The Griffon Vandeen are rough coated hounds bred in the Vandee region
of western France. There are four sizes of which the Petite Basset Griffon
Vandeen is the smallest. His name in French explains him: Petit (small);
Basset (low to the ground); Griffon (rough coated); Vandeen (his homeland).
A scent hound with great speed for his size, he was bred to hunt hare, fox
and deer in the rugged terrain of the Vandee. He was recognized by the American
Kennel Club in 1991.
Fearless, patient and full of stamina the PBGV is a hard worker that is
loyal to his master and family. He is happy and willing to please thus making
him a good companion dog. He needs considerable exercise and does not adapt
well to apartment life.
The PBGV has a long, narrow, domed skull. The ears are set low on the head
and folded forward. They are long enough to almost reach the tip of the
nose. The eyes are large and dark. They are surmounted by long eyebrows
that stand forward and do not obscure the eyes. There is a distinct drop
off (stop) between the skull and muzzle. The muzzle is slightly shorter
than the length of the skull to the occiput. The lips are covered with long
hair that forms a beard and mustache. A scissors bite is preferred. The
nose is large and black. The neck is long and strong. The chest is deep
with a prominent sternum. The legs are strong and well boned. The length
of leg from elbow to ground is slightly less than one-half of the length
from withers to ground. The legs are preferably straight but a slight crook
in the foreleg is acceptable. The body is muscular and proportionally fifty
percent longer than tall. The topline is level. The tail is long enough
to reach the hock and is carried saber fashion. The coat is double with
a thick, short undercoat and a hard, rough outercoat that is between one
and two inches in length. Coat coloring includes white with shadings of
orange and cream, and black and tan. Average weight is between twenty-five
and thirty-five pounds. Average height is between thirteen and fifteen inches.
Name withheld by request of Los Angeles, CA writes:
Generally a good dog.
I grew up with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. He died a few years ago.
He was very loyal and extremely protective of my family, especially my mother.
He could be very sweet but also very aggressive when he felt that he or
someone in the family was threatened. He was a little stranger-wary and
very verbal. For a small dog, he had an incredibly loud bark, which proved
effective for protection when people could hear but not see him. He was
fun and playful, but very difficult to raise. These are challenging dogs
and are not for people who want something easy. My particular dog was not
good with children, but I do not think that this is a breed problem. They
are great dogs if given the proper care and attention. However, skin problems
do run in the breed.
ll2pbgv1@cs.com of Stacy, MN writes:
Great dogs.
We have sixteen PBGVs and they are great. They are very smart and can
be trained in obedience, agility, etc. We have several champions. They do
have to be fenced in because they will follow their nose if they get out.
name withheld by request of U.S. writes on 1/17/00:
Exceedingly happy, exceedingly annoying.
The Petit is first and foremost a hound. They are vocal, untidy escape artists.The
Petit is always busy; they seem never to rest. In my household of 9 dogs,
my lone petit commands more attention than the other eight combined! On
the plus side, my Petit is completely non-aggressive. She mothers puppies
of all breeds, and willingly gives ground in any type of confrontation.She
travels well, eats anything put in front of her and has never been ill.
In summary, if you are looking for a constant (on lead) companion,cheerful
and exhuberant, the Petit may be for you.
pinger@risetraining.org of Cincinnati, CA writes on 12/15/99:
Smart and cute.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are adorable, funny, eager to please dogs.
They are true hounds, hunting with their noses at every minute. Like hounds,
they enjoy the pack, but are very focused on the master, always returning
for approval. They are smaller, lighter than Basset hounds, sprightlier
and more alet. Their coat is rough and tousseled, giving them a comic appearance.
In the 1400's they became a recognized breed in France. Currently only about
3,000 are registered in the U.S.