Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & More!

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, also called the PBGV, is a purebred dog originating from France. They were initially bred to hunt rabbits, but they evolved to become an all-around excellent hunting companion as time went on. Today, these pups are renowned as loving family pets.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens feature a rough coat of hair that does shed throughout the year. Along with its dense, shorter undercoat, the rough coat gives the dog enough protection against elements and brambles.

These dogs can be cautious and shy of strangers, but if you socialize them throughout their lives, they will gladly warm up to friends they meet while out in public. Since they are developed and raised to live in packs, they tend to get along well with other dogs.

Breed Overview

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a bit stubborn and independent, and they tend not to cooperate when it comes to training. If you are a novice owner or don’t have much time for training, it is good to work with a professional trainer, at least in the beginning. This adorable dog is a perfect companion for those who like to adventure and for active families with busy households.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Characteristics

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Puppies

The price of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy varies greatly. It depends on various factors such as the puppy’s lineage, breeder’s location, litter size, breed popularity, breed lines, and much more. After you have purchased a puppy, there are some initial costs to pay out for the pup in terms of items needed and some medical requirements. At home, it will require items such as a crate, bowls, carrier, collar, and leash.

As soon as you have the pup, you need to arrange to take it to a vet for a physical checkup and some procedures and tests. These will include vaccinations, blood tests, microchipping, deworming, and spraying or neutering.

When you bring a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen home, be prepared for a lot of playtime and training sessions!

Temperament & Intelligence of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a cheerful, affectionate, and intelligent dog that is comical to watch. This little dog is enthusiastic and good-natured.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are an active breed. Unlike some other hunting dogs in their family, for instance, Basset, which is typically laid back, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is active and requires an active owner to keep them occupied.

These dogs may be willful, though they are typically very delightful about it that you end up laughing instead of rebuking them. If you want them to be well-trained, you must be patient and firm.

This breed can make an excellent watchdog since they love to back. However, it is good to train your dog to follow commands.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are inquisitive dogs that also happen to be good escape artists. If they get a chance, they will either go over a fence or beneath it by digging. You will need to set up a tall fence and do regular inspections of the fence to make sure your dog is not digging an escape tunnel.

They are just the owner’s pet. They love people in general, strangers, and other pets in the household, including cats. They will create their fun moments.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are relatively challenging to train since they are intelligent and may become stubborn if you allow them to become bored. For appropriate training, it is crucial to provide this breed with a lot of positive reinforcement.

In addition, these don’t tend to be choosy when it comes to sleeping arrangements. They will happily sleep in a family bed, on a couch, on their bed, or even in the parking lot if it makes their owners happy.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an affectionate breed that loves to spend time with humans. He generally gets along well with kids, making them a great family pet, but they may be too energetic for younger kids. Nevertheless, adults should always supervise interaction between kids and a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen gets along well with other dogs. They were ultimately bred to hunt in packs. These social dogs love to interact with other canines out on their daily walks.

They can also live with other household pets, such as cats, but they will probably not get along well with a rabbit. A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is the perfect dog to take on a meet-up with other dogs. Animals such as ferrets and hamsters may cause a problem due to their prey instinct towards small creatures.

Things to Know When Owning a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen:

There is still much to know regarding taking care of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen will do well on high-quality dog food, whether home-prepared or commercially manufactured.

The dog requires about 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food, preferably divided into two meals in a day.  However, remember that how much your adult dog consumes depends on age, size, metabolism, activity level, or any additional health concerns. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference; the better the dog food, the further it will benefit your dog.

Some members of these breeds are susceptible to gaining weight, so it is vital to regulate the amount of food and treats you give to your dog to avoid becoming overweight, especially as they age.

If you need any additional advice on your dog’s diet and weight, then you should consult your vet. Finally, ensure there is continuous availability of clean, fresh water for your dog.

Exercise 🐕

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an incredibly active, curious dog that requires ample exercise and plenty of room to wander and explore. The dog requires at least an hour of exercise every day.

