The Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie is a medium-sized breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs. It is one of the Anglo-French hound breeds which were created by crossing French scenthounds with English (Anglo) foxhounds. The name Petite Vénerie does not mean that dogs of the breed are petite or small, but rather that it is used to hunt small game.

History

The Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie was created from crosses of older Anglo-French hounds with Harrier (Beagle) and Poitevin, and also with the Petit Gascon-Saintongeois and the Petit Bleu de Gascogne. The French hunting hounds have a very long history, with named local types being recorded in the16th century. Unlike the larger hounds, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie was not intended for hunting large game. It was primarily used in the Chasse-à-Tir, where the pack (or sometimes an individual dog) circles the game animal and chases it back towards the waiting hunter.  Before 1978 the breed was called the Petit Anglo-Français, as it is the smallest of the Anglo-French hounds. The breed is recognised in its country of origin by the Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club) and internationally in 1983 by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 6, Scenthounds. In France it is bred and kept primarily as a hunting dog, not as a pet or showdog. The breed has been exported to North America, where it is recognised by the United Kennel Club in its Scenthound Group. It is also registered by numerous minor registries and internet dog registry businesses, and is promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. 

Appearance and Size

The Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie is 48 to 56 cm (19-22 ins) in height at the withers. Weight is not specified, but it is not a heavy dog, and should look balanced (well proportioned) and should resemble other French hounds in outline. The breed's coat is tight, smooth and short, with colours of tan, black, and white, or two of the three colours in any combination, i.e. white and black, or white and orange.) Ears are low set drop ears, and the long tail is held up.

Personality

Due to the fact that these are active hunting dogs that are normally kept in packs in rural areas, they may not be suitable for city or family living. No documented health problems, but the drop ears should be checked regularly, as the "warm moist environment under the drooping ear flap is perfect for fungal or bacterial growth."

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.