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? Then let's get one thing straight up front.
This is not a background dog. It's a nose on legs — a French scenthound bred to track game for hours, and those instincts run deep.
Whether you're doing your homework before bringing one home, or trying to understand the dog already snoring on your couch, this guide covers what actually matters.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Energy Level | |
| Friendliness | |
| Trainability | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Noise Level |
They're Built for the Outdoors
This breed was made to track small game, and you can feel that drive in everything they do.
Sharp nose. Endless stamina. Laser focus the second they lock onto a scent.
If you're into hiking, running, or hunting, this dog won't just keep up — it'll lead the way.
But here's the catch:
If you're more of a "chill on the couch all weekend" type, this probably isn't your match. A walk around the block? Not even close to enough.
“This is a dog that needs a job. Give it one, or it will invent one — usually involving your furniture.”
So what are they actually like to live with?
Friendly, But Not Couch Potatoes
Despite their working-dog roots, these hounds are usually warm and sociable at home.
They enjoy people, soak up attention, and often do well with kids and other dogs — especially when raised together.
Still, supervise early interactions and make socialization a priority from day one.
Active families
Great fitThey thrive with people who move a lot.
Other dogs
Usually goodPack instincts make them social.
Kids
Good with supervisionFriendly, but big and bouncy at first.
Cats & small pets
RiskyStrong prey drive — hard to fully train out.
Now, about that famous independent streak.
Smart Dogs, Stubborn Streak
They're intelligent — no doubt about it.
They pick up commands, learn tricks, and shine in agility and scent work.
But don't expect a people-pleaser. These are independent thinkers. If something doesn't seem worth their time, they simply won't do it.
That's where training gets tricky.
Training ground rules
- Make it worth their whileA bored hound quits. A motivated one performs.
- Stay consistentMixed signals confuse an already opinionated dog.
- Lean on their noseScent games double as training and enrichment.
- Never punish the recallIf coming back means the fun ends, they stop coming back.
Before you commit, you need to hear this one.
Noise Warning: They're Vocal
If you've never heard a hound bay, brace yourself.
This voice was designed to alert hunters from a distance — loud, deep, and far-carrying.
Not
apartment-friendly — and tough for close neighbors, too
You can reduce unnecessary barking with training and enrichment.
But silence them completely? That's not realistic. Baying is baked into who they are.
Quick poll
Could you live with a dog that bays loudly?
The good news: their upkeep is refreshingly simple.
Low Grooming Needs, High Exercise Needs
Here's a genuine bright spot: grooming is easy.
Their short, dense coat doesn't mat, so a weekly brush and the occasional bath do the trick.
Nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are the basics to stay on top of.
Exercise, though? That's the real commitment.
Long walks & runs
Daily, and more than a quick lap of the neighborhood.
Scent games
Hide treats and let that nose do the work — it tires them fast.
Puzzle toys
Mental effort burns energy as well as physical activity.
Training sessions
Short, fun reps keep their busy mind engaged.
There's one more thing that catches busy owners off guard.
Not a Fan of Being Alone
Like many companion breeds, these hounds don't handle long stretches of solitude well.
Separation anxiety can show up in destructive ways: barking, pacing, accidents, and chewing things they shouldn't.
So what does this mean for you?
If you work long hours away from home, this may not be the right match — unless you've got a solid plan.
- Line up a dog walker for the middle of the day
- Consider doggy daycare a few days a week
- Build up alone-time gradually, not all at once
- Leave them crated and alone for a full workday from day one
Now let's talk about keeping them where you want them.
Prey Drive + Backyard = Secure Fence Required
With instincts this strong, a good fence is non-negotiable.
They'll chase a squirrel, a cat, or any small critter that dares to cross their path — and they won't stop until it's out of sight.
Fence checklist
- Tall enoughThey can jump higher than you might expect.
- No gaps or weak spotsA determined nose finds every loose board.
- No dig-out escape routesBury or reinforce the base if needed.
Finally, what to put in the bowl.
Food and Fuel
This is a high-energy dog, so the diet has to match.
Look for food with real meat as the first ingredient. Skip fillers, by-products, and artificial junk.
Keep fresh water available at all times.
And adjust portions to activity level — a hunting weekend and a rainy rest day don't call for the same amount of food.
Quick answers to the questions new owners always ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be — but only if you're active and prepared for a strong-willed dog. Their exercise needs, vocal nature, and independent streak make them more demanding than an easygoing companion breed. Committed first-timers with an active lifestyle can do great; anyone hoping for a low-effort dog will struggle.
Not long. Like most social hounds, they're prone to separation anxiety and can turn destructive when bored or lonely. A few hours is usually fine once they're settled, but full workdays alone need a plan — a walker, daycare, or a companion.
They bay, which is louder and carries much further than a typical bark. It was bred into them to signal hunters over distance. You can reduce unnecessary noise with training and enrichment, but you won't eliminate it.
Generally yes. They're friendly and sociable, and often do well with kids — especially when raised together. Just supervise early interactions, since a bouncy, energetic hound can accidentally bowl over small children.
Other dogs, usually yes — their pack instincts make them social. Cats and small pets are a different story. Their prey drive is strong, and even with careful introductions there's always some risk.
For most owners, it's the combination of high exercise needs, a loud voice, and an independent mind. Meet all three and they're a joy. Fall short on any one and problems appear quickly.
Expect high energy well into adolescence and beyond. They tend to mellow somewhat with maturity, but this is an active breed for life — plan on daily exercise for the long haul, not a phase to wait out.
Pros
Great match if you're...
- Active and outdoorsy
- Home often or have a care plan
- Want a social, affectionate dog
- Have a securely fenced yard
- Patient with independent training
Cons
Think twice if you...
- Live in an apartment or tight neighborhood
- Away long hours with no backup
- Own cats or small pets
- Want a low-energy lap dog
- Prefer a dog that always obeys instantly
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.