The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Information and Pictures

Right Profile - A panting, shaggy-looking, white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is laying in grass looking to the right.

Humphrey the PBGV (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen) relaxing in the grass

Other Names
  • Small Vendeen Basset
  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
  • PBGV
Pronunciation

peh-TEE ba-SAY grih-FAHN vahn-day-ehnspeaker icon

Description

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small, low to the ground dog, and is about 50% longer than it is tall. The topline is level. The head is in good proportion with the rest of the body. The domed skull is oval in shape when viewed from the side. The stop is clearly defined. The black nose is large with wide nostrils. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The oval eyes are large and dark. The thin, long, oval, hair-covered ears reach almost to the tip of the nose. The tail is medium in length, set high and carried like a saber well covered with hair. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The long, outer coat is harsh to the touch with a thick, short undercoat. The dog has shaggy eyebrows, beard and mustache. The coat is white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor or grizzle markings.

Temperament

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is sometimes called the "Little Griffon Vendeen Basset." Cheerful, friendly and intelligent, this little dog is comical to watch. This delightful bugger is curious and self-assured. Bold and lively, compact and robust, it loves to explore. He's a dog that needs firm leadership and will become demanding and willful if his owner does not provide it. The PBGV is basically a pack animal and much of his behavior reflects this heritage. It has a casual appearance, but is always alert. Loves to dig and is an escape artist. These dogs are generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets, however can get along with cats. The PBGV is intelligent and can be trained for many purposes. He also has a great desire to please. The problem arises when the owners are not as strong minded as the dog and the dog believes he is the leader of the home, needing to come up with his own agenda (which may not be the same as the owner’s!). They are good with children and are fairly friendly with strangers. A bored or lonely PBGV will make his own 'entertainment'. Giving your dog daily long pack walks, proper human to canine communication, along with a variety of toys and things to chew on, a safe environment and eliminating the opportunity to be destructive will control this potential problem. The use of a crate not only provides this safety, but it also becomes his own special place. A PBGV that is provided with the proper amount of mental and physical exercise along with strong leadership from the humans will be less likely to get himself in trouble.

Height, Weight

Height: 13 - 15 inches (34 - 38 cm)

Weight: 31 - 40 pounds (14 - 18 kg)

Health Problems

The PBGV is generally a healthy and carefree breed. Hereditary eye abnormalities include persistent pupillary membranes and retinal folds, neither of which commonly effect vision. There have been a few cases of glaucoma recently reported, a condition which usually results in blindness. Some juvenile animals may suffer from an aseptic meningitis characterized by lethargy, fever and neck or back pain. This syndrome, known as PBGV pain syndrome, varies in severity among affected animals and in rare instances can be fatal. Seizure disorders and epilepsy are infrequently reported within the breed, as are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia. Hypothyroidism, food allergies and skin allergies have also been reported.

Living Conditions

Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and prefer cooler weather, but will do okay in warmer weather. This is one breed that should not be allowed to be off lead. The hunting instinct is too strong. All that is needed is one small scent and your hunter will be off on the chase. Having a secure, fenced-in yard is a very good idea. The PBGV like to dig and can be great escape artists. Watch for small holes and/or signs of interest along the fence line. He would as soon go under as he would to go over.

Exercise

They need to be taken on a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. If under- exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive.

Life Expectancy

About 14 or more years

Litter Size

4 - 6 puppies, average 5

Grooming

His coat should be thick, wiry and somewhat casual looking. A weekly brushing will remove loose and dead hair and help to control shedding. A pin brush, comb and possibly a mat breaker are the only necessary tools. Bathe him as needed. Properly groomed, this breed sheds little to no hair. Nails need to be clipped regularly. Ear canals should be kept free of excess hair and wax. Teeth should have regular care to keep them clean and free of tarter. Trim long hair on the bottom of the feet and check between the pads for foreign material and mats.

Origin

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was bred down in size from the larger Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. Up until 1975 the two breeds were cross bred. For that reason, to this day puppies of both sizes are sometimes born in a single litter. It is one of the many small varieties of French hounds and can be traced to the 16th century. The dog originates in France in the region of Vendéen and was used to hunt rabbit and hare. The name translates to the following: Petit (small), Basset (low), Griffon (wire-haired), Vendeen (French region). The breed has the now-extinct White Bloodhound and the white and tan Italian hound in its blood. Very popular in France, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is rare in the USA. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was formed in 1984. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991.

Group

Hound, AKC Hound

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • ACR = American Canine Registry
  • AKC = American Kennel Club
  • ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
  • APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
  • KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
  • NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
  • NKC = National Kennel Club
  • NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
  • PBGVCA = Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Close up head shot - A shaggy-looking, long coated, white with tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog with long soft looking drop ears that hang down to the sides and a black nose and long hair hanging over her dark eyes.

An adult show quality Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog—Photo courtesy of David Hancock

Side view - A shaggy-looking, white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is laying outside in grass chewing on a stick.

Hannibal the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen as a 6-month-old puppy chewing a stick—"Hannibal is the sweetest, smartest and friendliest puppy you will ever encounter. He greets every stranger on the street as if he's been waiting an eternity to meet them. Loves all people, kids and most of all, other dogs."

Close up front view - A shaggy-looking, white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is sitting on a blue carpeted floor looking up.

Hannibal the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen as a 6-month-old puppy

Side view action shot - A shaggy looking, white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is running across a yard.

Humphrey the PBGV (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen) enjoying a good run

Front view - A shaggy-looking, white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is sitting in grass and it is looking forward. Its ears are long with lots of fur on them.

Humphrey the PBGV (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen)

Front view - A shaggy, white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is sitting on a pillow in a white wicker chair looking to the left.

"Humphrey the PBGV at 7 years old—elbow dysplasia doesn't slow him down at all."

Front view - Two white with black and tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs are sitting in an arm chair looking slightly to the right.

Photo courtesy of Strathmore Kennels

Front view - A white with black Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is sitting in an olive green with wood fancy chair looking to the right.

Photo courtesy of Strathmore Kennels

Close up front view upper body shot - A white with tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is sitting on a floor in an office looking forward.

Chowder the PBGV at 2 years old—"She is the sweetest, friendliest dog anyone could ever meet. She's curious and playful and loves attention."

Front view - A shaggy, tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is sitting belly out on a man's lap who is sitting in a bright red arm chair. The dog looks happy and its mouth is open and its tongue is out. Its ears are long and furry and its hair is covering up one of its eyes.

PBGV Trudy (female) at 3 years old in one of her favorite places, her owner's lap!

Side view - A shaggy, white with tan Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog is sleeping on a bright red couch with its head on the arm.

Trudy the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen taking a nap on the couch