Breeders developed the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen in the sixteenth century in the Vendeen region of France. The PBGV is a descendent of the larger Griffon Vendeen. The Petit is the smallest of the four Vendeen hounds recognized in Europe.
Hunters used these dogs for centuries to hunt small quarry such as rabbit and hare over harsh terrain. The first Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens were brought to America in the 1970s and gained a loyal following during their stint at rare-breed shows in the 1980s. Later, they entered the AKC Miscellaneous Class in 1989.
This dog is a long, low, rough-coated scenthound that has good bones and substance. The breed is famous for its rough, unrefined outline. It is an unexaggerated hunter that is compact, tough, and robust. The back is level, with a slight arch over the loin, and the chest is deep.
The PBGV possesses a robust and tapered tail, set high and carried like a saber’s blade. Its head is oval-shaped and carried proudly. The breed’s large, dark eyes are accentuated by bushy eyebrows, giving the dog a friendly, intelligent expression. PBGVs ears are long, set low, and covered with long hair.
Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability | |
| Exercise requirements |  | Protection ability |  |
| Playfulness | | Grooming requirements |  |
| Affection level |  | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs | | Heat tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward other pets | | Friendliness toward strangers | |
| Ease of training | |
Activity level: This dog is a hound with extraordinary mental and physical stamina. It must be exercised on a lead or in a securely fenced yard. Some dogs will dig under fencing, which will need reinforcing at the bottom.
- POPULARITY: Rare
- FAMILY: Scenthound
- AREA OF ORIGIN: France
- DATE OF ORIGIN: 1700s
- ORIGINAL FUNCTION: Trailing hares
- TODAY’S FUNCTION: Companion
- OTHER NAMES: Little Griffon Vendeen Basset
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Temperament
This dog is bold and vivacious in character; it is a busy, happy, extroverted dog with a strong desire to please. PBGVs must have personal attention and generally get along well with other pets.
Grooming a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
A simple brushing every week is sufficed.
Coat: This breed’s coat is long, rough, and harsh with a soft, thick undercoat. In French, the word “griffon” means rough or wire coated. The eyebrows, beard, mustache, ears, and tail all have longer coats.
Color: PBVGs are white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor, or grizzle markings. This marking allows them to be highly visible in the field.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Health
- Major concerns: none
- Minor concerns: otitis externa, CHD, PPM, some retinal and corneal conditions
- Occasionally seen: meningitis, patellar luxation, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, intervertebral disk disease
- Suggested tests: hip, eye
- Life span: 11-14 years
- Weight: 25-35 pounds
- Height: 13-15 inches
Buying a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and Breeder Information
To find a puppy, visit the PBGVCA member breeders list and contact the parent Club’s public education committee, rescue committee, or a regional PBGV club in your area.
Parent club: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America; founded in 1984
Regional clubs: Click on “Member Clubs” under “Member Info” for information on and links to three local clubs.
Rescue: Find rescue information by scrolling down to the “Rescue” link on the club’s home page.
