Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen breed is a small dog that hunters from long ago have used. PBGVs date back to the French Revolution era in the 1700s and were initially bred to hunt small animals. That is where they adopted their sharp hunting instincts and agility.

This hunting experience in rugged terrain makes the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen the perfect candidate for entering dog sports competitions. A sister breed of the PBGV is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, also known as a GBGV.

These two breeds differ in weight and size. Even the name spells it out because the word "Petit" stands for small in French, and "Basset" means low. Both the PBGV and GBGV are French hounds with excellent hunting instincts.

Who are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs best for?

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is small in size and does not require a lot of space like other dogs. Therefore, even pet parents that live in an apartment can claim dog ownership of the PBGV breed. However, be sure that you give it enough physical exercise, so it remains a healthy dog that is good for your family.

Alternatively, small game hunters can also get an adult dog PBGV for this purpose as it got bred initially for hunting. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen plays along well with other dog breeds if you would like to add this hound to your pack.

How much grooming does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen need?

You will have to brush off the loose and dead hair from your hound or even shave it once in a while. Most owners like the rustic look on this dog's face with the moustache and fur over its eyes. That gives you the freedom of styling your dog's appearance in different ways.

You can shave off the extra fur to control shedding or leave it as is and give your Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen a brush-and-go every morning. However, owning this dog does require some maintenance since you will have to clean up after the pup and remove any outer coat shedding.

Some owners have joined a local grooming breed club with other dogs of different looks. That is also an option for you since you can join a local grooming breed club and get inspiration from other dog owners.

Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen bark much?

PBGVs have very high energy levels that they need to consume. Therefore, if a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen does not get enough exercise, it might start barking excessively. Once the mental stimulation levels of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen subside, excessive barking stops and they become couch potatoes.

Therefore, take your pup out for some physical activity to reduce its mental stimulation, and that should do the trick in lowering excessive barking.

Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen bite?

PBGVs also get chewy when they feel frustrated and need to play at a park as an alternative to barking. Although they do not tend to bite their owners, these dogs will turn to other household items they can get their paws on.

That is the best time to implement some obedience training by being stern. However, do not let these dogs out of your sight because they are great escape artists, and they can find something else to chew. This dog is a very happy breed that does not bite or chew on its owners too much.

What is the temperament & personality of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

One of the aliases for this furry little friend is "happy hound". It has this reputation because most of the time when the Roughie is not frustrated, they are very happy and do not have a harsh personality.

Instead, the pup blends in well with other dogs in its pack and plays well with children. As a result, its temperament and personality make it the best fit for most families.

What is the weight & size of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

According to the Dogs NSW breed club, this is one dog breed that does not grow to be large. Instead, it is small to medium-sized, with an average weight ranging from 13 kg to 18 kg. The average height range for PBGVs is between 33 cm and 38 cm.

The Dogs NSW national breed club also mentions that this hound has an excellent bone structure. This dog's weight, size, and good bone structure provide amazing agility for hunting in rugged terrain.

How much training does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen need?

PBGVs are naturally curious, and even a fenced yard might not be enough to prevent this dog from trying to climb or dig its way out of your homestead. When a PBGV is still a new puppy, training it how to live within a fenced yard with other pets is crucial.

Fortunately, with consistent positive reinforcement and repetition training, the PBGV can master essential skills. A brief description provided by Dogs NSW describes this hound as a responsive pup that can get trained with positive training methods.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

The most common health problem that bothers PBGVs is hip and elbow dysplasia, just like most other animals of this kind. In addition, younger puppies might be more prone to PBGV pain syndrome alongside hip dysplasia.

Epilepsy and eye diseases could also flare up occasionally, but that can get managed with over-the-counter meds.

What is the lifespan of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

This breed has a reasonable life expectancy of up to 15 years. Many breeds have an expected lifespan of 10 to 13 years, but this particular breed is a cut above the rest.

If a PBGV's health conditions are well-taken care of and a good exercise routine gets established, this breed can reach 15 years as a healthy dog.

How much should you feed a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

Petit puppies should be fed four times daily with servings apportioned to their weights and sizes. As time goes on, you can establish a more relaxed routine of three or two meals in 24 hours.

This dog's diet is not extraordinary, but owners should minimise human foods as much as possible. PBGVs require dry kibble and canned dog food to thrive and mitigate the risk of dog obesity.

What is the price of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen in Australia?

This breed is still most commonly bred in France, and a few other countries have joined the party as well. Because of this, PBGVs are pretty pricey when bought from a breeder. Also, finding this dog in a rescue shelter is not common because of its peculiar breed type and steep price tag.

You can ask a local breed club if any breeders sell this pup locally but expect to pay around $1,500.