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Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a fun-loving hound breed that requires plenty of exercise. They are serious hunters and want to explore, but this shaggy hound makes a good family pet.
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Physical Characteristics
- Tousled, natural-looking, harsh, wiry coat comes in white with orange, black, sable, lemon; tricolor or grizzle markings
- Beard, mustache, shaggy eyebrows
- Tapered tail carried high
- Double coat
- Big, dark eyes
- Long, thin ears covered with fur
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 31-40 pounds
- Average lifespan: 12 years
Temperament
- Curious, confident, alert, enthusiastic, outgoing, cheerful, smart, independent, sociable, gentle, active
- Interaction with people: Good with children
- Interaction with animals: May be dominant with other male dogs
- Level of attention needed: Requires lots of human attention; gets lonely and/or bored easily
Medical Conditions
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Intervertebral disc disease (uncommon)
- Ophthalmic disorders (including persistent papillary membranes and retinal folds)
- Otitis Externa (ear infections)
- Patellar luxation
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- OK for apartments
- Prefers cooler climates
- Requires a fenced-in yard - tendency to escape
- Best kept on leash - strong hunting instinct can cause it to run
- Needs daily exercise
Grooming
- Shed little to no hair if brushed weekly
- Keep ear canals clear of excess wax and hair
- Clean teeth regularly
- Check between pads for mats and foreign material
Other Facts
- Sometimes called "little griffon Vendeen basset"
- Nicknames include "petits" (U.S. and Denmark); "griffs" (Denmark) and "roughies" (England)
- Breed name is French; translation: petit = small; basset = low to the ground; griffon = rough or wire coated; Vendeen = area of origin in France
Breed History
- Origins trace to France's Vendeen region, 16th century
- Features fixed in 1947 by French breeder Abel Desamy
- A scent hound bred to hunt rabbits
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit PBGVCA Rescue
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