Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Group: Hound Group
Origin: France
Height: 13½ to 15 inches (34 to 38 cm)
– not more than 15½ inches at the withers.
Ch. Vinegarhill Pretty Boy D (Boyd)
Photo courtesy of: Vinegarhill Reg’d
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Breed Profile
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV for short) is the smallest of four breeds of rough-coated French hounds. His history can be traced back to the 16th century as a popular scent hound developed to hunt small game over rough and difficult terrain. His name in French reveals much about him: “petit” — small, “basset” — low to the ground, “griffon” — rough-coated, and Vendéen being the area in France where the breed originated.
He is an active, alert, curious, happy, independent yet eager to please dog. He is very intelligent, affectionate, and requires human companionship. This is a busy hunting hound who requires lots of outdoor exercise and today, PBGVs are seen successfully competing in Obedience, Tracking, Agility as well as the show ring. They have also been used to work as Therapy dogs and Search and Rescue Dogs.
The PBGV coat is rough, harsh to the touch and moderately long. He wears a beard, moustache and long eyebrows giving him a tousled appearance. His colouring is white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, tri-colour or grizzle markings.
Health Issues
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is known as a very healthy breed with an average life span of 14 years or more. However, like all breeds of dogs, they are subject to some health problems. Some of the conditions seen in the breed include: Neck Pain Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Heart Murmurs, and some Eye Diseases.
If you are considering the adoption of a PBGV puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- The PBGVCA Health
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
The PBGV’s coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose and dead hair and to help control shedding. Nails should be clipped regularly and the long hair on the bottom of the feet should be kept trimmed. Ears must be kept free of excess hair and wax and teeth should be brushed regularly.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
Breed Listing
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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