Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: The Lively and Lovable French Rabbit Hunter

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) is a delightful and fascinating French hound breed known for its shaggy coat, energetic personality, and strong hunting instincts. While small in stature, these long-bodied, short-legged dogs have an outsized zest for life that charms all who meet them. Let‘s dive into what makes the PBGV such a special breed.

History of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was developed in the Vendee region of France as early as the 1500s. According to the American Kennel Club, these small but sturdy hounds were bred to hunt rabbits and hare in the rough, bramble-filled terrain of the area. Their name reflects their heritage and purpose:

• Petit – small
• Basset – low to the ground
• Griffon – wire-coated
• Vendeen – from the Vendee region

PBGVs were developed by crossing larger Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens with smaller Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens to create a compact but strong and tenacious hunter. As the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America explains, "The breed‘s goal in France was to create the perfect packmate that could trail and drive rabbit and hare from the dense brush and brambles out into the open where the hunter would stand, ready for the optimal time to shoot."

The PBGV‘s unique combination of attributes made them ideally suited for this task. Their rough, wiry coat protected them from thorns and underbrush. Their long, low-slung bodies allowed them to navigate dense cover with ease. Their short, sturdy legs and durable paws gave them the stamina to tirelessly trail game all day. And their keen nose and independent nature kept them focused on the scent, even when out of sight of the hunter.

PBGV Breed Characteristics and Temperament

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small but robustly built hound, standing 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 25-40 pounds, with females slightly smaller than males. Their harsh, wiry outer coat is medium length and lies flat, while the undercoat is soft and dense. The PBGV‘s coat is usually white with black, tan, grizzle, or sable markings. Their long eyebrows, beard, and mustache give them an alert, inquisitive expression.

One of the breed‘s most distinguishing features is its lively, outgoing, and affectionate temperament. According to Vetstreet, "PBGVs have a fondness for life that is contagious. They are enthusiastic about everything they do, whether it‘s playing or hunting or just hanging out with their people." These happy-go-lucky dogs approach life with gusto and seem to always be smiling.

As pack hunting dogs, PBGVs are very social and thrive on companionship. They bond deeply with their humans and want to be involved in all family activities. While not clingy, they don‘t enjoy being left alone for long periods. These curious, adventurous dogs have a great sense of humor and a mischievous streak that can land them in amusing predicaments.

Ann Matzke, a long-time PBGV breeder and enthusiast, sums up their personality this way: "They‘re just so full of joy, so funny, with that very French joie de vivre. They‘re always amusing themselves and making you laugh with their antics. They‘re very good-natured, adaptable, up for anything. Just the most wonderful companions if you can appreciate their independent minds."

Training and Exercise Needs

As much as Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens love their people, they are independent thinkers with a sometimes stubborn streak. These sensitive but free-spirited dogs don‘t respond well to harsh corrections or heavy-handed training methods. Positive reinforcement using praise, play, and treats is the way to win a PBGV‘s cooperation.

Even then, don‘t expect a PBGV to be as biddable as some breeds. They can be selective listeners when something else captures their interest. A sense of humor and patience will serve PBGV owners well. Consistent training from an early age with clear boundaries is important, but these dogs do best when training is kept fun and engaging.

One thing PBGVs never lack enthusiasm for is exercise. These high-energy hounds need lots of daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Janet Framstead, DVM, says in PetMD, "The PBGV can be a couch potato if allowed to be, but it is in their best interest to be exercised every day to avoid obesity and boredom behaviors. Interactive play and exercise of both mental and physical nature is important for their health and happiness."

A minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per day is essential, broken up into a couple sessions of leash walks, backyard play, or romps in a securely fenced area. Puzzle feeders, nose work games, and training provide the mental stimulation these bright dogs need to feel satisfied. PBGVs that don‘t get enough exercise may become bored and destructive.

Even a well-exercised PBGV should never be trusted off leash in an open area, as their desire to follow an intriguing scent may overwhelm any recall training. According to the American Kennel Club, "Because he is a scent hound bred to hunt rabbits, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may pull on leash and strain to follow the trail of something delicious and small and furry. Your best bet is to allow plenty of sniffing time and explore new places together with your dog."