While you are outside on a walk, run or hike, it is good to keep this breed on a leash, as it tends to follow scent everywhere. When indoors, use games, toys, and tricks to keep your dog busy.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen’s robust body makes them perfect candidates for field events such as agility, scent work, and tracking. However, this breed is likely to become warm due to the long coat, so make sure it gets frequent rests and water breaks in hot climates.

Training 🎾

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are highly intelligent dogs, and they do like to please their owners, which significantly helps with dog training. However, keep in mind that this breed has powerful hunting instincts, and when it comes to listening to you or following their intuitions, your dog is likely to choose its instincts. That means proper early socialization is needed to prevent these dogs from harming other household pets.

Do not lash out at your dog, or it might become discouraged. If your dog’s attention seems to wander, use positive training techniques such as praise and rewards, and they should do well.

Grooming ✂️

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a rough, wiry coat that requires minimal grooming. Brush it weekly with a pin brush, comb, or a mat breaker to remove any dead fur and tangles, and neaten stray hairs in front of the eyes as necessary. Trim long hair in the bottom of the feet and check between the pads regularly for foreign materials and mats.

Trim their nails as necessary, usually once a month. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for fresh breath and good overall health. Check the ears once a week for dirt, redness, or a foul smell that may indicate infection.

If the ears look dirty, clean them with a cotton boll moistened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner recommended by your vet. In addition, you may need to pluck hair from ear canals to allow air to circulate and make it easier to remove dirt and wax.

Only bathe the dog when it is completely dirty after an outdoor adventure. The dog is not hypoallergenic, so individuals with allergies may need to be wary. Begin grooming your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen pup at a young age so that it becomes used to it and accepts it willingly.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are generally healthy, though the breed is susceptible to certain health issues like all breeds.

If you are purchasing a puppy, find a reputable breeder who will show health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a pup has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The most common health conditions in Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, ear infections, and primary open-angle glaucoma, the damage of the optic nerve, which leads to visual field loss.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is sometimes affected by an auto-immune pain syndrome that leads to fever, pain, and lethargy in dogs between 6 to 18 months. This issue often resolves on its own, though the pup can be stuck with permanent symptoms in rare cases.

As in most breeds, the leading cause of death in this breed is cancer. A reputable breeder will always screen for genetic disorders to ensure your puppy has the best chance for a long, healthy life.

Keep in mind that after you have brought a new pup into your home, you have the responsibility to protect the puppy from the most common health issue: obesity. Keeping your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen at an appropriate weight is one of the best ways to extend their life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthy dog life.

Male vs Female

Generally, there aren’t a lot of personality distinctions between males and females Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens. According to some owners, females can be easier to potty train than males. Most breeders believe that males are more independent in puppyhood than males. However, both males and females are loving, intelligent, curious, and energetic.

In addition, they both make good hunting companions and family pets.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Here are three interesting facts about these medium-sized dogs:

1. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Were Developed to Be Scent Hounds

Petits were bred to hunt game by scent. They originally came from the same litter as Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, which are bigger and work as hunting dogs for large game such as wolves and deer.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens were progressively separated into their breed and used to hunt miniature games, such as hare, rabbits, and even birds. Today, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are used for hunting small game in the United States, France, and other countries.

2. The Dogs are Highly Vocal

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are very vocal dogs. Their standard breed states they need to have a good voice used freely and purposefully. That means that the dog will not just bark for no reason, but they will bark for about any reason, such as greeting you, greeting other dogs, letting you know they want something, or alerting you to something.

3. The Dogs are Also Known as “the happy breed”

Another beautiful nickname for Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens is “the happy breed.” These dogs are known to be extremely happy. They enjoy human and dog company, love to work and always stay in good spirits.

Conclusion

If you have an active family that has ample time to spend with dog companions, then the Petit Griffon Vendeen may be a perfect choice for you.

These adorable, medium-sized pups need nothing more than a fun-loving and adventurous family. They are loyal, enthusiastic, friendly, and protective. In addition, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are generous and cuddly with their attention, which makes them great companions for kids.

They get along well with other dogs and pets and are reliable when left alone. If you give them the required exercise, they will reward you with their love and affection.

• Related read: Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock