Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Hound Group

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog (PBGV), is like a shaggy Basset hound. It is a small French hound dog originally used to hunt small game. Described as a very "happy" dog, they are often used as therapy dogs.

History

Among the list of small types of the French hounds, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen could be tracked to the sixteenth century also to Griffon Vendeen, his stronger, larger ancestor. This breed was created to chase small game like hare and rabbit on the hard terrain seen in Vendeen area.

Physical Features

Probably the most unique traits of this striking hunter are his shaggy coat and happy personality.

Both genders should be between 13 and 15 inches at the withers. The height of mature dogs over fifteen inches or below thirteen inches on the withers is often penalized in shows. When seen in profile, the entire body is sort of longer than the height when measured through tip of shoulder to bottom, when compared to the tallness from withers to floor.

The coat is long, rough, and harsh to touch, with a solid shorter undercoat. It's never woolly or silky. The entire look is tousled and casual. White with the mixtures of black, lemon, orange, sable, grizzle or tricolor markings, delivering easy presence in the field.

Personality

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a happy, friendly, and clever dog that is humorous to see. Normally self-assured and curious. Lively and bold; robust and compact, they like to explore. They're typically great with other breeds.

Common Health Problems

Genetic eye irregularities include continual retinal folds and papillary membranes, neither which generally influences vision. There has been several situations of glaucoma lately reported, a state which often leads to blindness. Seizure problems and epilepsy are sometimes reported in the breed, as is hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and elbow dysplasia. Hypothyroidism, skin allergies and food allergies are also reported in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen breed.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

To read more blog posts go here: Veterinary Blog

To sign up for my newsletter go here: Veterinary Newsletter