Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)
Watch our video about the Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)!
This friendly, confident, little dog is into everything and fun to have around. Group: Hound
Size: Medium
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Small or Large House
Garden size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: Up to 1 hour per day
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (sometimes shortened to PBGV) are small, low to the ground and the length of body (measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock) exceeds the height at withers at a ratio of approximately 7:5. They have quite a long, harsh outer coat and a thick, short undercoat which is generally white with any hound colour.
Both the Grand and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen came from the Vendee region of France to hunt rabbit and hare and were bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen, hence the name 'Basset' meaning shortened legs. Initially, if the puppies were small they were named 'Petit' and if they were large (over 38cm at the shoulder) they were named 'Grand'. They are now recognised by the UK Kennel Club as two separate breeds.
They have a strong hunting drive so a lot of care and preparation is needed if they're going to be let off lead. They are active indoors but enjoy physical exercise outdoors too, so a large garden is ideal. They also like to dig so gardens must be safely fenced. Generally sociable with people and other dogs, they can be less trustworthy with non-canine pets.
Regular brushing should be enough to keep shedding fairly minimal. They are a generally healthy breed although eye problems have been reported.