Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

With a name that sounds noble, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is actually a diligent dog that was first developed to navigate thickets and bushes while tracking scents. These dogs are quick, flexible, and tough, always prepared for action. Their scruffy, rough fur can appear in various color mixes. They bark to signal when something is happening.

Quick Info

Size

Medium

Colours

White with lemon, orange, black, sable, tri-color, or grizzle

Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Height

13 to 15 inches

Type

Hound

Hypoallergenic

Weight

33 to 44 pounds

Family

Scenthound

Personality

Despite having "Basset" in its name, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a distinct breed and not a type of Basset Hound. These dogs are cheerful, inquisitive, and energetic, designed to be sturdy. They are lively and love to spend time outdoors, sniffing around and discovering new things. Their playful nature makes them great companions for families, other dogs, and various pets. However, they can be a bit headstrong and may dig or bark more than some owners would like.

History

Though its name includes “Basset,” the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is distinct from the Basset Hound and is recognized as a separate breed. These dogs are cheerful, inquisitive, and energetic, designed to be strong. They enjoy being outdoors, exploring, and sniffing around. Their playful nature makes them great companions for families, other dogs, and various pets. However, they can be headstrong and may dig or bark frequently.

Ideal Owner

If you have a PBGV, you need to keep up with their lively spirit. Patience is important because these dogs might get bored during training and will want your attention often. They are also known to bark quite a bit. Additionally, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs do shed, so being okay with some dog hair around is helpful.

Exercise Needs

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen enjoys being lively, particularly when exploring large areas alongside their humans. As scent hounds, their favorite activity is tracking smells, and once they start, it can be quite challenging to pull them away. It's ideal for them to have their outdoor playtime in a safe, enclosed yard.

Space Requirements

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen breed is suitable for living in compact areas, provided they have a decent-sized yard that is securely fenced. They tend to be quite talkative, which may not make them ideal for homes near quiet neighbors.

Training

The PBGV can learn well if you use regular reward-based methods. Understanding how to encourage this scent-driven dog is key, and keeping training sessions brief is essential. While teaching recall is crucial, it's important to remember that, despite training, you can't always count on it with this breed. Their natural instincts as scent hounds often take over.

Grooming

The PBGV has a coat that can withstand different weather conditions. To prevent tangles, it requires regular grooming, and the ears also need to be cleaned often.