Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) is a happy dog breed. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is one of four ancient rough-coated French hounds and an overall good hunting dog. PBGV for short is the smallest of four breeds of rough-coated French hounds.
A popular sporting hound dog in France, people use the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen chiefly to follow a scent and drive game, something it does with keenness and enthusiasm in the densest cover.
His name in French says much about him: petit meaning small, basset meaning low to the ground, griffon meaning rough-coated and Vendeen is the area of France where this dog breed originated.
Introduced to the United States of America in the 1980s, the PBGV instantly attracted hordes of admirers.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Temperament
Happy, extroverted, independent yet eager to please, it’s no wonder the PBGV quickly became popular. Though they can be stubborn at times, PBGVs are easy to train. Strong active hound, capable of a day’s hunting, with a good voice, freely used.
What kind of dog is Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?
The PBGV is a vivacious small French hunting hound known for a happy demeanor and durable constitution. Bred to work in a pack, PBGVs enjoy company and do well with other dogs and kids.
Is the PBGV a good family pet? Is he good with children? Yes. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is full of energy and loves children. Because he is sturdy and not given to aggression, he makes a fine family companion. Nevertheless, young children should be taught to respect the pup and how to play with him without hurting him.
How much exercise does the PBGV need?
A minimum of a half-hour walk twice or three times a day is probably sufficient for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Activity levels differ for each individual and how they are raised. The PBGV is a hunting breed, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have been bred for centuries to follow their nose and chase rabbits or other small game. For their safety, and for your peace of mind, they should only be let off-leash in a securely enclosed area.
Grooming the PBGV – Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens shed? Are they Hypoallergenic?
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not a hypoallergenic breed of dog. To keep their rough coat free of mats and tangles, PBGVs require regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months. Contrary to what some breeders say, PBGV dogs do shed and are not hypoallergenic. The longer the coat is, the more a PBGV sheds. If you suffer from allergies, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not the best breed for you. Please read Hypoallergenic dog breeds to find a good match.
Is Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen a healthy dog breed? Do they suffer from genetic health problems?
The PBGV is a generally healthy dog breed when you buy your puppy from a good PBGV breeder. Start your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen off on the right note by feeding the right food, finding the right vet and giving all vaccinations on time.
Following health problems have been observed in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (most resulting from irresponsible breeding): Common eye diseases in Petits are persistent pupillary membranes (affecting about 9% of the PBGV breed), cataracts (3%), lens luxation (leading to secondary glaucoma), and retinal dysplasia. A serious inflammatory brain disease called aseptic meningitis or sterile meningitis affects about 4% of the breed. Epilepsy has become a real concern in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. The most common orthopedic diseases are luxating patella (loose knees) and hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia and cruciate ligament rupture can also occur. Hypothyroidism is fairly common. Up to 16% of Petits have low thyroid levels. Heart disease (including septal defects) is being seen more often in the Petit. Allergies cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma). Non-tumorous skin growths are common. Ear infections can occur due to the long pendulous ears and all the hair in the ear canals. Digestive problems (colitis, pancreatitis, and bloat) are a concern in PBGVs, as are urinary stones.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
While selecting a PBGV puppy, look for the following potential characteristics:
General Appearance: A well-balanced, short-legged, compact hound, rough-coated, with an alert outlook and a lively bearing.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Size
The measurement at the withers for both male and female should be 13-1/2 to 15 inches (34-38 cm).
Coat: Rough, long without exaggeration, and harsh to the touch with thick undercoat, never silky or woolly. Show these hounds untrimmed.
Color: White and any combination of Lemon, Orange, Tri-colour, or Grizzle markings.
Head: Head medium in length, not too wide, the skull is oval in shape when viewed from the front, well cut away under the eyes, stop clearly defined. The occipital bone well developed.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Head
Muzzle slightly shorter than from stop to the occipital point. Strong and well-developed underjaw. The nose should be black, large with wide nostrils.
Eyes are surmounted by long eyebrows standing forward, but not to obscure the eyes. Lips covered with long hair, forming a beard and mustache. Teeth: Scissor bite preferred, level bite accepted.
Eyes are large, dark, almond shape, showing no white, with a friendly intelligent expression. The red of the lower eyelid should not show (haw). Ears: Supple, narrow and fine, covered with long hair folding inwards, ending in an oval shape, when pulled forward reaching to the end of the nose. Low set ears, in line with the outer corner of the eye.
Neck: Long and strong, slightly arched, without throatiness, carrying the head proudly.
Forequarters: Shoulders clean and sloping, elbows close to the body. The forelegs straight, a slight crook acceptable. Heavy boned, pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Knuckling over is unacceptable.
Body: Chest is deep with a prominent sternum, moderately round ribs extending well back. Back is of medium length, level topline with slight arching over strong loins.
Hindquarters: Strong and muscular with good bend of stifle. Well defined second thigh. Hocks short.
Feet: Hard, well padded. Nails short and strong.
Tail: Of medium length, set on high, strong at the base, tapering gradually to the tip, well-furnished with hair, carried proudly.
Gait: The movement should be free at all paces, with great drive. Front action straight and reaching well forward, hocks should turn neither in nor out.
Major Faults: A dog or bitch measuring more than 1/2 inch (l cm) either way.