Apartment fit
This breed is rarely a good apartment fit because exercise needs, vocal behavior, and scent drive are hard to manage in close housing.
HoundMedium
France
FranceMedium-Sized Anglo-French Hound
Weight
35-55 lb
Height
18.9-22 in
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound is a French pack scenthound, also called Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie, bred for hunting small game by scent.
French pack scenthoundPetite refers to quarry, not tiny sizeShort tricolor, white-black, or white-orange coatVery social with other dogs when properly raised
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie
SociableEnduringScent-drivenPack-orientedActiveIndependent
Weight
35-55 lb
Height
18.9-22 in
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound is the English name for the Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie. The French word petite refers to the quarry, not a tiny dog: this is a medium scenthound used mainly in packs for hare, rabbit, fox, and similar game.
The FCI standard places the breed among medium-sized scenthounds and gives a height range of about 19 to 22 inches. Its short coat appears in tricolor, white and black, or white and orange patterns. This is a practical hunting dog, built for endurance and cooperation with other hounds rather than for decorative companionship.
In a pet home, the breed needs serious daily exercise, scent outlets, and company. It is usually social with other dogs, but can be vocal, independent when following scent, and difficult in apartments. It is best for owners who understand hound behavior and can provide secure outdoor routines.
Temperament & Personality
SociableEnduringScent-drivenPack-orientedActiveIndependent
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a sociable, enduring, scent-driven companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Tricolor, White and Black, White and Orange
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs5/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly1/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- hound-experienced owners
- active rural or suburban homes
- multi-dog households with good management
- people interested in scent work or hunting-style exercise
Not ideal for
- quiet apartments
- owners wanting reliable off-leash control without training
- homes with no secure outdoor space
- people away all day without dog company or enrichment
Common challenges
- baying and excitement barking
- recall around scent
- restlessness without enough work
- ear care after wet outings
Barking & behavior
Expect hound voice. Reward quiet behavior early, avoid rehearsed window barking, and give the dog structured scent work.
Training style
Keep training practical, reward-based, and consistent. Work around scent distractions gradually and use long lines before trusting recall.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat is simple, but drop ears need regular checks and drying after wet walks.
Care Guide
Exercise
Healthy adults need substantial daily exercise, ideally 90 minutes or more split between long walks, scent games, and safe running in fenced areas. Pack-hound energy is difficult to satisfy with short urban walks.
Grooming
The short coat is low maintenance. Brush weekly, wipe mud off after field work, keep nails short, and check ears often because drop-eared scenthounds can trap moisture.
Training
Use patient reward-based training with special attention to recall, leash manners, and settling after excitement. Scent distractions should be trained around gradually rather than tested suddenly.
Nutrition
Feed a measured diet for an active medium hound. Adjust portions around hunting, running, or rest periods so the dog stays lean.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsHip or joint issuesField injuriesObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound a small dog?
No. Petite in the French name refers to smaller game, not the dog's body size. The breed is a medium scenthound.
Is the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound good with other dogs?
It is generally pack-oriented and often does well with other dogs when properly socialized. Introductions and supervision still matter.
Can the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound live in an apartment?
Apartment life is usually difficult because the breed is active, vocal, and scent-driven. It does better with space and secure outdoor access.
Does the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound bark a lot?
Yes, it can be vocal. Voice is normal in many scenthounds, especially during excitement, scent work, or isolation from people and dogs.
How much exercise does the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound need?
Most healthy adults need high daily exercise, often 90 minutes or more, plus sniffing and tracking outlets.
What colors does the Medium-Sized Anglo-French Hound come in?
The FCI standard describes tricolor, white and black, and white and orange varieties.
What is the biggest challenge of owning this breed?
The main challenge is meeting the needs of a working pack scenthound: exercise, scent drive, recall management, and vocal behavior.
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