Petit Basset Griffon VendéenCharacteristics, history, training and care
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. · Nathan150 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Cropped and resized.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a small French hound with short legs and a harsh, shaggy coat, from the Vendée region. It was bred for hunting rabbits on brambly ground. The standard describes it simply: “a devil in the field, an angel at home”.
Quick facts
| Common name | Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 4 May 1976 (group 6, scent hounds; standard no. 67); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 34–38 cm at the withers (±1 cm); 11–18 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 34–38 cm at the withers (±1 cm); 11–18 kg according to the AKC |
| Coat type | Harsh, not too long, never silky or woolly |
| Common colours | White and black, black and tan, white and orange, tricolour, fawn with a black overlay |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Only with plenty of exercise |
| Temperament | Passionate hunter, cheerful, sociable, independent |
| Tendency to aggression | Very low |
| Good with children | Very good, according to the AKC |
| Good with other animals | Very good with other dogs, according to the AKC |
| Genetic predispositions | Neck pain syndrome, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye diseases |
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History and origin
The FCI standard says that for a long time the PBGV had the same standard as the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, with only the size being different (34–38 cm). The results were not very good, because the dogs were half crooked-legged and as heavy as the Grand Basset. That is why Abel Dezamy created a separate standard.
Paul Daubigné wrote that it is no longer “a small Vendéen obtained simply by reducing the height, but a small Basset, harmoniously reduced in all its proportions and in volume”, gifted with a passion for hunting. Wikipedia says it is one of the four Griffon Vendéen breeds.
How the breed developed
- For a long time – It has the same standard as the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.
- Later – Abel Dezamy creates a separate standard.
- 4 May 1976 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 1999 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★★ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★★ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★★ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★★☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★★ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The AKC says the name describes it well: petit (small), basset (low), griffon (rough-coated) and Vendéen (from the Vendée). It is a small hound with short but strong legs and a harsh, tousled coat, bred for hunting rabbits on the rugged coast of western France.
General appearance
The coat is harsh, not too long, never silky or woolly. The AKC says some compare it to goat hair and that it must be harsh and dense.
| Feature | Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Height at the withers | 34–38 cm (±1 cm) |
| Weight | 11–18 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Harsh, rough |
| Legs | Short, strong |
| Type | Low-set hound |
The accepted colours are black with white patches, black and tan, white and orange, tricolour, fawn with a black overlay and other combinations. The traditional names are “hare”, “wolf” or “badger” colour.
Training and socialisation
The standard says it is a passionate hunter that must be taught to obey from an early age. The AKC says it has a reputation for being hard to train, but it is actually very intelligent and has a mind of its own.
Socialisation and training must start early. The AKC says the trainer must always stay one step ahead to keep it interested in what they want to teach it.
Tips for effective training
- Start early. It must be taught to obey from an early age.
- Keep it interested. It gets bored easily.
- Always walk it on the lead. Its nose can lead it a long way.
- Think of the neighbours. The AKC gives it top marks for barking.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it is a very active, curious dog that needs plenty of exercise and space to explore. It has an extraordinary nose and an often irresistible urge to follow scents, so outside the yard it must always be walked on the lead.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks on the lead | daily | High energy |
| Search games | daily | An extraordinary nose |
| Exploring a fenced yard | daily | Curiosity |
Tips for a balanced life
- The fence must have no gaps.
- It suits active families with children.
- Do not let it off the lead in the countryside.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says the coat is one of its most distinctive features, but it can be frustrating for anyone not used to it. It must be brushed right through at least once a week; after brushing, a comb should pass easily through the coat.
Common health problems
The AKC says it is a generally healthy breed, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Neck pain syndrome | Inflammation that causes neck pain | Stiff neck, fever, refuses to move |
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Elbow dysplasia | The elbow joint develops incorrectly and arthritis appears | Limping on the front legs, especially after exercise |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
| Eye and heart diseases | Hereditary eye and heart abnormalities | Poor vision, tires quickly |
Other care
- Check the ears regularly.
- Trim the nails regularly.
- Ask for the parents' genetic test results.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC says some PBGVs put on weight easily, so calories and weight must be watched.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 kg | 680 kcal | 760 kcal | 170–220 g |
| 14 kg | 810 kcal | 910 kcal | 200–260 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- “A devil in the field, an angel at home”. That is how the standard describes it.
- The name describes it. Small, low, rough-coated, from the Vendée.
- Hair like a goat's. The AKC says some compare its coat to goat hair.
- It barks a lot. The AKC gives it top marks for barking.
- It lives a long time. The AKC gives 14–16 years.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name mean?
Small, low, rough-coated, from the Vendée.
How big does it get?
It measures 34–38 cm; the AKC gives 11–18 kg.
Is it hard to train?
It is intelligent but has a mind of its own; training must start early.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 14–16 years.
