Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

History of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Breed

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 scenthound 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 and Appearance of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

This compact breed is half as long as it is tall with a naturally messy-looking coat. It is surprisingly agile with a free and forward reaching gait. It has large eyes and an alert and intelligent expression that reveals its true nature. Its ears hang low and close to its face, and its tail is held high. The PBGV has a scruffy look due in part to its long eyebrows, beard and moustache. Its rough, wiry coat must not be trimmed for shape if shown or it will be penalized. Its soft undercoat keeps it warm in cold weather. The breed is mostly white with markings in black, orange, yellow, tri-color and grizzle.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Temperament

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. In addition, it is so smart and independent that sometimes it does as it pleases without regard to its owner’s wishes �?even though 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.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Recommended Maintenance

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen needs a weekly brushing with a hard brush to remove loose hair and a bath when needed. Brush its teeth, trim its nails and remove excess hair from its ears. The PBGV is an active breed that enjoys a moderate walk or a fast-paced game. Its hunting instinct is very powerful, so don’t take it off of its leash unless it is in a safe area. It can jump high and dig deep, so keep a close eye on its area if it is allowed to roam free in a fenced yard. It can live outdoors in temperate climates with appropriate shelter, however it does better if permitted to sleep indoors. This breed, while naturally well behaved, requires training to learn that its owner is in control.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Health

�?Life span: 11 �?14 years
�?Major concerns: none
�?Minor concerns: otitis externa, CHD
�?Occasionally seen: meningitis, patellar luxation, epilepsy
�?Suggested tests: (hip)