Description

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen looks like a Basset hound and acts like a terrier. He has a small body and is very long. He has a double coat with long hair and rough texture. He has a beard and even a mustache on his face. He is a hound and has the drooped hound ears. His tail is long, curved, and tapered. The dog has a large, open nostril nose, small legs, and a deep baying voice. His long body was bred to be one that could easily chase game into small, narrow, low to the ground spaces.

Coat Description

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a wiry coat that has a protective undercoat. This coat protects the dog when he is hunting or anytime he is outside. The coat is medium length and rough textured. He needs weekly grooming to maintain his coat.

The Petit Basset griffon Vendeen is usually white with orange, lemon, grey or black markings. There are also bicolour, tri-color and grizzled coats.

History

The breed’s name refers to the specific features of the dog. “petit” is French for small; “basset” refers to the dog’s low height; “griffon” refers to the type of wiry coat the dog has; “Vendeen” is the region of France where the breed originated. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a relatively new breed in the United States, but has been around for a few hundred years in France. He was originally bred to hunt rabbits, and hunted in packs or alone. The dog would hunt with a hunter who was on foot, and the dog could lead the hunter through the low brush and brambles to find the game. This is why the breed is so low to the ground and agile.

Temperament

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a happy, mischievous, and comical dog. They are independent and stubborn, as they are very much like terriers. He is alert, wilful, and dedicated. He was bred as a hunting dog, and he is independent because of this natural instinct. He is a pack dog, so he does very well with other dogs but does not like to be with other types of animals. He likes people and likes children. The owner must establish a dominant position right away or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen will take over the house. Begin his training at a young age to prevent his stubborn and independent streak from getting the best of him.

Health Problems

The petit Basset griffon Vendeen is quite a healthy breed, though he does have a few health problems to be aware of. He is prone to CHD and otitis externa as well as meningitis, patellar luxation, and epilepsy.

Grooming

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a dog that needs to be brushed using a wire brush in order to keep the coat free of mats and tangles. The breed should be brushed a few times a week, not less than two times. Clip his toenails two times a month, unless the dog walks a lot and the nails wear down quickly. The breed should be introduced to basic grooming procedures at an early age so he learns to accept and obey them. Clean the dog’s ears regularly. He should be bathed approximately once a month.

Exercise

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise. He needs an owner who likes to be outdoors, walking, running, hiking, etc, or playing games with the dog in the yard. He also likes to go camping with his owner. The breed will not do well chained up or kept in a pen. He needs a lot of human contact to be happy, and he needs a lot of physical exercise. He will develop bad behaviors if he is not attended to properly.

Training

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a hound, and therefore a hunting dog. They like to hunt following their instincts, and if they are not properly trained and exercised, they will destroy your home, your yard, and anything else they can find trying to hunt for small animals or something to do. The breed can be a little stubborn and is very intelligent so it is important to use firm training methods with the dog. The dog needs a lot of exercise, so making his training sessions a part of his exercise routine is a good idea. They need leash training so they do not struggle against the leash when they see something they want to hunt or chase. The dog does well with other dogs, and can be taken to a dog park, but he should not be let off the leash unless the park is securely fenced in. Crate training for the dog works very well, and they needs to have access to toys and other activities. They like to play games with their family members and will do well running in a large yard with children or with a master.