Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, a breed most popular in France, is a highly affectionate and playful dog that — although gives the appearance of being a wire-coated Basset hound — is a breed all on its own. They are always on the lookout for fun and games and will stay busy to keep up with its high energy levels.

These dogs were made to trail and even today they have an insatiable desire to roam the great outdoors to sniff and explore. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is very friendly, even towards strangers and other dogs. They are also wonderful around children and makes an excellent watchdog.

A Brief History Of The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or as most often referred to as the “PBGV” for short, is actually new on the scene to the American Kennel Club. However, they have been around since the 16th century, with its roots in France, used to trail hare.

The breed’s name is long, but a very reliable description of the dog:

– Petit meaning “small”
– Basset meaning “low”
– Griffon meaning “rough coated”
– Vendeen being the dog’s area of origin in France.

Vendeen is a land full of rocky terrain and thick brush, perfect for the hunting abilities of the PBGV. These dogs could push through thorns, slide through the underbrush, and chase rabbits to the end, all without getting tired until the job was done. In 1990 the AKC recognized the breed and ever since that year the number of proud owners of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has increased tremendously.

Upkeep Requirements For The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not the type of dog to keep lying around the house all couped up. They are true busy-bodies at heart and will only be happy when exploring and picking up a scent. However, several brisk walks on the leash and some laps around the yard should do the trick.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs are not meant to live outdoors entirely, but can spend plenty of time outside. Living arrangements for the breed should be equally divided between having access to the outside yard during the day and coming inside at night to sleep with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements call for a thorough brushing about once per week to remove dead hairs.

Health Concerns

The average lifespan for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is between eleven and fourteen years. There are no major health issues to worry about. Minor health problems that run common in the breed include hypothyroidism, meningitis, intervertebral disk disease, epilepsy, and patellar luxation. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip and eye problems.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen comes from the Vendéen area of France. The PBGV is the most diminutive amongst the four rough-coated hounds originating from this region. Its history begins in the 16th century. Frenchmen bred this dog to hunt small game alone or in a pack. The PBGV hunted in terrain with bramble, rocks, and thorn bushes. His master was on foot. The breeder, Abel Desamy, set the characteristics of the Petite for small game hunting.

Frenchmen created four kinds of Griffon Vendéens: Grand Griffon, Briquet Griffon, Grand Basset, and the Petit Basset. The Club du Griffon Vendéen was established in France in 1907. The P.B.G.V. Club of America was founded in 1984. This breed was permitted to compete in AKC licensed shows beginning in 1991.

General Looks

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is short in height with a long body and durable frame. The head is narrow and round; the oval-shaped eyes are brown; the ears are long and feathered. The nose is black. The tail is held high.

Is This Your Breed?

It isn’t a good apartment dog because it was bred to bark loudly; a trait needed for its particular hunting style, though it can be happy in an apartment. It needs exercise each day and playtime activity. It lives as long as 15 years. It needs brushing each week to stop matting, but it sheds little. The ears need checking sometimes for symptoms of infection. Trimming the fur in the ears and keeping them clean and dry wards off infections.

Coat

The rough outercoat is waterproof and of medium length. The undercoat is thick and cottony.

Color

The white coat can have grizzle, sable, yellow, orange, or black markings.

Locomotion

It is free moving no matter the speed. The PBGV has straight front action, which reaches sufficiently and efficiently forward. The back legs have tremendous drive.

Personality

It is agile, strong, determined, independent, confident, extroverted, happy, courageous, enthusiastic, energetic, and inquisitive. It is a curious scent hound and requires a fenced area for play and walking on a leash.

It needs someone that can give it a liberal amount of time and attention. It thrills to its owner’s attention and companionship. Though cheerful it can be bossy and stubborn. The best owner for this breed  is a person experienced in dog ownership.