Anglo-French Hound
Breed Description

The Anglo-French Hound is also known as Chien Anglo-Français in French. There are three distinct size varieties: Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie (Small Anglo-French Hound), Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore (Large Tricolor Anglo-French Hound), Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir (Large Black and White Anglo-French Hound), and Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange (Large White and Orange Anglo-French Hound). These dogs are sometimes collectively referred to as Anglo-French Scenthounds or French-English Hounds in English-speaking countries.

The Anglo-French Hound represents a remarkable synthesis of French and English hunting traditions, embodying centuries of selective breeding aimed at creating the perfect pack hunting companion. These magnificent dogs showcase the best attributes of both their ancestral lineages, combining the endurance and determination of French hounds with the speed and agility of English foxhounds. Standing as medium to large-sized dogs, they possess a distinctive appearance that immediately identifies them as purpose-bred hunters.

Their physical construction reflects their working heritage perfectly. The head is proportionate to the body, neither too heavy nor too refined, with a slightly domed skull that tapers to a well-defined stop. The muzzle is straight and substantial, ending in a large, black nose with well-opened nostrils essential for their scenting abilities. Their eyes are large and expressive, typically brown or hazel, conveying both intelligence and the gentle nature that characterizes the breed when not engaged in the hunt. The ears are set at eye level, hanging close to the cheeks, and are of medium length with a slight inward turn at the tips.

The body of the Anglo-French Hound displays the athletic build necessary for sustained pursuit over varied terrain. The neck is long and muscular, free from excessive dewlap, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The chest is deep and moderately broad, providing ample lung capacity for extended chases. The back is strong and level, with a slight arch over the loin that provides flexibility and driving power. The hindquarters are particularly well-developed, with muscular thighs and well-bent stifles that generate the propulsion needed for jumping obstacles and maintaining speed over long distances.

Their coat, while functional rather than ornamental, contributes significantly to their appeal and practicality as working dogs. The texture is dense and close-lying, providing protection from brambles and harsh weather conditions encountered during hunts. The coat requires minimal grooming, a practical consideration for dogs traditionally kept in large packs. Color patterns vary among the different varieties, with the tricolor pattern being particularly striking, featuring a combination of black, white, and tan in well-defined patches.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The Anglo-French Hound is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed remains primarily in Europe where it continues its traditional role as a pack hunting hound.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

FCI Standard No. 322-325 (depending on variety). General Appearance: A well-balanced, solidly built hound of distinguished appearance. Head: Fairly long, not too broad. Skull slightly convex. Stop marked but not exaggerated. Muzzle straight, fairly long. Eyes: Large, brown, with gentle expression. Ears: Set at eye level, fairly long, slightly turned. Body: Neck long and strong. Chest deep and fairly broad. Back straight and strong. Loin slightly arched. Tail: Fairly long, carried gaily but not over back. Limbs: Forequarters straight and strong. Hindquarters well-muscled with good angulation. Coat: Short, dense and smooth. Color varies by variety: Tricolor (black, white, tan), Black and White, or White and Orange. Height: Males 60-70 cm, Females 58-65 cm. Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC recognizes certain varieties of the Anglo-French Hound within their Scenthound Group. Standards emphasize working ability, soundness, and traditional hound characteristics. The breed should exhibit strong hunting instincts, excellent scenting ability, and the stamina to work all day in the field.

Other Organizations

The Société Centrale Canine (French Kennel Club) maintains detailed standards for all varieties of Anglo-French Hounds. These standards emphasize the breed's working capabilities, pack harmony, voice quality, and hunting performance. The breed is also recognized by various European hunting dog organizations that focus on preserving traditional hunting breeds and their working abilities.

The Anglo-French Hound's history is deeply intertwined with the aristocratic hunting traditions of France and the cross-channel exchange of hunting dogs that occurred over several centuries. The breed's development began in earnest during the 16th century when French nobility, impressed by the speed and stamina of English hunting hounds, began importing English Foxhounds and Harriers to cross with their native French breeds. This was not a casual undertaking but rather a deliberate breeding program aimed at combining the best qualities of both national types.

