Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed ( PBGV )

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) - A Scent Hound
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location. As a pet the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) is affectionate, kind, and loves to be part of the family. Happy and extrovert its ever willing to please.

Information, Facts & History of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog
The long French name of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) provides an accurate description of the breed: petit (small) , basset (low), griffon (rough-coated), Vendéen (for its area of origin in France). The ancestors of today's Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) were derived from the Ardennes region in Belgium and in Brittany in the 700's and were known as the St Hubert strain after the monk Francois Hubert, who was subsequently canonised and became the patron saint of hunters. St Hubert's Day is remembered on the 3rd November when there is a traditional blessing of the hounds at the little Chapel of St Hubert. Its other ancestors, the Basset Hound, provided the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) of today with its short legs which made it ideal for hunting at a slow pace and gave the qualities of strength and endurance. Commoners started to hunt with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV )s as the dogs were of smallish build their upkeep was inexpensive and their short legs made them ideal for accompanying a hunter who was on foot. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) flourished in rocky terrains which were filled with thick brambles and underbrush. The PBGV was perfect for hunting rabbits in Vendeen, and similar areas, for the following reasons:

• Wiry coat - able to withstand brambles and thorns

• Small legs - able to swiftly cross underbrush

• Built for strength and endurance

The first PBGV was registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1909. 

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
Description - The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV )'s coat comes in a range of the following colours: white with any combination of lemon, orange, tri-colour or grizzle markings. The coat is rough, long without exaggeration & harsh to the touch.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)

• Epilepsy

• Patellar Luxation ( The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this breed of dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information on Grooming and Care of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog Breed
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) requires a minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information on the Temperament and Character of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog Breed
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) is a very sociable breed, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans, they are playful, inquisitive, intelligent, affectionate, gentle, and demanding. Although the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) was developed as an active hunting dog it makes a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise and attention.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog Breed
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) dogs and puppies are suited to living in the town and require a moderate  amount of exercise. If the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) is not given sufficient attention it can become destructive. It loves to sniff, explore, trail and dig - they are expert escapologists.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Puppies info
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) puppies:

• Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed

• Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair

• Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain

• Exercising requirements for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) breed

• Living Conditions for the breed - suitability for puppies

• Family - child suitability

Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) - essential information and unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Age comparison between the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) Dog Breed
The life expectancy for the PBGV is between 11 – 14 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for.  Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

Hunting and running down small quarry Flushing out and Driving game Vermin Hunting Guard duties Tracking In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) dog breeding program successful.

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) dog - essential information but unique to this site. 

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group 
The Hound group of dogs includes the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ( PBGV ) and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links: