Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Appearance
Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).
Like the other 3 Griffon Vendéen breeds: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; they are solid dogs that appear rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers. The dog body length is not as extreme as that of a basset hound or dachshund.
The dogs have a tousled appearance, with a harsh double coat that is both long and rough.The hair on the dog face and legs may be softer than body hair. The fur on the face resembles a beard and mustache. They usually have very long eyelashes.
The skull is domed, with drop, oval ears like many hounds share, though dogs tend to have higher domes than bitches. The ears are set low and hanging, and if stretched out should reach the tip of the nose. The tail is usually held upright, and is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber.
The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, black, grizzle (gray-and-white hairs), or sable, sometimes with tan accents. They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Temperament and Breeding
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the "happy breed," Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes. PBGVs are typically active and lively. While good with children, other dogs and pets, they may be unsuitable for very young children because of their energy and tendency to play bite. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen standard states that the dog should "give voice freely" -- as is typical of hounds, petits are outspoken dogs. If their 'pack' begins howling or singing, the dog will join in, with amusing results. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may howl alone or with a companion; they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. PBGV companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along with favorite songs.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not a quiet dog. While no PBGV would ever be called "yippy," their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature. The outspoken nature of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen varies from dog to dog, but even the shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call.
Like other hounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are stubborn, and sometimes may not respond well to training.
Because they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen make excellent therapy dogs.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are excellent hunting dog and tracking dogs. A "Hunting Instinct Test" with associated AKC certification is currently in development as a part of optional breed credentialing. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen who work in this manner do not hunt to kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or to a rabbit in motion down a trail. "Saber tails," another PBGV nickname, are typically white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above the bramble and brush.
As a companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some PBGVs, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs make fine companion animals, and have suitable manners to live among cats and other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen owners are cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home, work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the home "pack".
As scent hounds, most Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen should be kept on-leash when in open outdoor areas. Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where scent is involved. Scent will typically trump obedience in the mind of a PBGV.
The outspoken nature and erect tail of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can be misinterpreted by other dogs, as these manners typically express dominance to other dogs. PBGVs can inspire a misguided need to express dominance on the part of passing dogs. PBGV owners need to be alert to this potential misinterpretation, as Petits are easily outclassed in both size and aggressiveness.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Health
The UK Kennel Club conducted a health survey of Basset Griffon Vendeens (both Petit and Grand varieties combined) in 2004. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) Club of America has conducted two health surveys, one in 1994 and one in 2000. The club is currently conducting another survey. These are apparently the only completed or on-going health surveys for Basset Griffon Vendeens (as of July 2007).
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Mortality
Average longevity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen in the 2000 Club of America survey was 12.7 years (standard deviation 3.9). Sample size was not clear, but it appeared to be 45 dogs. No longevity data were collected in the 1994 survey. There was no information on causes of death.
Average longevity of 76 deceased Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey was 12.1 years (maximum 17.3 years). Leading causes of death were cancer (33%), old age (24%), and cardiac (7%).
Compared to surveyed longevities of other breeds of similar size, Basset Griffon Vendeens have a typical or somewhat higher than average life expectancy.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Morbidity
In the PBGV Club of America 2000 survey, the most common diseases reported by owners of 640 dogs were persistent pupillary membranes, recurrent ear infections, hypothyroidism, neck pain, and epilepsy.
Among 289 live Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UKC survey, the most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic (dermatitis and mites), and aural (otitis externa, excessive ear wax, and ear mites).
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Care
They should have daily walks to burn off excess energy. They need to be brushed regularly, but not daily, to avoid matting and tangles. To keep the coat well groomed it must be stripped. Hairs must be pulled out of the coat using either a special stripping tool or the finger and thumb. The coat is shallow rooted and is made to come out if trapped, so this grooming method causes no pain. They need regular ear cleanings to prevent yeast infections and clipping of the claws is normally needed once or twice a month.
