What makes the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Unique?
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is cheerful, friendly and intelligent, this little dog is comical to watch. This delightful bugger is curious and self-assured. Bold and lively, compact and robust, it loves to explore. He’s a dog that needs firm leadership and will become demanding and willful if his owner does not provide it. The PBGV is basically a pack animal and much of his behavior reflects this heritage. It has a casual appearance, but is always alert. Loves to dig and is an escape artist.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 33 to 38 cm (13 to 15 inches) Females – 33 to 38 cm (13 to 15 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 15.5 to 18 kg (34 to 40 pounds) Females – 15.5 to 18 kg (34 to 40 pounds) |
| Origin: | France |
| Life Span: | 12 to 15 years |
| Colour: | White with spots of orange, lemon, black, grizzle (gray-and-white hairs) |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 7 puppies |
Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Right For You?
Confident, happy and extroverted, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is best suited to the active, experienced dog owner with older children and a well-fenced yard. The breed is not a couch potato and needs daily exercise – if not, he may express his displease by using his “hound voice” or creating amusing diversions of his own. Although independent, he is still willing to please. If a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen possesses the correct harsh coat, he will require a thorough weekly brush out to stay in condition.
In 5 Words
- Gregarious
- Vocal
- Bold
- Alert
- Happy
Characteristics
Learn About the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Description
Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).
Like the other 3 Griffon Vendéen 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 body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers. The body length is not as extreme as that of a basset hound or dachshund.
The dogs have a tousled appearance, with a harsh double coat that is both long and rough.The hair on the face and legs may be softer than body hair. The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache. They usually have very long eyelashes.
The skull is domed, with drop, oval ears like many hounds share, though dogs tend to have higher domes than bitches. The ears are set low and hanging, and if stretched out should reach the tip of the nose. The tail is usually held upright, and is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber.
The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, black, grizzle (gray-and-white hairs), or sable, sometimes with tan accents. They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.
Short History of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The PBGV, as it is affectionately known, is a comparative newcomer to the AKC world, but it is an ancient breed with roots in 16th-century Europe. The long French name provides an accurate description of the breed: petit (small) , basset (low), griffon (rough-coated), Vendien (for its area of origin in France). Vendie, on the west coast of France, is filled with thick brambles, underbrush and rocky terrain. Hunting in such terrain demanded a dog that had a coat that could withstand thorns and brambles, and short legs that could enable it to wind its way through the underbrush in pursuit of rabbits, but that was nimble enough to run over rocks and logs without tiring. Thus, the PBGV is more than a wire-coated basset hound, and more than a dwarf grand basset griffon Vendien (a breed that resembles a slightly taller PBGV), even though it is closely related to both. In England in the mid-1800s, the PBGV was shown with the basset hound as a wire-coated variety, but the PBGV is a longer-legged, more nimble hound. In France, it was considered to be one breed with two sizes until the 1950s. The two sizes were still interbred until the 1970s.
Temperament
The PBGV is not a Basset Hound in a wire coat, but in many ways is more terrier-like in temperament. He is a merry, inquisitive, tough, busy dog, always on the lookout for excitement and fun. He loves to sniff, explore, trail and dig , a true hunter at heart. Amiable and playful, he is good with children, other dogs and pets, and he is friendly toward strangers. The PBGV is stubborn and independent. He tends to dig and bark.
Caring for Your Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
General Health
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, which has an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years, is not afflicted by any major health issues. However, it is prone to Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM), otitis externa, canine hip dysplasia (CHD), and corneal and retinal conditions, as well as intervertebral disk disease, meningitis, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip and eye exams for the dog.
Grooming & Bathing
The coat needs weekly brushing and occasional tidying of straggling hairs.
Exercise & Training
The PBGV is not content to lie around. His exercise requirements can be easily fulfilled, however, by a good walk on leash or a vigorous romp in the yard. He is happiest when dividing his time between house and yard.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Picture Gallery
