Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are small dogs with long, rough coats that come in white with any combination of orange, black, lemon, tricolor, grizzle, or sable markings. The undercoat is shorter and thick, and these dogs have long eyebrows. Long hair covers the ears and lips and forms a beard and moustache. The eyes are dark, large, and oval shaped, and the nose is large and black. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens measure 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 25 to 42 pounds.
Happy, extroverted, and independent, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens will add energy and fun to any household.
Outgoing, happy, and confident, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an excellent choice for active and experienced dog owners and families who have plenty of space and a securely fenced yard. This is an active breed that requires daily exercise and plenty of time to romp outside.
The breed's name is French and describes it in detail: Petit (small), Basset (low to the ground), Griffon (rough or wire coated), and Vendeen (the area of France from which the breed hails). For short, these dogs are sometimes called PBGVs, Griffs, or Petits.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are merry, busy, and adventurous dogs that are always exploring and on the lookout for a good time. These playful pups make great family companions, and they get along very well with children and other pets. They even get along with strangers. These dogs love attention and affection and are very difficult to ignore.
This is an active breed that needs daily exercise and other forms of physical and mental stimulation to remain healthy and content. A long walk or vigorous play session, combined with access to plenty of chew toys and companionship, is generally sufficient to keep these dogs exercised and entertained. Outdoors, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are known for their relentless digging and squirrel chasing. Make sure these dogs are contained in a securely fenced yard for their own safety.
Happy, extroverted, and independent, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens will add energy and fun to any household. These dogs should never be timid or aggressive.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are a relatively healthy breed with few serious genetic concerns. Of course, this is no guarantee that any individual dog will be free of health problems or genetic disease. Purchasing or adopting these dogs from a reputable source helps ensure health and long life.
These dogs are prone to developing congenital hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, otitis externa, meningitis, patellar luxation, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. These conditions can be helped with professional care. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are also at increased risk for developing certain eye conditions, including corneal dystrophy, persistent pupillary membranes, and retinal dysphasia. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis.
With routine veterinary care, timely canine vaccinations, a healthy diet, and regular activity, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens typically live 10 to 14 years.
An intelligent and easy to train breed, PBGVs respond very well to firm and consistent training methods. Positive reinforcement, including praise, play, and food rewards, tends to work very well on these dogs. Fairness and kindness are key, however, as these dogs will shut down if they feel they are being mistreated or harshly criticized.
These dogs are independent and sometimes have a mind of their own. They also have short attention spans and do better when training sessions are kept short and interesting. Force and punishment do not work and may even backfire, causing regression instead of progress.
Early socialization will help these dogs grow into confident and tolerant adults. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens should be introduced to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells early in life; they'll also benefit from puppy kindergarten classes. Later, regular trips to neighborhood businesses and to the local dog park will reinforce good behaviors and a tolerant attitude.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their harsh coat requires weekly brushing to prevent tangling and matting. The occasional neatening of stray hairs in front of the eyes is also beneficial. Shedding is not usually a huge problem. If hair accumulates in the ear canals, it can be plucked to improve air circulation and make wax removal easier.
These dogs may need their beard cleaned after meals and drinks to prevent odor, but they are otherwise fairly clean. Dogs that spend a lot of time digging outdoors may need regular baths to remove dirt and debris from the coat. A pH-balanced canine shampoo will clean the coat without drying the skin or causing irritation and discomfort.
The breed's nails need trimming every couple of weeks, and the teeth should be brushed daily to reduce breath odor, tartar buildup, and the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Weekly ear checks and cleanings provide a great opportunity to look for irritation or signs of infection, which may include discharge, odor, redness, or swelling.
PBGVs are one of many small types of French hounds. The breed has existed for centuries and can be traced back to the 1500s. These dogs were originally bred to hunt small game, such as rabbit, across the rocky and difficult terrain found in western France.
The breed descends from Griffon Vendeens, which were larger dogs, and were prized for their stamina, determination, and superior hunting ability. They were built for hunting in thorns and brambles and on rocky and rough ground.
Today, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are still used as hunting dogs in some parts of the world. They are becoming increasingly popular companion animals, however, due to their playfulness and friendliness.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen in 1990.
