Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Breed Overview and Care Guide

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a charming and energetic breed that originated in France. They were bred for hunting small game and have a strong prey drive.

This breed is relatively small, weighing between 24-32 pounds and standing 10-15 inches tall. They have a distinctive bearded face and a rough, wiry coat that requires regular grooming.

Their short legs and long body make them well-suited for navigating dense underbrush, which was essential for their hunting ancestors.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a naturally messy-looking coat with a rough, wiry texture and a soft undercoat that provides warmth in cold weather.

They come in a variety of colors, including black and tan, white and black, white and gray, and many more.

Their ears hang close to the face, and their tail is held high, giving them a friendly and intelligent expression.

PBGVs are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds, often referred to as the "happy breed" due to their tirelessly wagging tails and expressive eyes.

They are typically active and lively, and their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature.

Most PBGVs are not quiet dogs, and their outspoken nature can be misinterpreted by other dogs as dominance.

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The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a compact and sturdy body with a rough, harsh double coat.

The breed comes in a variety of color combinations, including tricolor, grizzle and white, or fawn and white.

PBGVs have distinct, puppylike facial features—expressive eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a mustache and beard.

Their ears are long and soft, hanging close to the head.

The tail is moderately long and is often held high.

They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers.

The hair on the face and legs may be softer than body hair.

The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache.

Their eyes are large and dark with some oval shape.

The skull is domed, with drop, oval ears.

The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange or lemon or black or grizzle or sable, sometimes with tan accents.

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They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a thick, wiry coat that always looks a little tousled.

They need to be brushed once a week to remove dead hairs and control shedding.

Their coat is rough, medium long, and harsh to the touch, while their undercoat is thick, soft and short.

They have long eyebrows that stick out so they don’t obscure the eyes, and the ears are covered with long hair.

Their tails have quite a bit of hair, too.

Overall, the PBGV has a casual, tousled appearance.

PBGVs come in a wide range of colors and can be white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor, or grizzle markings.

Brush your Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen once a week to remove dead hairs, control shedding, and prevent mats from forming.

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The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a compact dog with a distinctive appearance. They stand 13 to 15 inches tall.

Their size is well-suited for families with smaller living spaces or for owners who prefer a smaller breed. Males and females weigh 30 to 40 pounds.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance and prevent matting and tangling. Brush their coat at least once or twice a week to remove loose hair and tangles, especially before bathing.

They may occasionally need professional trimming, or you can learn how to do it yourself. Regular nail trims are important to keep the feet healthy. Ear cleaning should be part of the grooming routine in order to keep them free of debris and prevent ear infections.

This breed is not hypoallergenic and is a moderate shedder, so be prepared for regular brushing and occasional bathing. They should be bathed every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain cleanliness.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a high energy level and requires regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. They enjoy outdoor activities like walks, hikes, and play sessions.

A secure, fenced yard is best for this breed, as their strong hunting instinct and love of running off-leash can lead to unwanted adventures. Consistent and patient training methods are necessary, as they can be independent and stubborn at times.

Here's a rough guide to their grooming needs:

Remember, every dog is unique, so it's essential to understand and cater to your Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen's individual needs and personality.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeders strive to minimize the occurrence of these conditions through careful breeding practices.

Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, epilepsy, ear infections, and intervertebral disc disease are some of the health concerns associated with PBGVs. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and proper grooming can contribute to maintaining the overall health and well-being of your PBGV.

Feeding your PBGV a well-balanced diet is crucial for their health. The recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. However, the quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference, and it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your dog's individual needs.

Here's a list of potential health issues to be aware of:

Ear infections are a common issue in PBGVs due to their floppy, hairy ears, which trap moisture and debris.

Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections. Remove excess ear hair and clean your dog's ears when they're dirty or overly waxy.

Inspect your PBGV's ears regularly, and contact your vet if you notice redness, odor, or debris. This will help you catch any potential issues early on.

PBGVs are prone to ear infections, so it's essential to prioritize ear care as part of your regular grooming routine.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Responsible breeders strive to minimize the occurrence of these conditions through careful breeding practices.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to joint instability and potentially causing pain, lameness, and arthritis.

PBGVs may experience hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, resulting in a range of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. This condition can usually be managed with lifelong medication.

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Ear infections are a common issue for PBGVs due to their long, droopy ears that can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning and inspection can help prevent issues.

Proper weight management and avoiding excessive jumping or rough play can help reduce the risk of intervertebral disc disease, a condition where the spinal discs degenerate or herniate.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and proper grooming can contribute to maintaining the overall health and well-being of your PBGV.

The average life expectancy of a PBGV is 14-16 years, but a 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.7 years for the breed.

Here are some common health concerns associated with PBGVs:

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs and provides health guarantees.

Feeding your Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen a nutritious diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Choose a high-quality dog food that meets the AAFCO standards, and consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your dog.

A daily feeding recommendation is 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food, divided into two meals, but this can vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Your dog's individual needs will differ, just like people, so don't assume a one-size-fits-all approach to feeding.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and proper grooming can contribute to maintaining your PBGV's overall health and well-being.

If your dog is eating too quickly, try using a slow feeder bowl to slow them down.

Talk to your veterinarian about what food is best for your dog, as they can give personalized advice based on your dog's weight, lifestyle, age, and health history.

Living with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen requires attention to their social needs. They thrive in households where they have regular interaction with their human family members.

To prevent loneliness and isolation, spend quality time with your PBGV and provide adequate social interaction. This can be achieved through daily walks, playtime, and training sessions.

A securely fenced yard is essential to prevent your PBGV from chasing small animals. If you can't provide a fenced yard, ensure they are always on a leash during outdoor activities.

Exercise is crucial for PBGVs, who require regular physical activity and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and off-leash activities in a secure area are great ways to meet their exercise needs.

PBGVs love children and enjoy the noise and activity associated with them, but adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets.

To ensure a harmonious household, introduce your PBGV to other pets properly and at an early age. With proper training and socialization, they can be trustworthy with other pets, especially other dogs.

Here are some fun activities you can do with your PBGV:

Remember, PBGVs are energetic and need lots of physical activity and mental stimulation. They won't be happy in a small apartment without frequent opportunities to stretch their legs outside.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs have a strong prey drive and will chase rabbits and squirrels in the neighborhood, so it's essential to keep them on a leash or within a fenced space whenever they're outside.

They are highly intelligent dogs who are eager to please, but also have an independent streak, making them a bit challenging to train if you're not patient and firm.

PBGVs are best suited for individuals and families who enjoy an active lifestyle, as they are no couch potatoes and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

They excel in obedience, rally, tracking, scent work, and agility trials, making them a great breed for owners who enjoy training and engaging their dogs in various activities.

PBGVs are known for being cheerful, lively, and independent, with a strong sense of adventure and a love for following their nose.

They can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, but with positive reinforcement and early socialization, they can learn to be well-behaved and obedient.

As hunting hounds, PBGVs have a strong instinct to chase smaller animals, so it's crucial to use caution in off-leash areas and to train them to be quiet on command.

They are friendly and affectionate with their families, including children, and generally get along well with other dogs and pets if properly introduced.

PBGVs are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction and attention, so it's essential to provide them with quality time with their family members and canine companions.

They are naturally athletic and love to run, making them a great breed for owners who enjoy outdoor activities and sports.

With their outgoing and extroverted nature, PBGVs make superb therapy dogs and are often used in therapy work.

However, their hunting instincts can sometimes get the better of them, and they may give chase to birds, squirrels, and cats, so it's essential to work with them to overcome this instinct and to teach them to coexist with other pets in the home.