The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is shaggy-coated scent hound which is proficient in hunting rabbit. It is known for its happy demeanor and vivacious nature. The dog enjoys the company of humans and especially adores children. It is also peaceful with other animals.
This breed hails from France and its name is derived from French words – Petit- small, Basset- low, Griffon- shaggy, Vendeen- a region in France. This dog stands at a height of 13 to 15 inches and has small but strong legs. Because of their stature and coat, it can easily trail hares on the rugged coast of France.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not a dog which you can leave outside. It is human oriented dog that become restless and gripped by anxiety if left alone for long hours. If you want calm dog that doesn’t move much inside home, sorry this isn’t the right breed for you. The dog will react to even slightest scent or sound in the environment. Its inquisitive nature will never make it still. It is always in hunt of thrill and pleasure.
Origin
It is the 16th century breed from France. The word “Vendeen” in its name has been derived from its place of origin. Vendeen is a rocky western coast of France. This breed is a descendant of large breed named Griffon Vendeen.
PBGV was particularly developed to work in rocky terrain and extreme climatic condition of western coast of France. As the dog is lower to ground, it can get easily get inside den or furrow of rabbit and rodent. It is bestowed with incredible endurance which is needed to hunt small animals.
Characteristics
- The breed belongs to France and is a scent hound.
- The dog has been used to kill rabbits and rodent.
- It is extrovert, lively, energetic and stubborn breed.
- The breed is not suitable for novice owner. It needs strong, active and experienced leader who can take charge of it.
- The lifespan of this breed is 11-14 years.
- The dog stands at height of 34-38 cm.
- It weighs around 14-18 kg.
- The dog comes in black-white, fawn-white, fawn-black, tricolored and fawn-black colors.
- Average price of this breed is $1200 – $1600 USD.
- They are strong headed animals hence consistent training is required.
- The dog is suitable for home with yard because it tends to be mischievous and energetic inside home.
- They have a loud hound like bark. They tend to barky.
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have keen sense of smell and will get deaf to your commands if they get attracted by any smell in the environment.
- This breed is escape artist. Do not leave them unattended in the backyard.
- It is not a hypoallergenic breed. The dog sheds averagely.
- The dog has shaggy coat which requires daily maintenance.
Appearance
The PBGV is a Petit dog with harsh and wiry coat. It is lower to ground and has short but well developed legs that give speed to the dog. The dog’s skull is domed-shaped and has hanging ears. The dog has thick tail which is carried in upward direction.
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Size and Weight
The ideal height of this breed is 34-38 cm and it weighs around 15 – 20 kg.
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Coat and Color
PBGV has harsh and medium length double coat which gives protection to it while hunting in the bushy environment. Its ears are profusely covered with long length hair. The dog sports eyebrows, beard and moustache. This breed is white with combination of any other color.
Temperament
- Personality – Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen breed has been called “the happy breed” because their tail is always wagging. They have independent mindset but they are also human pleasure. They are confident and extrovert The dog is incredibly lively and playful around kids. They are full of life and always ready for action. If you do not provide it any sort of work or entertainment, it will hunt for it on its own. They also tend to be mischievous and always sniffing around house to search for fun related activity.
- Behavior – PBGV is attention seeker. They are not meant for apartment living because they tend howl, bark or even sing just to pass their time. They have a habit of digging in search of earthworms or rodent. They should not be left unsupervised in the backyard because they can dig to find a way to escape the house. They will alert of approaching strangers but then welcome them by wagging their tail. They are always excited for everything and tend to bounce out of elation. Obedience training and house training is must for them.
- Activities Requirement – Despite being small in size, they need vigorous exercise to live happily and healthy. The dog should be taken to open field where it can chase small animals and look for rabbits or rodents to hunt. Apart from hunting, they should be taken on regular walk or running. This breed has lot of stamina; if you want a steady mind dog inside your home, exhaust it on daily basis.
- Trainability – PBGV is not easy to train. Probably they’ll make you mad at the end of training session. This breed gets easily distracted by sound or scent in the environment. Food and appreciation aids in keeping their attention intact but do not overfeed them because they are prone to get obese. Teaching them basic canine manners and obedience is utmost necessary.
Feeding
They are happy eaters. Give them food in correct quantity. PBGV will eat almost anything offered to them. Their food should be rich in proteins because they are high energetic dogs.
Lifespan
The life expectancy of this dog is 11-14 years.
Health Issues
The dog is not hypoallergenic. It is prone to health issues like aseptic meningitis, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections and persistent papillary membranes.
Grooming and Caring
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog has shaggy coat of medium length. It is important to comb it daily to avoid mats and tangles. The dog should be stripped several times a year to foster healthy hair from roots. The dog requires regular ear cleaning to avoid formation of yeast or fungus.
If they do not wear down their nails, trim them monthly. As the dog doesn’t contain doggie odor so bath it as required. Make sure to dry its coat after the bath session because wet shaggy hair attracts dirt. Brush its teeth regularly to avoid teeth or gum related problems.
Habitat
The dog can live in cold or warm climates equally well. The dog is not meant to live in cozy apartments because they need open space to thrive happily.
Pet Names
- Diggy
- Boomer
- Bucky
- Lucky
- Chinky
Things To Consider Before Buying
Pros
- The dog makes excellent companion to active owners who can devote time in its exercise regime.
- It is excellent rabbit and rodent hunter.
- It is peaceful with canine animals.
Cons
- The dog is not meant for novice owners because they are strong headed.
- It is not hypoallergenic breed.
- The dog is extremely energetic and not meant for apartment living.
