The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
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 and use
The
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie 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 the 16th
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. In Italy the breed has been used to hunt wild boar in the
mountains of Liguria, giving a good account of itself.
Health and temperament
Because
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."
Similar names and related breeds
The
name Anglo-Francais de Moyen Vénerie is sometimes seen in North America,
although no such breed is listed with the French Kennel Club or with the
Fédération Cynologique Internationale. It is listed with various minor kennel
clubs in the United States, possibly through misunderstanding that the name
Petite Vénerie refers to small game not a small dog, and, when the American
clubs noticed that the Petite Vénerie was a medium to large sized dog, renamed
it Moyen Vénerie.
Medium
to large sized (moyen) French hounds include the Ariégeois, Beagle-Harrier,
Chien d'Artois, Porcelaine, Petit Bleu de Gascogne, Gascon saintongeois, and
the rough coated Briquet griffon vendéen, Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, Griffon
fauve de Bretagne, and the Griffon nivernais.
Large French hounds used for hunting "medium sized" and large game include the Poitevin, Billy, Français tricolore, Français blanc et noir, Français blanc et orange, Grand anglo-français tricolore, Grand anglo-français blanc et noir, Grand anglo-français blanc et orange, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Gascon saintongeois, Grand Gascon saintongeois, and Grand griffon vendéen.
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