<b>History:</> The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small (Petit), low (Basset), wire-haired (Griffon), French (from the Vendeen region) scent hound, used primarily for hunting rabbit. The PBGV was developed from the larger, heavier, and longer Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. The two breeds were often bred together in the past, so even though crossing them has been prohibited since 1975, puppies representing both types may still arise from a single litter. Though the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has been a very popular hunting dog in France for almost a century, the breed is relatively new to the United States. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was formed in 1984, and the breed entered the Hound Group of the AKC in 1991.
<b>Description:</> A small, rustic dog with an unkempt, natural looking, harsh, wiry coat, shaggy eyebrows, beard and mustache. The rough, single coat protects the dog when hunting in thick underbrush. It comes in white with markings in any of the following colors : black, orange, yellow, tri-color and grizzle. The well-proportioned Petit is about 50% longer than tall. The tail tapers and is carried high and alert. The hair-covered ears reach almost to the tip of the large-nostrilled nose. The back is level with a slight arch over the loin.
<b>Notes:</> A very hardy breed with no known serious genetic diseases. Some have proven allergic to insecticides. Prone to ear infections. The coat needs regular brushing with a wire slicker to prevent matting. This dog must be well-secured, as he is a renowned digger, jumper and escape artist. Does well in most climates, but prefers colder weather. Our thanks to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America for furnishing much of the information found here.
<b>Personality:</> Merry, friendly and always very busy exploring. Intelligent, but independant. Can be willful. A charming rascal. Curious, and completely confident.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Not particularly dependent or independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Not generally dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Wiry coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A fair jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> A small yard is sufficient.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, and agility.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN
Bronzee des Barbus d'Entre-Lac, owned by Andreas and Margitta Tockhorn. Photo copyright Dr. Bernd Guenter, Gaggenau-Freiolsheim, Germany.
