"All About The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog"
"The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
is a vocal dog with a deep, baying bark."
Alternate Names Appearance Behavior Breed Type Care and Grooming Health Country of Origin More Photos
Alternate Names
Griffon or Petite - in Denmark
PBGV or Petite - in the United States
Little Griffon
Roughie - in England
Vendeen Basset
His name describes him well:
Petit - small
Basset - low to the ground
Griffon - wiry coat
Vendeen - the area of France where he originated
Appearance:
Body: Low set, strong boned and muscular.
Coat: Long and harsh with a short, dense undercoat.
Color: White with lemon, orange, black, sable, or grizzle markings.
Ears: Long, narrow, thin, low set, loosely hung, and folding inward.
Eyes: Large, oval-shaped and dark.
Feet: Moderately long, hard, dense pads, and short, strong nails.
Head: Long with loose skin. Skull is oval-shaped and domed with a clearly defined stop and wrinkling of skin. Nose is large and black with wide nostrils.
Legs: Forelegs are short, straight and powerful; on some dogs slightly crooked. Hindquarters strong and well-muscled with a well-defined second thigh.
Neck: Long, strong and set smoothly into the shoulders.
Size:
Weight: 31 - 40 pounds
Height: 13 - 15 inches
Tail: Moderately long, high set, and tapered.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Can be barkers
Some are diggers
Many are clever escape artists
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a sturdy dog with short legs, an independent mind, and extroverted personality. He is generally good with other dogs and cats but will likely kill rabbits and other small animals he may view as prey.
He's a hound dog with a terrier-like attitude: nosy, excitable, and ready to bolt at the first scent of prey. He needs lots of vigorous daily exercise but must be kept on a lead or in a securely enclosed area if you want to keep him safe from chasing prey into traffic or other dangers.
AKC Standard says, "The ideal PBGVs are busy, active, alert, often vocal, and outgoing dogs that require regular daily exercise to remain at their best. They have a good voice, purposefully and freely used. As pack hounds, they get along well with other dogs and are often happiest in their company."
PBGVs are stubborn and can be difficult. An experienced dog handler with an appreciation for his clever but comical behavior is advised. He loves to be rewarded and will learn well if his trainer sees he gets the positive feedback he desires. He will gladly let you know that he isn't doing your silly tricks and following your ridiculous commands for nothing. He will want something in return for his obedience.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Hound Dog (scent hound)
Originally bred to hunt small game in the bramble-filled terrain of the La Vendee district of France.
There are four varieties of the Vendeen:
The Grand Griffon Vendeen - approximately 25 inches at the withers
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen - approximately 20 inches at the withers
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - approximately 17 inches at the withers
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - approximately 15 inches at the withers
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise is necessary to keep him happy and fit.
Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. Keep his ear canals clean and dry to avoid infections.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 Years
Possible Problems:
Ear infections
Heart murmurs
Hip Dysplasia - degenerative joint disease
Luxating Patella - dislocation of the knee cap
Neck pain
Seizures
Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips
Country of Origin
France - 1700s
More Photos
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