Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Quick Take

• This scrappy little hound earned a royal nickname in France, and the story behind it reveals something unexpected about its hunting past. Discover the royal connection →
• The PBGV's stubbornness makes it notoriously hard to train, but owners who know one specific trick unlock a surprisingly obedient dog. See the training trick →
• Young PBGVs can suffer a painful condition that sounds alarming, though the reality may surprise you. Learn about the pain syndrome →
• A PBGV once walked into the world's largest dog show and left with the biggest prize, a story that most dog lovers have never heard. Meet the Crufts champion →

Originating from the Vendéen region of western France, it descends from a larger breed called simply the Griffon Vendéen. It was then honed over many generations of careful breeding to create an Excellent sense of smell hound. This breed has a rough coat that enables it to hunt amid the dense rocks and underbrush near the Atlantic coast. The coat color is usually some combination of light brown, black, and white. Once it came into the possession of French royalty, this breed obtained the nickname of the Chiens du Roi, or the King’s White Hounds.

In English, this breed has earned the nickname of roughie. In French, this breed has a very descriptive name that refers to the dog’s small size (petit), wiry coat of hair (griffon), and place of origin (Vendéen). Basset also means ‘low set’ or ‘low to the ground’. Despite its popularity in French hunting, it is a relatively uncommon breed that only arrived in the United States in the 1970s. The American Kennel Club fully recognized it on February 1, 1991.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Size and Weight

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or roughie, is a small- to medium-sized dog with short legs. There is little difference in size between males and females. Both male and female dogs stand 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 40 lbs.

Common Health Issues

The PBGV is a healthy breed with a life expectancy between 14 and 16 years of age. The most common health problems include ear infections, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and primary open-angle glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve resulting in visual field loss). The PBGV is also sometimes affected by an autoimmune pain syndrome that results in pain, fever, and lethargy in dogs six to 18 months of age. This problem usually resolves on its own, but in rare cases, the dog can be stuck with permanent symptoms.

The leading causes of death in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are cancer and age-related conditions, with some studies also noting epilepsy as a significant cause. A reputable breeder will almost always screen for genetic disorders to ensure that your dog has the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Temperament

The PBGV is also sometimes called the happy breed for its affectionate and exuberant personality. Few other breeds can match this dog for sheer affability. This makes it well-suited as a therapy dog or companion in addition to its superb hunting instincts. it does tend to bark, howl, or wail loudly. Although not every owner will find this to be an appealing trait, it does have an important purpose as a greeting or alert call. This breed is not all constant noise and motion, though. As long as it gets enough playtime and stimulation, it does know how to settle down and relax.

How to Take Care of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

The PBGV is a bit of an attention seeker that thrives in the company of other people or animals. As long as it has companionship, the maintenance and care requirements aren’t particularly high. Like all dogs, this breed should receive an annual checkup at the vet, even if it appears otherwise healthy. For the best behavioral results, you should obtain your dog as a puppy and begin training as soon as possible.

The Best Dog Food

The PBGV requires approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food, preferably divided into two meals every day. The dog food should be chosen based on its appropriate age (puppy, adult, or senior). This breed does tend to gain weight. The best way to counteract this is to carefully monitor your dog’s calories and limit treats to training times. If you want any special advice on your dog’s diet, then you should consult the vet.

Maintenance and Grooming

The PBGV has a rough, wiry coat that may require weekly brushing to remove loose dirt and hair, followed by the use of a comb. It is not hypoallergenic, so people with allergies may want to be wary. Nail trimming and ear cleaning should be done regularly, but only bathe the dog when it is particularly dirty after an outdoor excursion.

Training

The PBGV is a stubborn breed that has a mind of its own, but with a bit of patience, this dog can excel at tricks, performances, and basic commands. A gentle but firm approach should be sufficient to keep the dog’s attention. Do not scold or punish it harshly, or the dog might become discouraged. If the dog’s attention appears to be wandering, then you should try to stay one step ahead and refocus its attention with games, treats, or other incentives.

Exercise

The PBGV is a highly energetic breed that requires up to an hour of exercise every single day. When you’re outside on a walk, run, or hike, it is a good idea to keep this breed on a leash, because it tends to follow scents everywhere. When inside, toys, games, and tricks should keep it busy for a long time. This breed can also learn tricks and sports with ease as long as its attention is focused. Due to the long coat, this breed has a tendency to become warm, so make sure it has frequent rests and water breaks in hot weather.

Puppies

Socialization and training from an early age are very important for this breed. The dog may never entirely overcome its tendency to follow its nose, but this instinct can be greatly minimized. It is a good idea to buy the puppy from a high-quality breeder who takes special care of the health of their dogs. You should also take the dog to the vet for an early checkup and health screening.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens and Children

The PBGV gets along very well with children and doesn’t mind a little noise and rough play. But no matter how friendly they seem, you should never leave the dog alone with your young children for long periods of time in case the interaction goes poorly. An adult should always be around to supervise them. The PBGV will rarely turn aggressive, but a poor experience might upset your children or damage the relationship between the dog and the child.

Dogs Similar to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

If you enjoy the company of scent hounds, then you might want to check out the following breeds:

• Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Originating from the Brittany region of France, this basset is another lively, intelligent, outgoing breed with fawn-colored, wiry hair and drooping ears.
• Basset Hound: This popular English breed has all the hallmarks of a basset: the short legs, the big droopy ears, and the powerful scent. It is outgoing, loyal, very vocal, and tolerant of children. The wrinkles and drooping skin make it appear perpetually older than it is.
• American Coonhound: This is a group of dogs that includes the black and tan coonhound, the redbone coonhound, and the treeing walker coonhound. It exhibits the same dichotomous personality as many other scent hounds: it is a diligent and alert worker outdoors but sensitive and friendly at home.

Famous Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens

The PBGV is a relatively niche dog, but a few individuals stand out.

• King Louis XII, who ruled France between 1498 and 1515, owned a pack of PBGVs.
• In 2013, a four-year-old PBGV called Jilly (also known by the more extravagant name of Soletrader Peek A Boo) made waves at Crufts, the largest international dog show, by winning both the Hound Group on the first day of the competition and Best in Show on the fourth day.