Back to Breeds Listing

Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen

Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen
History:

Country/Date of Origin: France/1700s

One of four rough coated French hunting "scent" hounds, which trail game by scent rather than by sight. Although they do the same job, the PBGV is not a wire haired Basset. It is a distinct breed, shorter in back, much more lightly built and more active. It is actually most closely related to the larger Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen which is identical except for size (the Grand being over 15 inches tall). Most of the PBGV's current vogue is due to an irresistible puppy named Alexander. He won a match show in New Jersey in 1983 and caused such a sensation that he skyrocketed the breed to popularity in the United States. Almost unknown at the time, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen had enough supporters to be granted admission to the American Kennel Club in 1989 and full championship status in 1991.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

Back to Top

None

AKC Group: Hound

Breed Club: Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America

Rescue Club: PBGVCA Rescue Chairman; email:rescue@pbgv.org

Back to Top

Body Type:

  • A long, short-legged hound, similar in body type to the Basset hound or Dachshund with a wire coat
  • Height: 13-15 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: Standard does not specify but average is around 25-38 pounds (males typically larger than females)
  • The long tail is never altered
  • The ears are long and hanging. They are not altered

Personality:

  • Lovable and loving
  • A feisty extrovert that seeks attention
  • Excellent with children. Ready, willing and able to join in any games that requires wild romping
  • Only moderately intelligent but generally willing to please

Coat:

  • The coat is rough and harsh with a soft dense undercoat
  • Allowed colors are white with any combination of tricolor, grizzle, lemon, orange or black markings
  • Moderate grooming required

Health Concerns:

  • Generally robust and healthy
  • Aseptic meningitis which usually occurs before the dog is two years old
  • Disease is uncommon and can be treated successfully with steroids and antibiotics
  • Ear cankers and other problems typical of droppy-eared dogs caused by a lack of air circulation around the pendulous leathers
Back to Top
Tasty Tidbits:
  • The name Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is so long that most folks refer to this breed as the PBGV
  • Translated from the French the name means rough coated small Basset coming from the Vendee region of France
  • Pronounce Basset in the French way as "bas-say"
  • The irresistible fuzzy-toy look of this little hound has made it one of the fads of the moment; it however, has qualities that will keep it in favor long after the novelty value wears off
  • This is a nice family dog
  • PBGVs like to sing. Owners and their neighbors may be treated to an occasional twilight howl
  • Enjoys companionship of their own kind and of other animals, including cats and rabbits!
  • Will "follow the scent" wherever, so an enclosed yard is a must