The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a short little dog with a long hairy body and a carefree attitude. The "PBGV" as the breed is known by the shortened nickname, is a member of a group of four varieties of scent hounds called Griffons which were developed in the area of Vendee in southern France. The breed was introduced into the United States in 1991, being admitted into the Hound Group at A.K.C. shows. He made an instant hit with his unique long and low basset appearance but covered with rough and unruly hair. In Canada and Great Britain they had made their appearance years before and were known as "roughies".

This is a term that befits their appearance, the coat is quite harsh and stiff. The eyes have a distinctive "shelf" of hair sticking out above them making eyebrows, protecting the eyes without hiding them. The muzzle is covered with longer hair and the lips also, making a "beard" and mustache. The coat is about two to four inches long all over and it is strictly against the standard of the breed to trim or change the lines of the dog through grooming when entered at A.K.C. shows.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was bred to have an extremely tough and durable coat, thus providing a good protection for him from the brambles and thistles in the wilds of his native country. The coat should be tousled in appearance and quite wiry. The dog's body is long and low to the ground, rather like that of a Dachshund, so that he can make his way into thickets and heavily brushy areas to follow his prey. The height of the dog at a year of age, according to the standard required by the American Kennel Club, should be not above 15 inches nor under 13 inches at the withers. The colors of the coat should be a base of White with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor or grizzle markings, so that he can be easily distinguished when out in the field.

The PBGV is definitely first and foremost a hunting dog and has the inherent nature of the hunter, alert and inquisitive with a certain amount of confidence and independence. He is easily trainable and willing to please, happy to go on the hunt or go on a walk and has made a "hit" in the United States as a pet for apartment or country living. He is not by nature aggressive to other dogs and will fit in easily into a household with other dogs. Also his personality is easy going and he will take a fair amount of mauling from children in a family with happiness and affection. He does need plenty of exercise and a good long walk daily if he is an urban dweller keeps him content and prevent obesity. This is a dog that has a strong hunting instinct however and certainly needs to be kept within a fenced in area.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs