dense and balanced food is essential to fuel their rigorous lifestyle, which includes a good balance of fat as a concentrated energy source and protein to support muscle development and repair.
A large-breed formula is ideal for this breed, given its size and energy level.
Hunting can be exhausting, so owners must provide a diet that meets their dog's high energy needs.
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General Health
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a relatively healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. They tend to live about 13 years on average.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic orthopedic conditions that can affect this breed, and since they rely heavily on their mobility for hunting, it's essential to monitor them for signs of these conditions.
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining their joint and bone health, especially considering their high-activity lifestyle. Owners should consider speaking to their veterinarian about supporting their dog's joint and bone health with supplements.
Chronic ear infections can be a problem for this breed due to their floppy ears, so regular ear cleaning is a must. If you notice any signs of infection, such as a foul odor or redness, bring your dog to the vet right away.
Here are some common health conditions that can affect the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie:
- Chronic ear infections
- Eye conditions
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention, so it's essential to stay on top of your dog's health and catch any potential issues early on.
Sources
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/anglo-francais-de-petite-venerie
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/anglo-francais-de-petite-venerie
- https://www.petpaw.com.au/breeds/anglo-francais-de-petite-venerie/
- https://monkoodog.com/dog-breeds/anglo-francais-de-petite-venerie/
- https://www.petmapz.com/breed/anglo-francais-de-petite-venerie/
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