Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie

Of the three known Anglo-Français breeds, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is the smallest. Despite this, they have a well defined musculature and are athletic. One feature of the dog that one might immediately notice is the size of its head- which is rather small with regard to the body. It has a short and smooth coat and the exterior color is either light brown or black or white; or a combination of two of these three colors. Tricolored coats are relatively rare. The word petite in the name is in relation to the kind of game the dog is used to hunt- typically small game. Chasse-à-Tir is a form of hunting in which a dog or pack of dogs encircle the quarry animal and chase it towards the hunter. This is specifically the form of hunting that this particular breed was used for. the dog itself is medium sized. It has an excellent stamina and its speed is a huge asset when it comes to game hunting.

The breed was created by crossing the older hounds of Anglo-French origin with the Harrier (Beagle) and Poitevin. The breed is actually not great for urban lifestyle but do very well if a large yard is provided. They are rarely used as pets- their use even to this day is largely limited to the purpose they were originally developed to serve- game hunting, as a scent hound. At least, in France, the country of its origin, this is the case- It does not have a pet dog or show dog status.

However, if all you want is a great home pet, this breed makes the best pet of all the three Anglo- Français breeds. They also have no health problems, and are generally regarded as a healthy breed. But this is the case when they are provided with an environment suitable to their lifestyle. One check that must be undertaken is beneath the drooping ears, the zone offers the perfect conditions for fungal and bacterial colonies to thrive when the weather conditions are regularly moist. For people with a penchant to own a rare breed, this species is a good choice.

The dogs are intelligent and responsive to training. They need to be bathed only when necessary; care is relatively simple compared to other breeds. This breed has been recognized by the United Kennel Club in North America.

A full grown dog should ideally weigh between 35 and 44 pounds and should stand at anything between 16 and 22 inches of height. Among other features that are generally evaluated is the general outline of appearance- it must resemble that of the other French hounds- It has a long tail which is only slightly held up, with a slight curve towards the end. The nose is very well developed. Its eyes are dark colored. Hind legs must be strong prepared for heavy thrusting action, while forelegs must be straight. The breed was formerly known as Petit Anglo-Français, a name that was later changed in 1978.