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.