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Dog Breed

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Origin: France

Breed Group: Hound

Physical Characteristics

Size: Small to Medium

Height: Male: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm), Female: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm)

Weight: Male: 25–40 lbs (11–18 kg), Female: 25–40 lbs (11–18 kg)

Coat Type: Harsh, rough, medium-length double coat

Coat Colors: White with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable, or grizzle markings

Grooming Needs: Moderate (weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping)

Shedding: Moderate

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Cheerful, outgoing, stubborn, curious, affectionate

Intelligence Level: Moderate to High

Energy Level: High

Health Information

Lifespan: 12–14 years

Common Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye conditions, epilepsy

Care

Nutrition Needs: Balanced, high-quality diet; watch weight due to food motivation

Exercise Needs: High – needs daily walks, play, and scent-driven exploration

Space Requirements: Adaptable to apartments with exercise, best with access to a yard

Noise Sensitivity: High (vocal, baying hound voice)

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: High

Socialization Tips: Intelligent but independent—requires patience, consistency, and rewards-based training

Good with Children: Yes, sociable and pack-oriented

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, sociable and pack-oriented

Good with Other Pets: Yes, generally good—may chase smaller animals if not socialized

Training: Intelligent but independent—requires patience, consistency, and rewards-based training

Description

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a lively and determined French scent hound, bred to hunt rabbits through thick underbrush. Known for their happy-go-lucky demeanor and scruffy, charming looks, these dogs are social, adventurous, and full of personality.

Their coarse, wire-haired coat needs regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping to stay tidy and healthy. PBGVs are high-energy, love to follow their noses, and excel at tracking, agility, and scent work. While they are very friendly and love attention, they can be stubborn, so training should be fun, consistent, and reward-based.

History

Origin: The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a French hunting dog breed with origins dating back several centuries, likely to the 16th century. The breed was developed in the Vendée region of France, where hunters needed a tough, independent, and tenacious dog capable of navigating dense underbrush and rocky terrain. The PBGV descends from the much larger Griffon Vendéen and is part of a family of four varieties of Griffon Vendéen hounds that trace their ancestry back to the Royal Races hundreds of years ago. Historical records indicate that several PBGVs were given to King Louis XII, who ruled France from 1498 to 1515, and for a time, the breed was known as "Chiens Blancs du Roi," or the King's White Hounds.
Development: The true development of the Basset Griffon Vendéen (and later the Petit variety) dates back to the late 1800s. Paul Dêzamy played a crucial role in the breed's development, forming his famous hunting pack, the Rallye Bocage, consisting of 15 to 20 BGVs that excelled in the field. In 1907, Dêzamy became the first president of the Club du Basset Griffon Vendéen and created the first standard for the breed. Initially, one standard recognized two sizes: the Petit (approximately 13½ to 15 inches at the shoulders) and the Grand (15 to 16½ inches). For a long time, the Petit and Grand varieties shared the same breed standard, with size being the only differentiating factor. After World War II, breeders working to revive the breed decided that separate standards were needed for the two types. The PBGV received its own breed standard in the 1950s, but crossbreeding between the Petit and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen wasn't banned until 1977. The main differences between the varieties include size, with the PBGV also having a shorter muzzle, squarer body, and shorter tail.
Recognition: The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1990. Although the breed has a history dating back centuries, it didn't arrive in the United States until the 1970s when Elizabeth Streeter imported some Petit puppies to create a working pack called the Skycastle Pack. The breed didn't gain popularity in the U.S. until a decade later when a 12-week-old Petit won Best in Match in 1983. Since then, the PBGV has transitioned from being relatively unknown to a widely recognized breed that excels in group competition.
Today, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is known as "the happy breed" due to its consistently cheerful disposition. These dogs enjoy human and canine company, love to work, and maintain good spirits. The PBGV stands 13 to 15 inches tall, weighs between 25 and 42 pounds, and has a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. The breed features a distinctive double coat that is harsh, long, and rough, though the facial and leg hair are usually softer. Their coloration typically consists of white with a combination of markings such as lemon, sable, black, orange, tricolor, or grizzle. PBGVs are happy, excitable, and curious dogs with strong scenting instincts that may lead them to follow interesting smells, making a well-fenced yard highly recommended. They are also very vocal dogs, with their breed standard specifically stating they should have "a good voice freely and purposefully used". While they don't bark without reason, they will vocalize to greet people or other dogs, to request something, or to alert their owners. While still used for hunting small game in France, the United States, and other countries, the PBGV's role has expanded beyond hunting to include being a show dog and companion, especially outside of France.

Ideal Owner

Active families or individuals who enjoy a cheerful, lively, and social dog