Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are medium-sized dogs that appear to be a combination of basset hounds and griffon breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a short but strong body that is covered with a wiry coat that comes in various colors. They also have bearded faces and always wear an enthusiastic expression.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are charming, outgoing, and active dogs who will be perfect for active families. They can quickly adapt to any environment as long as you can provide them with their exercise needs. They love companionship, especially your company, so make sure to shower him with lots of love, and he’ll gladly return it.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Hound |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | 13-15 inches |
| Weight | 25-40 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen History
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is among the smallest variety of French hounds. Its history can be traced back to 16th century France, in the country of Vendeen.
The country’s terrain is considered harsh – thick underbrush, rocky ground, thorns, and brambles. It is said that only tough, tenacious, and headstrong hounds can work as hunters in this area.
So, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens were bred to hunt small game in this harsh terrain. Their rough coat serves to protect them with their facial beard and mustache protecting the sensitive areas of their face.
Although these dogs have existed for centuries, the breed wasn’t standardized until the 1800s. And it was only in 1898 that the official standard was adopted where they were initially called Basset Griffon Francais.
In the year 1907, the Club du Basset Vendeen was founded, and the first breed standard was finally written for the Basset Griffon Vendeen breed. The Petit, however, didn’t have their standard until the 1950s.
By 1984, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America was founded, and by 1991, the American Kennel Club finally recognized the breed. Today, the dogs rank 156th as the most popular breed in the US.
Temperament
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are alert, happy, and bubbly dogs. They are terrier-like dogs – lively, enthusiastic, and curious. With their keen sense of smell, expect them to chase whatever interesting scent they catch.
As these are active dogs, it’s essential to take them out for long walks or play sessions. It’s important not to get them off their leash, or they’ll run away, except, of course, if you have a secured fence.
These dogs love people – strangers, kids, and adults – and they certainly like being included in family activities. And since they are used to being in packs, they are known to be good with other dogs and pets.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens can also be very vocal. They will alert you when they notice anything suspicious. But expect them to be friendly with any new people they meet.
Early socialization is still essential, no matter how friendly these dogs are. This will help make them more well-rounded. Training these dogs can be challenging, and you would need lots of patience.
Sometimes, even if you’re angry, they’ll only end up laughing and think that it’s all play. Just remember always to be gentle. Give them lots of positive reinforcements, through treats and praises.
Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens don’t follow any particular diet, as long as you provide him with high-quality and well-balanced meals daily. Make sure that it’s complete with the essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. You should always make sure only to buy high-quality ingredients for your dogs, so they stay healthy and fit. Even dog food and dog treats should be in premium quality and must not contain fillers, additives, and by-products with low nutritional content. It’s always best to consult your vet on the best feeding requirements specific to your dog. It should always be appropriate to his age, metabolism, and activity level. Take note of any food allergies your d may have, and stay away from those.
- Grooming: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are known for their harsh, thick coats that most people describe as goat-like – it is one of the things that sets them apart from the rest; however, it can be a little challenging to manage if you’re not used to it. The hair sheds occasionally and would need to be brushed once a week to keep it in good condition. This will also ensure that the coat remains free of mats and tangles. Baths can also be given once a month, while their ears should be cleaned weekly. Keep trimming to a minimum to retain the natural look of the dog’s coat. Nails should be trimmed once every 1-2 weeks, so it doesn’t get too long and cause pain for your dog.
- Exercise: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are very active dogs that need their regular exercise. They are more fit to live in houses with large spaces or backyards to give him room to wander about. If you’re taking him outside for walks, keep him on a leash. They have a very keen sense of smell, and they will follow whatever scent that interests them. If you want to let him go, make sure you have a secured fence so he won’t escape.
- Health: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, like any other dog breeds, they are also prone to several health conditions. Though they may not acquire these all in their lifetime, it’s still important to be aware of what these are. PBGV Pain Syndrome is the number one condition that affects most Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens. As the name implies, it’s a very painful condition often seen in 6- to 18-month-old dogs. Since most diseases can be inherited, it’s wise to meet at least one of your dog’s parents. This way, you’ll know what possible diseases your dog might acquire. Grab the opportunity to have your dog get some screening tests to detect certain conditions at an early stage.Other than that, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens might also acquire:
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- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma and lens luxation (eye diseases)
- Allergies
- Inguinal and umbilical hernia
- Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia (bone diseases)
- Hypothyroidism
- Persistent pupillary membrane and multifocal retinal dysplasia (congenital eye defects)
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- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens is 12-14 years.
Fun Facts About Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens originated from Vendeen, France.
- They originally came from the same litters as the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, larger than the Petits.
- It’s one of the dog breeds with long names: “petit” means small, “basset” means low to ground, “griffon” describes its coat, and “Vendeen” refers to the area where they first appeared.
- They were originally raised as hunting dogs to hunt small games like guinea fowl, hares, and rabbits.
- They are called by many names: Petits, Griffs, or Roughies.
They were fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
Check Out Other Hound Dog Breeds:
Afghan Hound, American English Coonhounds, American Foxhound, Basenjis, Basset Hound, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Borzois, Cirnechi dell’Etna, Dachshund, English Foxhound, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, Greyhound, Harrier, Ibizan Hound, Icelandic Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, Pharaoh Hounds, Plotts, Portuguese Podengo, Redbone Coonhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Sloughis, Treeing Walker Coonhound, Whippet