Scent Hound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · France's spirited small-game hunter — a medium-sized pack hound with exceptional nose, bred specifically for hunting rabbits and hares in French hunting tradition
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a French pack scent hound created by crossing French hounds with English foxhounds — the 'Anglo-French' name reflecting this blend. 'Petite vénerie' refers to the hunting of small game, the role for which this medium-sized hound was developed.
Sturdy and athletic with the traditional tricolor hound coat, it was bred to hunt hare, rabbit, and other small game in packs, working tirelessly by scent. Sociable and hardy, it remains chiefly a working hunting dog in France. It is recognized by the FCI in Group 6 (Scent Hounds) and is uncommon outside its homeland.
Real Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Friendly, even-tempered, and thoroughly pack-oriented, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie loves company and is very sociable with other dogs. It is affectionate and gentle at home but driven and focused once on a scent. Rarely aggressive, it makes an amiable companion for owners who can satisfy its strong need for activity.
A stamina-built hunting hound, it needs well over an hour of vigorous daily exercise with plenty of scents to explore. Long walks, running, and scent work keep it content, and it thrives with active, outdoorsy owners. Without enough outlet for its energy it becomes restless and vocal.
The short, dense coat is very easy to maintain, requiring only a weekly brush and occasional bath. As a long-eared hound, its ears need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infections, and nails should be kept trimmed. Grooming demands are minimal overall.
Sociable but independent and scent-driven, this hound trains best with short, motivating, reward-based sessions and early socialization. Recall becomes unreliable once a scent takes hold, so a securely fenced area is safer than off-leash freedom. Patient, consistent handling brings out its naturally cooperative, pack-friendly nature.
A hardy, generally healthy breed with a lifespan of around 12–14 years. The most common concerns are ear infections from the long drop ears and occasional hip dysplasia. Regular ear cleaning, a lean weight, and routine veterinary care keep most dogs fit and active well into their senior years.
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 1½–2½ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to keep this breed at a healthy weight.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 1½–2½ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener found in some gums and peanut butters), macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie from a responsible breeder typically costs around $800–$2,000, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $90–$160 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $15,000–$22,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.