Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie

Also called Petit Anglo-Français, Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie

A busy, purpose-bred pack hound that loves to follow a scent.

Size	Medium
Height	48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in)1 2
Coat	Short, dense, smooth coat
Origin	France.3 2
Group	FCI group 6

Recognised breedShort profile

keen scenting ability

works well in a pack

well-balanced, athletic build

1 2

Personality what they are like

A busy, purpose-bred pack hound that loves to follow a scent. Most are kept by hunters in packs in the countryside.2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, smooth coat

A tidy short coat on a balanced, sturdy hound that has the classic French hound outline without any heaviness.1 2

Colourswhite, black and bright tanwhite, black and pale tanwhite and orange1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high: bred to hunt small game for long days in the field.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy-care short coat; occasional brushing is enough.1

Home where they are happiest

Traditionally lives in rural settings, usually as part of a pack, rather than in towns.2

Company who they like around

A pack dog that is used to living and working alongside other hounds.2

The story where it all began

French breeders crossed English and French hounds, a practice thought to date back to the 1500s, to create the Anglo-French hounds. This smallest type drew on Harriers, Beagles, Poitevins and small Gascon hounds, and it took its current name in 1978.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is the smallest of the Anglo-French hound breeds.2
2
Until 1978 it was called the Petit Anglo-Français.2
3
'Petite vénerie' refers to hunting small game such as hare, and the breed usually works in packs.2
4
The FCI requires a working trial before a dog can become a champion.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Petite Vénerie' does not mean the dogs are small, but rather that the breed is used to hunt small game.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ChasseurFleurBriocheRustyCocoOreillePistacheSoleilBiscuitNougatZephyrLys

A day in the life told by an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie

At dawn, I heard the familiar call and joined my pack, our noses to the ground. We followed a scent through the dewy grass, our baying echoing across the fields. We worked together, each taking a turn, until the trail led us to a thicket. We circled, then settled, panting and happy. Later, back in the kennel, I rested with my mates, our tails thumping softly. My person brought fresh water, and I lapped it up, tired but satisfied. Another day of purpose.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 325, Group 6 (Scent hounds), medium-sized hounds; accepted on a definitive basis 26 January 1983, subject to a working trial.3
UKC: Recognised 1 January 1996; Scenthound Group.1
SCC: Standard held by the Société Centrale Canine (France).2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
Splash of water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie, and at what times?

Feed your adult Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps digestion, but exact times can fit your routine. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your hound's age and high activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, and garlic, as these can be toxic to dogs.5

How often should I bathe an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine for this short-coated breed. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie need brushing?

Brush your Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie weekly to remove loose hair and keep the short coat tidy. This easy-care coat doesn't need more frequent brushing.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use proper clippers and cut small amounts at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie need?

This breed has very high exercise needs, bred for long days hunting small game. Daily vigorous walks and play are essential to keep your hound happy and healthy.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth 2, 3 times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture; never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie live?

Lifespan varies for this breed; ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life.

Is an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie good with children and other pets?

As a pack hound, it usually gets along well with other dogs. Suitability with children depends on individual temperament and early socialization, so ask a breeder for guidance.2

Can an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie be left alone?

This pack dog is used to living with other hounds and may struggle with long periods alone. It's best in a home with canine company or with someone around most of the time.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.