The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a breed of dog, more specifically a scent hound, that was bred to hunt small game in bramble filled terrain of the La Vendee district of France. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is one of four varieties of Griffons Vendeens. Petit Basset Griffons are the shortest of the French wire-coated hounds. They are said to be a descendent of the Basset Hound, but unlike the Basset Hound, this breed was developed to hunt on its own, and is less awkward in appearance.
Like the other 3 Griffon Vendeen breeds: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; they are solid dogs that appear rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a thick body that is about half as much longer than it is tall at the withers.
The double coat is both long and rough. The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache similar to that of a Scottish Terrier. They have drop ears like many hounds share. The tail is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber. The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, or black. They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.
Temperament
They are very extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. PBGVs tend to be very active and lively. They are good with children and other dogs. They can be rather vocal.
This cheerful little dog is always looking for adventure. Terrier-like in personality, the PBGV is curious, friendly, and independent. It needs to be the center of attention. Like other hounds, they can become preoccupied with something they consider interesting and may not respond as well to training as some owners may like. They tend to do what they want to do unless there is a reward for them. However, most often it is completely obedient.
The petit basset griffon Vendéen enjoys barking, digging, hunting, and exploring. It should be given lots of toys and played with frequently to prevent boredom that may result in destructive behavior. Crate training is effective not only for safety’s sake, but the crate becomes a comfortable “home” for the breed. It is good with children, although may be too rough with younger kids. It gets along with other dogs, however its hunting background is too strong to trust it with small pets. It is too friendly a breed to make a good watchdog.
Formal Breed Standard
AKC Breed Standard for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
History and Origins
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - The name of this ancient breed is a detailed description of the breed: petit means small, basset refers to its low frame, griffon means that it is rough-coated, and Vendée is the area in France in which it originated.
It is a scent hound that was bred to hunt rabbits. Closely related to the basset hound and the dwarf grand basset griffon, the dog is believed to have been developed from the white St. Hubert, the white & tan Italian hound and the “King’s White” Grand Griffon. In the mid-1800s, the PBGV was shown as a wire-coated basset hound, even though it has longer legs and is more agile. In 1947, a French breeder by the name of Abel Desamy set the standards for the PBGV. Even into the 1970s, the PBGV was interbred with other breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America was formed in 1984; and in 1990, the breed was recognized by the AKC. It has been a popular hunting dog in France for a long time, and recently has gained a following in the U.S. as a companion pet.
Size & Weight
Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 35 and 45 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).
Life span: 11 – 14 years
Grooming Requirements
They need to be brushed regularly, but not daily, to avoid matting and tangles.
Exercise Needs
They should have daily walks to burn off excess energy.
Health Issues
The PBGV has a strong constitution, and they are a very healthy breed with relatively few genetic diseases. Some lines are susceptible to Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, or Heart Murmurs. They are prone to yeast infections in the ears.
Trivia
