Overview
The Medium Sized Anglo French Hound is a distinctive breed that blends the best traits of French and English hounds. Known for their acute sense of smell and agile build, these dogs are adept at tracking and hunting. People love them for their friendly and social nature, making them great companions for active families.
Owners of this breed should expect a loyal and energetic dog that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They have a strong instinct to follow scents, so secure outdoor spaces are ideal for their playtime. With their affectionate demeanor, these hounds get along well with children and other pets, provided they are properly socialized from a young age.
While they are generally healthy, Medium Sized Anglo French Hounds benefit from a balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups to maintain their wellbeing. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, though a consistent and positive approach is recommended.
Quick Facts
Coat
Short, dense
Size
Medium
Group
N/A
Colors
White, black, tan, tri-color
Height
48-56 cm
Origin
France
Weight
20-25 kg
Exercise
60+ min/day
Lifespan
10-13 years
Temperament
The Medium Sized Anglo French Hound is known for its even-tempered and friendly nature. They are social dogs that enjoy being part of a family and are typically good with children and other pets. This breed is energetic and requires regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. They have a natural curiosity and love to explore, which can be attributed to their hunting background. Therefore, they do best in environments where they can safely roam and use their keen sense of smell. With strangers, they are generally amiable but may be reserved initially until they feel comfortable. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train, though they may become bored without sufficient mental stimulation. Regular socialization is important to help them grow into well-rounded adults.
History & Origins
The Medium Sized Anglo French Hound has a rich history that reflects its hybrid heritage. Developed in France, this breed was created by crossing French hounds with English foxhounds to combine their hunting prowess and tracking abilities. While there is no specific FCI group designation for this breed, it holds FCI number 325, which acknowledges its unique lineage and capabilities.
These hounds have been used primarily for hunting in packs, excelling in tracking scents over long distances. Their creation was driven by the need for a medium-sized hound that could adapt to various hunting terrains, proving their versatility and endurance. Despite their specific use in hunting, they have also gained popularity as companion animals due to their friendly nature.
Over the years, the breed has maintained a steady presence in Europe, especially in France, where they are valued for their skills and temperament. Although not as widely recognized globally, the Medium Sized Anglo French Hound continues to be appreciated by hunting enthusiasts and families alike.
Grooming
The grooming needs of a Medium Sized Anglo French Hound are relatively moderate. They have a short coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing to remove loose hairs and keep their coat shiny. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush or a grooming mitt is usually sufficient.
Bathing should be done as needed, depending on their activity level and environment. Overbathing can strip their coat of natural oils, so it's important to use a gentle dog shampoo when cleaning them.
Regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or injury. Dental hygiene is also crucial, and brushing their teeth several times a week will help prevent dental issues. Ear cleaning should be performed regularly to reduce the risk of infections, especially since they have floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris.
Training
Training a Medium Sized Anglo French Hound can be a rewarding experience due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best. Consistency is key, as is starting training sessions early in their life.
Socialization is important for this breed to ensure they are comfortable in different environments and with various people and animals. Introducing them to new experiences, sounds, and sights will help them become well-adjusted adults.
Basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel should be the foundation of their training. Avoid harsh training methods, as these can lead to fearfulness or stubbornness. Instead, focus on building a strong bond through patience and positive interactions.
Nutrition & Diet
Medium Sized Anglo French Hounds require a balanced diet that supports their active lifestyle. They should be fed high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs, ideally with a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It's important to monitor their caloric intake to prevent obesity, as this breed can easily gain weight if overfed.
Feeding should be divided into two meals per day to maintain their energy levels and digestive health. Owners should avoid feeding them table scraps or foods that are high in fat and sugar. Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated, especially after exercise.
Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the specific dietary needs of your individual dog based on their age, weight, and activity level.
Health Overview
Hip Dysplasia
Medium riskA condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly, leading to arthritis or lameness.
Ear Infections
Low riskDue to their floppy ears, they are prone to ear infections if not cleaned regularly.
Obesity
Medium riskCan become overweight if overfed and under-exercised, leading to health issues.
Bloat
High riskA serious condition where the stomach twists, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Allergies
Low riskMay suffer from skin allergies, often resulting from environmental factors or food.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Medium riskA genetic condition causing gradual vision loss and eventual blindness.
Hypothyroidism
Low riskA condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, affecting metabolism.
Living Requirements
Cats
moderate
House
yes
Garden
optional
Climate
temperate
Children
yes
Apartment
with exercise
Other Dogs
yes
Activity Level
high
Fun Facts
- 1The Medium Sized Anglo French Hound was originally bred for hunting large game.
- 2They are known for their excellent sense of smell, making them proficient trackers.
- 3Despite their hunting background, they are known for being gentle and affectionate with families.
- 4This breed is a mix of French and English hound breeds.
- 5They are particularly popular in France, where they are mainly used in hunting packs.
- 6The breed is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
- 7They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy.
- 8Their short coat is easy to maintain, needing minimal grooming.
- 9They have a strong prey drive, so training and socialization are important.
- 10Medium Sized Anglo French Hounds are known for their stamina and endurance.
- 11They are generally good with children and other dogs if properly socialized.
- 12They thrive in homes where they have space to roam and explore.
Famous Medium Sized Anglo French Hounds
Rex
A fictional hound from a popular French hunting series.
Bella
Owned by a renowned French hunter, known for her exceptional tracking skills.
Max
Featured in a documentary about French hunting traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
33 questions about the Medium Sized Anglo French Hound