The primary French breeds involved in creating the Anglo-French Hound included the Poitevin, the Gascon Saintongeois, and various strains of the ancient Chien Français. These French hounds brought to the mix their exceptional scenting ability, melodious voice, and the persistence needed for hunting in the dense forests of France. The English contribution, primarily through Foxhounds, added speed, agility, and the ability to work effectively in more open terrain. The resulting crosses produced dogs that could adapt to various hunting conditions and quarry types.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the development of the Anglo-French Hound continued under the patronage of French nobility. Different regional variations emerged, each adapted to local hunting conditions and prey preferences. The French Revolution of 1789 dealt a severe blow to many French hunting breeds, as the aristocratic kennels that maintained them were disbanded. However, the Anglo-French Hound survived, partly due to its adoption by the emerging middle class and rural hunters who valued its versatility and lower maintenance requirements compared to pure French breeds.

The 19th century saw a formalization of the breed types. French hunting enthusiasts began to categorize the various Anglo-French crosses into distinct varieties based on size, color, and hunting specialization. The establishment of breed clubs and studbooks helped standardize these varieties. The Société Centrale Canine, founded in 1882, played a crucial role in documenting and preserving the different types of Anglo-French Hounds. This period also saw increased importation of English blood to refresh and improve certain lines.

World War I and World War II posed significant challenges to the breed's survival. Many kennels were destroyed, and breeding programs were interrupted. The post-war period required dedicated efforts to rebuild the breed from remaining stock. Breeders had to carefully manage limited genetic resources while maintaining the distinct characteristics of each variety. The formation of specialist breed clubs in the 1950s and 1960s helped coordinate these restoration efforts.

Modern Anglo-French Hounds remain primarily working dogs in France and other European countries. While hunting traditions have evolved and legal restrictions on hunting with hounds have increased in some regions, the breed continues to be maintained by dedicated enthusiasts who value its historical significance and working abilities. The breed has also found a limited following as a companion animal among those who can provide the extensive exercise and stimulation these dogs require. Today's Anglo-French Hound represents a living link to centuries of European hunting tradition, embodying the international cooperation and exchange that has shaped many modern dog breeds.

The Anglo-French Hound was developed with a singular purpose: to excel as a pack hunting dog capable of pursuing various game across the diverse terrains of France. Their primary function has always been scent hunting in organized packs, a tradition that requires specific physical and behavioral traits. These dogs were bred to work cooperatively with both their human handlers and fellow pack members, demonstrating remarkable coordination during the chase. Their role demands not just physical capability but also mental fortitude to maintain focus during hunts that could last several hours.

In traditional French hunting, known as vénerie, the Anglo-French Hound specializes in pursuing large game such as deer, wild boar, and occasionally fox. The dogs work by following scent trails, using their exceptional noses to track game through forests, across fields, and over varied terrain. Their distinctive baying serves multiple functions: it allows hunters to follow the pack's progress through dense cover, indicates the freshness of the scent trail, and helps coordinate the pack's movements. Different tones and patterns of baying communicate specific information about the hunt's progress to experienced handlers.

The breed's working method involves systematic searching and pursuit. When hunting, the pack spreads out to cover ground efficiently, with individual dogs alerting others when they pick up a promising scent. Once the quarry is located, the pack works together to maintain pressure on the animal, taking turns leading the chase to prevent exhaustion of individual dogs. This relay system allows the pack to maintain pursuit over extended distances and time periods. The Anglo-French Hound's stamina and determination ensure they can work effectively throughout a full day's hunting.

Beyond their primary hunting role, Anglo-French Hounds have occasionally been employed in other working capacities. Some have been trained for search and rescue operations, where their scenting abilities and persistence prove valuable. Their pack mentality and trainability have also made them suitable for certain types of detection work, though this remains uncommon. In modern times, with hunting restrictions in many areas, some Anglo-French Hounds participate in drag hunting, where they follow an artificially laid scent trail, allowing them to exercise their natural abilities without pursuing live game.

The breed's function has evolved with changing social attitudes toward hunting. While traditional pack hunting continues in some regions of France, many Anglo-French Hounds now serve dual roles as both working dogs and family companions. This transition requires careful management, as their strong hunting instincts and high energy levels demand appropriate outlets. Activities such as scent work trials, tracking competitions, and organized trail running provide alternative ways for these dogs to express their natural behaviors. Understanding and respecting the breed's functional heritage remains essential for anyone considering an Anglo-French Hound, as their working instincts profoundly influence their behavior and needs.

The behavioral profile of the Anglo-French Hound reflects centuries of selective breeding for specific working traits. These dogs exhibit a complex personality that combines independence with cooperativeness, intensity with gentleness, and determination with sociability. Understanding their behavior requires appreciating their dual nature as both pack hunters and companion animals. In the field, they transform into focused, driven hunters, while at home, they can be calm and affectionate family members, though this transition requires proper training and management.

Pack dynamics profoundly influence Anglo-French Hound behavior. These dogs are inherently social, having been bred to work harmoniously in large groups. They establish and respect hierarchies naturally, though rarely through aggression. Instead, they use subtle body language and vocalizations to communicate their intentions and maintain order. This pack mentality extends to their human families, where they seek to understand their place in the household structure. They respond best to consistent, fair leadership that mimics the clear communication they would experience in a hunting pack.

The breed's hunting heritage manifests in several distinctive behaviors. Their scenting drive is exceptionally strong, and they can become completely absorbed when following an interesting trail. This single-mindedness, while valuable in hunting, can present challenges in domestic settings. Anglo-French Hounds may become deaf to commands when on a scent, requiring secure fencing and leash control in areas with wildlife. They also exhibit a strong prey drive toward smaller animals, though this is typically limited to chase behavior rather than aggression. Early socialization can help moderate these instincts but rarely eliminates them entirely.

Vocalization is a significant aspect of Anglo-French Hound behavior. They possess a range of vocalizations from deep baying to higher-pitched excitement barks. Baying serves as their primary communication method during hunts, and this tendency carries over into domestic life. They may bay when excited, frustrated, or alerting to interesting scents or sounds. While this vocalization can be managed through training, completely suppressing it goes against their nature and can lead to frustration. Prospective owners should be prepared for a vocal dog and consider their living situation accordingly.

Intelligence in Anglo-French Hounds manifests differently than in breeds selected for obedience. They are problem-solvers, capable of independent thinking and decision-making. This intelligence served them well in hunting, where they needed to make split-second decisions while pursuing game. In domestic settings, this can translate to creative solutions to obstacles, including finding ways to escape yards or access forbidden areas. They learn quickly but may choose whether to comply based on their assessment of the situation's importance. This selective responsiveness requires patient, creative training approaches that engage their interest rather than demanding blind obedience.

Socially, Anglo-French Hounds generally display friendly, outgoing temperaments. They typically greet strangers with curiosity rather than suspicion, though they may initially be reserved. With familiar people, they show affection through physical closeness, often leaning against their humans or resting their heads on laps. They form strong bonds with their families but are not typically clingy or anxious when left alone, provided they have been properly accustomed to solitude. Their independence means they can entertain themselves, though this sometimes involves behaviors humans might find undesirable, such as excavating gardens or reorganizing household items.

Integrating an Anglo-French Hound into family life requires understanding and accommodating their unique blend of hunting heritage and pack mentality. These dogs can make wonderful family companions for active households that appreciate their energetic nature and can provide appropriate outlets for their instincts. The transition from working dog to family pet has been successfully made by many Anglo-French Hounds, though it requires commitment and understanding from their human families. Success depends largely on matching the dog's needs with the family's lifestyle and expectations.

With children, Anglo-French Hounds generally display patience and gentleness, particularly when raised with young people from puppyhood. Their stable temperaments and lack of nervousness make them reliable companions for older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. However, their size and exuberance can be overwhelming for very small children. They may inadvertently knock over toddlers during play or become overly excited during active games. Supervision is essential, not due to aggression concerns but to prevent accidental injuries from their enthusiasm. Teaching children to respect the dog's space, especially during meals or rest, helps establish harmonious relationships.

The breed's pack heritage makes them naturally inclined to accept multiple dogs in the household. They often thrive in multi-dog homes, enjoying the companionship and play opportunities other dogs provide. Introducing new dogs is typically straightforward, as Anglo-French Hounds are socially sophisticated and skilled at reading canine body language. They rarely initiate conflicts and prefer to establish relationships through play and mutual activities. However, their size and energy level should be considered when pairing them with smaller or more fragile breeds. Same-sex pairs generally coexist peacefully, though individual personalities always play a role in compatibility.

Relationships with non-canine pets require careful management. The Anglo-French Hound's hunting instincts make them naturally interested in smaller animals, particularly those that run or exhibit prey-like behaviors. Cats can become targets for chase games, though many Anglo-French Hounds learn to coexist peacefully with household cats when raised together. The key is early introduction and consistent training that establishes household pets as off-limits for hunting games. Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds should be securely housed and never left unsupervised with the dog, as even well-trained Anglo-French Hounds may struggle to resist their instinctual responses to small, fast-moving animals.

Family routines and activities significantly impact the Anglo-French Hound's behavior and well-being. These dogs thrive on predictability and become unsettled by chaotic or inconsistent schedules. They adapt well to families who maintain regular meal times, exercise periods, and rest cycles. Including them in family activities strengthens bonds and provides mental stimulation. They particularly enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, or beach trips where they can explore new scents and environments. However, their strong scenting drive means they should remain leashed or in securely fenced areas unless recall training is absolutely reliable.

The Anglo-French Hound's integration into modern family life often requires compromises and adaptations. Urban or suburban living can work if the family commits to providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation. This might mean early morning runs, evening training sessions, or weekend adventures to satisfy their energy needs. Families should be prepared for a dog that sheds moderately, may be vocal, and requires consistent training throughout their life. The reward is a loyal, affectionate companion who brings joy and adventure to family life while maintaining the dignity and character of their ancient hunting lineage.

The Anglo-French Hound generally enjoys robust health, a testament to their development as working dogs where soundness and stamina were paramount. Their genetic diversity, resulting from crosses between different hound breeds, has contributed to their overall hardiness. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that potential owners should understand. The breed's relatively limited population outside France means health data may be less comprehensive than for more common breeds, making it essential to work with knowledgeable breeders who conduct appropriate health screening.

The breed's athletic build and active lifestyle contribute significantly to their health profile. Regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone, joint flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness throughout their lives. However, their high activity level also means they may be prone to injuries related to physical exertion, such as muscle strains, pad injuries, or wounds from running through rough terrain. Preventive care includes monitoring their condition during and after exercise, checking for cuts or thorns, and allowing adequate recovery time between intense activities. Maintaining appropriate body condition is crucial, as excess weight places additional stress on joints and can exacerbate potential orthopedic issues.

Ear health requires particular attention in Anglo-French Hounds due to their pendulous ear structure. The hanging ears create a warm, moist environment that can promote bacterial or fungal growth. Regular ear cleaning and inspection help prevent infections. Signs of ear problems include head shaking, scratching, odor, or discharge. Dogs that swim or hunt in wet conditions may be especially prone to ear issues. Some owners find that gently tying the ears back during meals prevents food and water from contaminating the ear canals, reducing infection risk.

Nutritional management plays a vital role in maintaining Anglo-French Hound health. Their high energy requirements during working or training periods necessitate quality nutrition with appropriate protein and fat levels. However, during less active periods, their food intake should be adjusted to prevent weight gain. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, while not specifically common in the breed, remains a concern for deep-chested dogs. Preventive measures include feeding multiple smaller meals rather than one large meal, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, and using elevated feeders if recommended by a veterinarian.

Preventive healthcare for Anglo-French Hounds should include regular veterinary checkups, appropriate vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Their outdoor lifestyle may increase exposure to ticks, fleas, and other parasites, making year-round prevention important. Dental health should not be overlooked; regular teeth cleaning helps prevent periodontal disease, which can affect overall health. Working dogs may require additional vaccinations or preventive measures depending on their exposure risks. Maintaining detailed health records helps identify patterns or emerging issues early, allowing for prompt intervention and better long-term outcomes.

If you're looking to adopt an Anglo-French Hound, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Anglo-French Hounds waiting for their forever homes.