Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

From France’s Vendée region, the PBGV (“petit” = small; “basset” = low; “griffon” = rough-coated) was developed to hunt rabbit and hare through thorny brush and rocky ground. Its rough coat, fearless attitude, and agile, low build made it ideal for close-quarters work, singly or in packs. The breed shares ancestry with other Vendéen hounds and was standardized in the 20th century; today it is recognized worldwide and remains a lively companion that shines in scent sports.

‍

A low, rectangular, strongly built hound with harsh, protective coat and expressive furnishings.

• Weight: 25–40 lb (11–18 kg)
• Height: 13–15 in (33–38 cm)
• Coat Type: Double coat; harsh/rough, weather-resistant outer coat with dense undercoat; eyebrows, beard, and mustache
• Coat Colors: White with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, grizzle, or tricolour patches/ticking
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Long, low-set, oval ears; dark, oval eyes; tail like a sabre carried high; sturdy bone; lively, ground-covering gait

‍

Low shedding but not “wash-and-go”—routine keeps the coat functional and skin healthy.

• Brushing/Combing: 2×/week to the skin to prevent felted patches
• Hand-Stripping: Lightly every 6–10 weeks to maintain harsh texture and reduce shedding (avoid clipper-softening the coat)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or after muddy adventures; fully dry the undercoat
• Ear Care: Clean/dry weekly—drop ears + outdoor work can trap moisture/debris
• Eye/Furnishings: Wipe corners and tidy eyebrows/mustache as needed for vision/hygiene
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Low to moderate, heaviest seasonally if undercoat is neglected

‍

An energetic trail dog that thrives with daily nose-work and free movement.

• Daily Duration: 60–90 minutes (split walks + off-leash sprints in safely fenced areas)
• Great Activities: Scent work, tracking, long-line “sniffaris,” hiking, agility, rally, field fun runs
• Suitability: Houses or apartments with robust daily exercise; secure fencing is strongly recommended due to scent chase

‍

Smart, cheerful, and independent—make training fun, fair, and scent-savvy.

• Method: Positive reinforcement with food/toy rewards; short, varied sessions
• Focus Areas: Reliable recall on a long line, “quiet” on cue, loose-leash walking despite scent pulls, settle/place for an off-switch
• Socialization: Early, upbeat exposure to people, dogs, novel surfaces/sounds to channel confidence vs. cheeky pushiness
• Management: Use gates/long lines outdoors; reinforce check-ins and calm greetings (they can be exuberant)

‍

Keep them lean and field-ready while supporting skin/coat and joint health.

• Food Type: High-quality small/medium-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~1.5–2.5 cups total, split into two meals (adjust to age/workload)
• Feeding Schedule: Twice daily; use part of meals for training rewards
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat; watch waistline—food-motivated hounds gain easily

‍

Choose health-tested, well-socialized pups—or consider rescue for this friendly hound.

• Breeders: Seek CKC/FCI/AKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide hip/eye/patella results, early socialization plans, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Hound/scent-sport rescues; PBGV breed club rescue programs
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory; regional scent-work/tracking clubs (ON/BC/QC) for networking and sport intros; PBGV breed clubs (Canada/US) for education/referrals

‍

Generally hardy, but a few breed-noted issues warrant screening and awareness.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia; patellar luxation; ear infections (moisture/debris); eye disorders (cataract/PRA in some lines)
• Breed-Specific: PBGV Pain Syndrome (immune-mediated meningitis/fever, usually responsive to veterinary care)
• Back Care: Long-back/short-leg build—avoid repeated high jumps; monitor for occasional IVDD signs
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Recommended Testing: Hips (and patellas), ophthalmologist (CAER), breeder discussion on Pain Syndrome history; regular ear/skin checks

‍

Do Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens bark a lot?
Yes—they’re vocal “merry hounds.” Teach a reliable “quiet” and meet exercise/mental needs.

Are PBGVs good apartment dogs?
They can be—with 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, enrichment, and consistent bark management.

Are PBGVs hypoallergenic?
No. Shedding is low to moderate with routine hand-stripping and brushing.

How much grooming does a PBGV need?
Brush 2×/week, hand-strip every 6–10 weeks, and clean ears weekly.

How much exercise does a PBGV need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily, ideally including sniff-heavy walks and scent games.

Do PBGVs get along with kids and other pets?
Generally excellent with kids and friendly dogs; supervise with small pets due to prey drive.

What is PBGV Pain Syndrome?
An immune-mediated inflammatory condition (meningitis-like) seen in the breed; most respond to prompt veterinary treatment. Ask breeders about incidence.

PBGV vs GBGV—what’s the difference?
The Petit is smaller, lighter, and snappier in movement; the Grand is taller/longer and typically slower, bred for larger game.

‍