Belonging to the AKC’s Hound Group, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an alert, active, outgoing, cute, and cheerful dog. But don’t go by the cute looks, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens were bred to be tough rabbit hunters in France and they make sturdy house pets. If you are considering bringing home a PBGV puppy, here’s some important information that will help you decide if this breed will fit well with your lifestyle.
In terms of size, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are small dogs, standing 13-15 inches tall and weighing around 25-40 pounds. The average lifespan of a PBGV is 14-16 years, so this is a long-lived dog breed.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are very playful and affectionate with family members. These dogs are tolerant and patient with young children and get along well with other dogs.
While very open and friendly with strangers, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens do have a strongly protective nature and are vigilant. They therefore make very good watchdogs.
This is an adaptable breed that can adjust to changes in routine and therefore does well with busy families. This dog has a very sharp sense of smell and a strong prey instinct. A PBGV cannot resist the urge to follow a scent, so you need to keep him or her on a leash when outside.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a good choice of dog breed for apartment dwellers. Novice pet owners can consider this breed. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens tolerate cold weather very well and hot weather moderately well.
It can be a little challenging to train a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. These dogs are not overly eager to please and have a stubborn streak, so training them does require some patience. Making the training sessions interesting can help to keep your PBGV responsive.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have moderate to high energy levels and mental stimulation needs. This is a dog that needs space to wander and explore. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens make wonderful companions for active individuals who like to hike or go on long walks. Prospective owners of PBGVs should know, however, that they are very vocal and bark a lot.
The PBGV’s long, rough, double coat requires a weekly brushing. It is thick and shaggy and can be frustrating to care for, but it’s worth remembering that the tousled or scruffy appearance is part of the charm. The coat sheds low to moderate amounts. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens will drool on occasion but are not heavy droolers.
The name Petit (small) Basset (low) Griffon (shaggy) Vendeen (from France’s Vendeen region) tells you a lot about this dog’s appearance which is characterized by a beard, moustache, and lush eyebrows. In terms of personality, PBGVs are alert, curious, outgoing hounds with a loud bark.
If you can’t wait to bring home an adorable Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy, check out listings of PBGV breeders on Puppy Hero. We’ve done all the legwork for you and pre-screened breeders of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens so that you can be sure you’re getting a happy, healthy puppy.