PBGV Grooming and Health

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen‘s rough, shaggy coat requires regular grooming to look its best. Weekly brushing with a slicker or pin brush helps remove loose hair and prevents mats and tangles. Baths can be done as needed, typically every month or two, using a gentle dog shampoo. As with all breeds, nail trims and dental hygiene are also important aspects of grooming.

One essential grooming task for PBGVs is hand stripping the coat once or twice a year. This involves using a stripping knife or fingers to pull out the dead outer guard hairs. Hand stripping maintains the coat‘s proper texture and coloring. If the coat is clipped instead, it will lose its weatherproof harshness and become soft and dense. Stripping is time consuming, so many PBGV owners opt to have it done by a professional groomer familiar with the technique.

In terms of health, the PBGV is generally a robust breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Like all purebred dogs, however, they can be prone to certain genetic health conditions.

Some health issues seen in PBGVs include:

• Hip dysplasia (8.3% incidence rate according to Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
• Patellar luxation (4.8% incidence rate)
• Eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and persistent pupillary membranes
• Hypothyroidism (9% incidence rate)
• Epilepsy (1.5-2% incidence rate)
• Von Willebrand disease (1.6% incidence rate)

Responsible PBGV breeders health test their breeding stock to minimize the risk of passing on inherited conditions. Working with a reputable breeder and providing lifelong veterinary care helps ensure a healthy, happy PBGV.

Living with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The PBGV‘s small size, compact portability, and adaptable nature make them suited for many living situations, from apartments to farms. They are clever escape artists, however, so any outdoor space must be securely fenced to prevent wandering.

While PBGVs are loving with people of all ages, including children, their exuberance can unintentionally knock over small toddlers, so supervision is a must. They enjoy the company of other dogs but can view small furry pets as prey due to their strong chasing instinct. Early socialization and introduction can teach them to coexist with cats, but caution is always warranted.

One of the greatest joys of PBGV ownership is their delightful personality. They are natural clowns who seem to live life with a smile on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes. They thrive on being in the thick of family activities and will always be up for an adventure, whether it‘s a hike in the woods or a car ride to run errands. These plucky, humorous dogs bring laughter and love wherever they go.

As Marge Wallen, a devoted PBGV owner, puts it, "They are the happiest dogs in the world. They make me laugh every single day with the funny things they do. They‘re so curious and always into something, but it comes from such a place of joy that you can‘t help but smile. They have more personality in their little bodies than any other dog I know."

Is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Right for You?

The PBGV‘s many endearing traits – their portability, affectionate nature, upbeat attitude, and sense of humor – make them wonderful companions for the right homes. But they aren‘t the ideal breed for every family.

PBGVs are best suited for active homes with a securely fenced yard, lots of daily exercise and enrichment, and plenty of quality time with their humans. They may be too energetic for families with very young children or elderly adults. Apartment dwellers can keep PBGVs happy with extra walks and outings. The breed‘s independence and selective hearing can be frustrating for first-time or hands-off owners.

Families looking for an amusing, affectionate, adventurous companion who will keep them laughing and always be up for fun will find much to love about the PBGV. These unique little hounds have a zest for life that is truly contagious. For those willing to embrace the breed‘s strong-willed and mischievous nature, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is the perfect partner in crime.

Finding a well-bred PBGV puppy can take some patience, as they are still an uncommon breed, especially outside of Europe. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America lists only a few dozen registered breeders in the US, many of whom have infrequent litters.

Expect to spend $1,500-$2,500 for a responsibly bred pup and be prepared for a wait. PBGV litters typically have 3-5 puppies. In 2022, just 214 PBGVs were registered with the AKC, ranking them the 154th most popular breed out of 200.

The scarcity of PBGVs simply adds to their appeal for the lucky families who are able to welcome one into their lives. These plucky, cheerful, comical hounds may not be for everyone, but those who love them can‘t imagine life without the laughter and love they bring. As the saying goes, "Petit Bassets leave big pawprints on your heart."