Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
puh-TEE bas-SAY GRIF-un von-DAY-un
France· Vendee, western France
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, often called the PBGV, is the smallest of the four Vendeen hound breeds, developed for hunting hare and rabbit through dense undergrowth.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush plus occasional hand-stripping
Coat length
Wire
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Either, with garden access
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The smallest of the Vendeen breeds was developed for hunters who needed a hound compact enough to push through the thickest coastal scrub and bramble while trailing hare and rabbit. Its short legs and rough coat let it work close to the ground where taller hounds could not follow easily. Local farmers and hunters in the Vendee prized its tenacity and cheerful, independent character. It has since become one of the most popular Vendeen breeds internationally as a companion.
- Region
- Vendee, western France
- Climate it was bred for
- Coastal marshland and rough scrubland of western France
- Original job
- Hunting hare and rabbit through dense undergrowth on foot
The long read
About the breed
Its short legs and rough coat allowed it to push through the thickest cover close to the ground, giving hunters a tenacious, low-built hound with a keen nose.
In the home it is cheerful, extroverted and sociable, though its strong independent streak and hunting drive mean recall can be unreliable off-lead and it needs patient, consistent training.
Today the PBGV is a popular companion breed worldwide as well as a working hound in France, valued for its friendly, characterful personality.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Smallest Vendeen type
The smallest individuals from Griffon Vendeen litters were bred to work the thickest scrub.
1907
Distinguished from Grand type
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was recognised as distinct from its larger relative.
1975
UK introduction
The breed was first imported to the United Kingdom, beginning its rise as a companion dog.
1990
AKC recognition
The American Kennel Club recognised the breed, cementing its international popularity.
2000s
Popular companion breed
The PBGV became widely kept as a family pet while retaining a small hunting following in France.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Longer than tall, deep chest, strong loin.
- coat
- Harsh, long and shaggy with a thick undercoat.
- ears
- Fine, set low, oval in outline.
- eyes
- Dark, large and alert without being prominent.
- head
- Fairly long with a domed skull, bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard.
- size
- 34-38cm at the withers
- colour
- Fawn, white and orange, white and black, tricolour or grizzle.
- temperament
- Extroverted, happy and independent, with strong hunting instincts.
- general appearance
- A small, low-set, rough-coated hound with a cheerful, alert expression and sturdy build.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Mug
Ceramic mug with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Retractable Lead
5m retractable with one-touch brake.
Fits any dog
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