Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
BoldVivaciousHappy
France · 14–16 years
About the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, affectionately known as the PBGV, is a cheerful, extroverted French scenthound developed to hunt rabbits through the dense, thorny undergrowth of the Vendée region. Their name describes them perfectly: Petit (small), Basset (low to the ground), Griffon (rough-coated), Vendéen (from Vendée). These small, rough-coated hounds are bold, vivacious, and endlessly entertaining. PBGVs are independent thinkers with the typical hound tendency to follow their nose, but they combine this with a sociable, happy disposition that makes them delightful family companions.
Breed stats
- Height
- 13–15 in
- Weight
- 25–40 lbs
- Lifespan
- 14–16 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Rough, harsh, medium length with casual appearance
- Origin
- France
Coat colors
- White with Lemon
- White with Orange
- White with Black
- Tricolor
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
45–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–1.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems
Not every Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- PBGV stands for Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, a French name that describes the breed's key characteristics. Petit means small (distinguishing them from the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen), Basset means low-set or low to the ground, Griffon means rough or wire-coated, and Vendéen refers to the Vendée region of western France where the breed was developed. The name is often shortened to PBGV in casual conversation because of its length. Despite the similar name, PBGVs are a distinct breed from their larger cousin, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.
- PBGVs are intelligent but challenging to train due to their independent, hound-like nature. They were bred to hunt independently, making decisions without human direction, and this self-reliance carries over to obedience training. They respond best to positive reinforcement with variety — repetitive training bores them quickly. Food rewards are particularly motivating. PBGVs are not disobedient by nature; they simply weigh each command against whatever their nose has found more interesting. Patience, humor, and realistic expectations are essential. They will never achieve the instant obedience of a Border Collie.
- PBGVs are among the most sociable breeds with other dogs. They were bred to hunt in packs and have a naturally gregarious, non-confrontational temperament with other canines. Most PBGVs genuinely enjoy the company of other dogs and do well in multi-dog households. They are playful, inviting, and rarely show aggression toward other dogs. Many PBGV owners find that having two is easier than having one, as they entertain each other and satisfy each other's social needs. Their pack mentality makes them happier with canine companionship.
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