A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small, rough-coated French pack hound with a lively rabbit-hunting heritage. Do not let the small outline hide the need for active sniffing walks and dependable companionship.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen questions
What does Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen mean?
The name is a description in French: small (petit), low to the ground (basset), rough or shaggy coated (griffon) and from the Vendée region of France (Vendéen). Most people shorten it to PBGV, and the breed was developed to hunt rabbit and hare by scent.
How big does a full-grown Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen get?
Adults usually stand 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds. A height over 15 inches is a disqualification in the show ring, which is part of what separates the PBGV from its larger cousin, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.
Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens shed?
A little. The rough, harsh coat is meant to look tousled and sheds lightly. A thorough brushing every week removes loose and dead hair, and very little trimming is needed.
Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens bark a lot?
They are vocal hounds. PBGVs have a good voice that is freely used, though they rarely bark for no reason. The usual triggers are things like the doorbell or a loud noise outside.
Can a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen live in an apartment?
Yes, as long as the dog is exercised consistently. Plan on several walks of half a mile or longer each day, because a quick trip outside is not enough. The barking is the other thing to weigh if you share walls.
Can a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen be trusted off leash?
No. A PBGV should be on a leash outside a secure yard, because one interesting scent can send it off on a hunt. A solid fence 4 to 6 feet high is best, since some PBGVs dig under fences, and invisible fencing is not recommended.
Are Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens hard to train?
They have that reputation, but it is not the whole story. PBGVs are intelligent and want to please, but they often have their own agenda. Start socialization and basic obedience early, and keep sessions interesting enough to compete with whatever the dog would rather be doing.
How long do Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens live?
Many PBGVs live 12 to 14 years, and some reach 16. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog. When buying a puppy, talk with the breeder about testing for primary open angle glaucoma, an eye disease found in a small share of the breed, and raise any eye concerns with a vet.
