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Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are charming small hunting dogs with a very natural, tousled coat. The breed comes from – as part of the name suggests – an area in France called Vendee. They are related to the Griffon Vendeen and have ancestors which date back to the 16th century.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens were developed to hunt small game (particularly rabbit) by scent. Their size, build and coat are important to their purpose to hunt as these dogs needed to be able to master rough and difficult terrain in the western part of France where they originated.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was officially recognized in the American Kennel Club’s Hound Group in 1991.
Height: At withers, the height of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen should be between 13 and 15 inches (33 – 38.1 cm). AKC breed standard.
Weight: The weight for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is between 31 – 40 pounds (14.1 – 18.2 kg).
Coat Type: The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is rough, thick, wiry and natural in appearance. Basic coat grooming for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen includes trimming the long hairs underneath his feet and a weekly brushing. Bathing should be done as needed.
Color: The color of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat should be “white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor or grizzle markings”, according to AKC breed standard.
Temperament: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are active, affectionate and very intelligent. This breed makes a good family pet and is especially good with children. They want to spend time with their family and not left alone. This breed wants and needs attention from people. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are not difficult to train and are willing to please their master. These dogs are charming, always busy and alert. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens need daily exercise such as long walks or a couple of short walks each day. Note that these are hunting dogs and they will take off on a scent, therefore they always need to be on a leash.
Health Concerns: Overall, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a healthy breed. Some health issues known to affect this breed include: hip dysplasia, heart murmurs, neck pain syndrome, eye problems and patellar luxation. The average life expectancy of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 14 years – although some live even longer.
Special Interest:
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are used as therapy dogs as well as in Search and Rescue.
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are also known as “Petit” or “PBGV” in the United States. In England, they’re referred to as “Roughie” and in Denmark “Griffon” or “Petit”.
• The English translation of this French name: Petit means small; Basset means low to the ground; Griffon means rough or wire coated and Vendéen is the area in France where this breed originated.
Classifications:
AKC: Hound Group
ANKC: Hound Group
CKC: Group 2 Hound
FCI: Group 1 Section 1 Scenthounds
KC: Hound
NZKC: Hounds
UKC: Scenthounds
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen