What to Consider Before Getting an Anglo-Francais De Petite Venerie: 16 Essential Tips
Thinking about adding an Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie to your life? Whether you're doing your homework before bringing one home or trying to better understand the dog already snoring on your couch, you’re in the right place.
These French scenthounds were bred for hunting, and their instincts run deep. But there’s a lot more to them than just their nose. Here’s what we’ve learned from working with high-energy breeds like this one — and what you need to know before diving in.
They’re Built for the Outdoors
This breed was literally made to track small game, and you can feel that drive in everything they do. They’ve got a sharp nose, loads of stamina, and a single-minded focus when they’re on a scent. If you're into hiking, running, or hunting, these dogs won’t just keep up — they’ll lead the way.
But be warned: if you're more of a “let's chill on the couch all weekend” type, this probably isn’t the dog for you. They need space to roam and an outlet for all that energy. A daily walk around the block? Not even close to enough.
Friendly, But Not Couch Potatoes
Despite their working-dog roots, Anglo-Français de Petite Véneries are usually warm and sociable at home. They enjoy people, love attention, and often do well with kids and other dogs — especially when raised together. But you'll still want to supervise those interactions at first and make socialization a priority early on.
They’re not ideal if you have small pets like cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs. Their prey drive is strong, and no amount of training will fully erase that instinct. You might manage it, but there’s always a risk.
Smart Dogs, Stubborn Streak
They’re intelligent — no doubt about it. They can pick up on commands, learn tricks, and even do well in agility courses or scent work. But don’t expect a people-pleaser. These dogs are independent thinkers. If something doesn’t seem worth their time, they won’t do it. That’s where training can get tricky.
What’s worked for us (and many others) is positive reinforcement. Think treats, toys, and tons of praise. Harsh methods don’t go far with this breed — they’ll just tune you out. Be patient, consistent, and make training sessions fun.
Noise Warning: They’re Vocal
If you’ve never heard a hound bay, brace yourself. These dogs have a loud, far-carrying voice that was designed to alert hunters from a distance. That means they’re not apartment-friendly and probably not great for close-knit neighborhoods either. You can work on reducing unnecessary barking, but you won’t silence them completely.
Low Grooming Needs, High Exercise Needs
Good news: grooming is simple. Their short, dense coat doesn’t mat easily — a weekly brushing and an occasional bath are usually enough. Nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are the basics you’ll still need to stay on top of.
Exercise, though? That’s the big one. If they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, boredom sets in fast — and that can lead to chewing, digging, excessive barking, or worse. Puzzle toys, scent games, training sessions, and long walks (or runs) are all great ways to keep them happy and balanced.
Not a Fan of Being Alone
Like many companion breeds, Anglo-Français de Petite Véneries don’t do well with being left alone for long periods. Separation anxiety can show up in destructive ways — barking, pacing, accidents in the house, or chewing on things they shouldn’t. If you work long hours away from home, this might not be the right match unless you have a solid plan (like a dog walker or doggy daycare).
Prey Drive + Backyard = Secure Fence Required
With their strong hunting instincts, a good fence is non-negotiable. They’ll chase after squirrels, cats, or any small critter that dares to cross their path, and they won’t stop until they’ve lost sight of it. Your yard needs to be tall enough and secure enough to keep them in — no gaps, no weak spots, and definitely no escape routes.
Food and Fuel
This is a high-energy dog, so they need a high-quality diet to match. Look for food with real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers, by-products, and artificial junk. Fresh water should always be available, and depending on how active your dog is, you may need to adjust portion sizes to keep their weight in check.
In short, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie isn’t for everyone — but for the right person or family, they can be an incredible companion. They love deeply, live actively, and need someone who can match their energy and respect their instincts.
If you're up for the challenge, they’ll reward you with loyalty, adventure, and a whole lot of love.
