The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small/medium-sized, strong, deep-chested scent hound. He has a typical basset-type shape – being longer than he is tall and low to the ground. Adults stand at approximately 34-38cm and weigh around 15-20kg. The rough, medium-length coat comes in white with lemon, orange, sable, grizzle or black markings, or tricolour.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a fun, extrovert dog who loves to be kept active. He can be stubborn, independent and bold, so requires an owner with patience and tolerance, but he is always willing to please. He gets on well with other dogs, children and strangers.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dog breed can be traced back to the 16th century and originates from the Vendee region of western France. There are two varieties of the basset type of Griffon Vendeen, the Petit and the Grand. These two originally occurred in the same litters, and it wasn't until the 1970s that the cross breeding of these two varieties was forbidden. Today, these dogs are still used, as individuals or in packs, to hunt wild boar and to scent rabbit and hare.
As with many breeds the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can suffer various inherited eye conditions and so eye testing is recommended in all dogs prior to breeding. Epilepsy is also known to occur in both Grands and Petits.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen requires an hour's exercise or more a day, as well as games and time outside. A country-loving dog, his hunting instincts are still in evidence, and he loves putting his nose to the ground and following any scents he detects – sometimes developing 'hound selective deafness' at the same time!
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.
The weather-resistant coat comprises a thick undercoat and a rough, harsh, medium-length topcoat. A weekly groom is needed, as well as regular ear cleaning.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
