The Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie, a medium-sized dog breed, has a fascinating history rooted in crosses between French and English hounds. Originating in France, this breed was bred specifically for hunting smaller game such as rabbits, quails and pheasants. It is a member of the sable dog family and is known for its stamina and hunting instinct.
Like its larger counterpart, the Grand Anglo-Français, the Petit Vénerie combines the strong hunting characteristics of breeds such as the Beagle and smaller French hounds. These dogs are probably both the smallest and youngest in the group of French and English hounds.
With a shoulder height ranging from 48 to 56 cm, the Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie is a well-built dog, often tri-coloured bred, with a short, low-maintenance coat.The Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie is known as a dog that loves to work and is well-suited as a tracking and merry-go-round dog. Although they were originally bred for hunting, they can also make good family dogs, provided they are given the right training and socialisation.
The appearance of the Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a graceful hunting dog, recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This breed, often simply called ‘Petite Vénerie’, is a cross between the Beagle and a number of smaller French hounds. Their ancestry is evident in their appearance, showing characteristics of both French and English hounds.
The adult Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie has a short, easy-to-maintain coat that is often tricoloured, similar to the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore. Their coats can range from white-orange to the classic ‘blanc et noir’. These dogs have an athletic and well-balanced build, which makes them excellent tracking and gundog dogs, especially when hunting rabbits.
The ears of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie are prominent and hang to the side of the head, which is a characteristic feature of many hounds. Their eyes exude intelligence and alertness, which is essential for their role as working dogs. The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is considered an excellent companion dog and can be a loving member of the family.
Hereditary diseases and disorders
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie, is generally a healthy breed, but like all dog breeds, they can be susceptible to certain hereditary diseases and disorders. Owners of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie should be aware of these potential health problems to ensure the holistic health of their dog.
Here is a list of some conditions that can occur in this breed:
- Hip dysplasia: A common condition in many breeds, characterised by abnormal formation of the hip joint.
- Ear infections: Because of their drooping ears, they are prone to ear infections, which require regular cleaning.
- Eye disorders: Such as progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness.
- Skin allergies: Can occur due to food intolerances or environmental factors.
- Heart problems: Various heart conditions can occur in this breed.
The character of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie, a breed bred in France and known for its mix of French and English hunting dog traits, has a unique and attractive character. These dogs are energetic, intelligent and have a strong hunting instinct, similar to other hounds such as the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the Blanc et Noir.
As an adult dog, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is very active and requires a lot of exercise. This makes them an excellent choice for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. They are known for their love of hunting, which means they may not be best suited to homes with small pets.
These dogs are generally friendly and sociable, although they may take some time to get used to new situations and people. * With proper socialisation from an early age, your Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie can develop into a balanced and well-adjusted family dog.
Care of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
This energetic breed, similar to the Petit Blue de Gascogne, requires specific attention to keep them in optimal condition.
- Nutrition: It is important to give your Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie a balanced diet specifically tailored to their energy needs. Choose high-quality dog food that is rich in nutrients and consider supplements such as cranberry for urinary tract health.
- Coat care: The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie’s coat is relatively low-maintenance, but regular brushing will help keep their coat clean and shiny. This breed does not need extensive grooming, but keep their nails short and check their ears regularly, especially as hounds can be prone to ear infections.
- Activity: As active hunting dogs, they like to get plenty of exercise. Ensure adequate daily exercise such as walks and playtime to channel their energy in a positive way.
- Healthcare: Regular veterinary checks are important to detect and address health problems early. Pay specific attention to signs of common conditions that can occur in dogs of their size and activity level.
- Social Interaction: The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is sociable and enjoys interacting with their family. Provide adequate socialisation opportunities to promote their mental health.
Socialisation and upbringing of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
- The socialisation and upbringing of the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie are crucial aspects of their development into a well-adjusted and balanced dog. This breed, requires a focused approach to get the best out of their character.
- Socialisation: Start socialising your Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie early. Expose them to different people, animals, environments and sounds. This will help them get used to various situations and not react fearfully or aggressively to new experiences. Parks, dog schools and play dates with other dogs are good ways to socialise them.
- Training: Be consistent and patient in training. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques. Because of their intelligence and eagerness to learn, they can pick up commands quickly. It is important to spend time on basic obedience training and teach them to respond to basic commands.
- Physical and Mental Stimulation: The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie needs plenty of exercise. Provide daily walks, playtime and other activities to channel their physical and mental energy. Training games and intelligence toys can also help keep their minds sharp.
How much experience requires an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a breed that requires some experience from its owner, especially because of its strong hunting instinct and energy level. Although this breed is known for its intelligent and adaptable nature, they are best suited to owners who are familiar with the needs of active and working dogs.
New owners should be willing to put time and effort into the dog’s training and socialisation. These dogs respond well to positive training methods and require consistent, patient guidance to reach their potential as obedient and well-socialised pets.
A good knowledge of dog behaviour and training principles can help tremendously when raising an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie. Because of their hunting instinct, it is also essential that owners understand how to manage and channel the dog’s hunting instinct, especially in areas where small game is present. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial to prevent them from becoming bored or developing destructive behaviour.
Is training necessary?
Training is absolutely necessary for the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie. These intelligent and active dogs require structured training to reach their potential as well-mannered pets. From an early age, it is important to begin basic obedience training. This helps build a strong bond between the dog and owner and lays the foundation for future learning.
Positive reinforcement techniques work well with this breed, as they are sensitive to the tone of voice and respond to rewards. The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie has a natural aptitude for hunting, which means training should also focus on controlling their hunting instinct. This is especially important when walking in areas with lots of game. In addition, socialization training is crucial to make them comfortable in various environments and situations, and to prevent them from becoming too timid or dominant.
Finally, because of their energy level, they benefit from agility training and other activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. Regular training and adequate exercise are essential to the well-being of an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie, keeping them both physically and mentally balanced.
How much exercise does an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie need?
Known for its high energy level and strong hunting instinct, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie requires significant daily exercise. This active dog breed thrives with adequate physical activity and mental stimulation. Ideally, an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie should get at least one to two hours of exercise every day.
This can include long walks, running, playing in a safely fenced area, or participating in dog sports such as agility and flyball. These activities not only help channel their physical energy, but also provide essential mental stimulation. In addition to scheduled exercises, it is also important to engage this breed in interactive games and training sessions to keep their minds sharp. They enjoy challenges and activities that utilize their natural hunting skills.
How is it getting along with children?
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is known for its friendly and energetic nature, which can make them a good companion for children. With their playful and lively personality, they get along well with children, especially if they grow up together from a young age.
It is important that both dog and children are well supervised and taught how to interact safely. Children should be taught to treat the dog with respect and not as a toy. Because of their hunting instinct, it is essential to supervise when the dog is with smaller children to prevent playful behaviour from becoming too rough.
It is also important to socialise and train the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie well to ensure they show good behaviour around children. A well-socialised dog is less likely to be fearful or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
Benefits of an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
- Energetic and Active: They are ideal for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Intelligence: This breed is intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training relatively easy.
- Good Hunters: With their strong hunting instinct, they make excellent companions for hunting and outdoor activities.
- Social: They generally get along well with other dogs and adapt well to a family environment.
- Low Care Requirement: Their short coat requires minimal grooming.
Disadvantages of an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
- High Exercise Requirement: They need a lot of exercise, which can be a challenge for less active owners.
- Hunting instinct: Their strong hunting instinct can be a challenge in areas with lots of game.
- Not Ideal for Small Spaces: Due to their energy level, they are not suitable for smaller living spaces such as flats.
- Socialisation Necessary: Early and consistent socialisation is necessary to prevent them from becoming timid or overly dominant.
- Supervision with Children: They should be watched closely when interacting with small children.
How old does an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie get?
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie, generally has a good life expectancy. On average, this breed ages between 12 and 15 years. As with all dog breeds, their lifespan is affected by several factors, including genetics, living conditions, nutrition and the quality of care they receive.
A healthy lifestyle is crucial to extending their lifespan. This includes a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and regular veterinary care.
The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is active and needs plenty of exercise, which helps keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Price of an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
The Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie, a rare breed even in its native France, presents challenges in finding and pricing within the US due to its scarcity.
Price: The limited number of breeders in the US makes it difficult to set a definitive price range. Should a breeder be found, the cost could very likely exceed $5,000, reflecting the breed’s rarity even in Europe.
Finding an Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie:
- Breeders: It’s improbable to find active breeders in the US dedicated to this specific breed.
- Rescue: The chance of discovering an Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie through US rescue organizations is minimal due to their rarity.
Alternatives to Consider:
For those attracted to the Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie’s medium stature and hound traits, these similar breeds available in the US might be of interest:
- Beagle: Known for their merry demeanor and keen sense of smell, with prices generally between $600 and $1,200.
- Basset Hound: Recognized for their gentle nature and iconic droopy ears, typically priced between $800 and $1,500.
- Harrier: A breed bred for hunting, known for their energy and athleticism, with prices around $800 to $2,000.
- English Foxhound: Esteemed for their endurance and hunting skills, also ranging from $800 to $2,000.
Important Considerations:
- Importing a Dog: The process involves regulatory navigation, vaccinations, and possibly quarantines, which can be complex and costly.
- Responsible Breeding: Should you find a US breeder with Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie puppies, ensure they adhere to ethical breeding standards, prioritizing health and temperament.
Tips for Finding Rare Breeds:
- Contact Breed Clubs: Although a US-based Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie club is unlikely, reaching out to French canine organizations might offer leads on breeders willing to export. Expect significant challenges and potential high costs.
- Rare Breed Registries: Organizations that register breeds not recognized by the AKC may provide connections to breeders of rare dogs.
Remember: Choosing a dog breed is a significant decision. Given the rarity of the Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie, consider similar breeds for their easier availability and compatibility with your lifestyle. Exploring reputable shelters or rescues for hounds or mixed breeds may introduce you to dogs with characteristics akin to the Anglo-Français de Petit Vénerie.
About the Author: Giovanni
