Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The petit basset griffon vendeen is a short-legged compact bodied dogs. Known for their energy and general cheerful temperament they are sometimes referred to as the "happy breed"�. Tail wagging and large anticipating eyes add to this reputation. The petit vendeen is an extroverted and independent dog always willing to please. Their outgoing personality makes them excellent companion dogs. Although great with children, the petit vendeen should not be left with smaller children their energy and vigor can sometimes result in play biting when too excited. This course coated dog lives on average around 13 years. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, the small dog with a big name, was originally developed in western France's Vendee region. It is affectionately referred to as the "PBGV"� by fanciers of the breed. This breed is a scent hound, bred to find the scent of a hare and track and hunt it through the brush of the countryside. It flushes the prey into the open where the hunter can take a shot. The PGVB is a happy, energetic, alert little dog, leading many people to mistake it for a terrier breed. This breed is, as its name suggests, little and low to the ground. Standing from 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, it is generally twice as long as it is tall. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (peh-TEE bass-AY gree-FOHN vahn-day-AHN) has a wiry, medium-length outer coat that is rather rough and harsh, and appears tousled. This protected the dog from brambles as it ran through the underbrush. It's undercoat is soft and dense, to protect it from cold and wet weather conditions. The coat is white with markings in any combination of grizzle, orange, sable, lemon, gray and black. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a slight "beard"� and long eyebrows and eyelashes.The PBGV has the typically long, floppy ears of the scent hound. Its long tail is carried straight out and slightly curved, like a sword. Its legs are short, thick-set and sturdy. It has a free style gait. True to its hound nature, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a big baying bark, startlingly loud for its stature. This breed is descended from the much larger French hunting dog, the rough-coated Griffon, which is now extinct. By the 16th century, the Basset Griffon Vendeen was bred in the Vendee to hunt in rough terrain, covered with rock, brambles, thorns and brush. Its white and multi-colored coat made it easy for the huntsman to spot from horseback, as it hunted. The Basset Griffon Vendeen hunted in pairs (called "braces"�) or in small packs. This determined dog could easily climb over ground that a horse could not approach. Larger individuals of the breed hunted larger game such as deer, and the smaller dogs were used to hunt hare. Over time, the differences were exploited, with the bloodlines of other hounds such as the St. Hubert being added. In the end, four distinct types of Griffon Basset Vendeen were recognized by breeders, including the Grand (large) Basset Griffon Vendeen, and the Petit (small) Basset Griffon Vendeen, which could come from the same litter, being separated simply by size. The French first founded their Club du Basset Vendeen in 1907 to promote all four variants of their breed. The PBGV has existed as a distinct type for over 100 years. In the 1950's the first standard was written in France which distinguished it from the Grand Basset as a distinct breed. In 1975 interbreeding of the Grand and the Petit was disallowed, further defining the separation into two breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was founded in 1984 to promote the breed, and the PBGV was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991. The prospective owner should not be fooled by the size of this breed into thinking that it will make a docile house pet. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a dog that needs a great deal of physical activity. It was bred to track prey for long hours through rough terrain, and it has the corresponding stamina. This breed is still widely used for tracking. Daily long walks are essential, and an active owner who is willing to engage the dog in activities such as hiking will be the best for this active little canine. Left to its own devices for long, the PBGV is likely to become destructive; this is a breed that needs a lot of human interaction. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen should always be walked on leash when not confined; because it is a scent hound it will spontaneously run off in pursuit of prey. The coat of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, although not too long, does need regular attention or it can become dirty and prone to matting. A harsh terrier-type brush should be used at least a few times a week to brush the coat thoroughly. If the owner wishes, this coat can be professionally stripped once a year to keep it looking rough and unkempt as is its tradition. The PBGV is a moderate shedder, and brushing can keep shedding to a minimum. Baths may be given occasionally as needed. The ears of the PBGV, as do the ears of many scent hounds, need regular care. Because of their shape, they can be prone to ear infections. Dogs that spend a fair amount of time outside can attract small insects such as mites to the inside of the ears. The owner should watch for small black or bright red flecks. Ears should be thoroughly cleaned at the very least once a week. They should also be checked by the vet a few times a year when the deeper recesses can be checked by the proper equipment for inflammation and to prevent any issues that may become chronic and serious in nature. Besides ear infections, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can be prone to meningitis, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. Careful and selective breeding can prevent many of these problems in the individual dog. The PBGV is a friendly, easy-going dog that, when given proper exercise, makes a wonderful family pet for an active family who involves the dog in daily activities. It is excessively affectionate and needs a good deal of human companionship daily to remain mentally balanced. It will get along with other household pets and is great with respectful children. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen will enjoy greeting visitors both canine and human with a baying bark, but it is not a dog given to excessive yapping. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an excellent tracking dog, and excels in sports and competitions that utilize its skills. It also enjoys long hikes and camping.

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