Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: France
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, often called the PBGV, is a small French scent hound developed to hunt small game in the dense brush of the Vendee region. It is a lively, happy breed with a rough, tousled coat and a bold, outgoing personality that makes it a favourite among active families.
| Breed | Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen |
| Size | Small (25–40 lbs) |
| Height | 13–15 inches |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years |
| Temperament | Cheerful, Curious, Extroverted |
| Energy Level | High●●●●○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Moderate |
| Training | Fair |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Overview
The PBGV is a sturdy, compact hound standing 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder, built low to the ground with a long body, bushy eyebrows, a beard, and a wiry double coat. Despite its small size, this breed is tough, energetic, and driven by scent, requiring daily outdoor exercise and a securely fenced yard. It is sociable with people and other dogs but carries a strong independent streak that demands patient, consistent handling.
📜 History & Origin
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was developed in France over several centuries to hunt rabbit and hare through the thick, thorny terrain of the Vendee coastal region on the Atlantic seaboard. Breeders selectively bred the PBGV from the larger Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, aiming for a shorter-legged, more compact dog that hunters could follow on foot rather than horseback. The AKC fully recognized the breed in 1990, and it has since earned recognition as both a capable working hound and a spirited companion dog.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 25–40 lbs (11–18 kg)
- Height: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 25–38 lbs
- Height: 13–15 inches
Coat type: Rough, harsh, and wiry double coat of medium length
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are high-energy dogs that require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This includes brisk walks, off-leash running, fetch, or swimming. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen)
- Daily amount: 1 to 1.5 cups of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Brush 2–3 times per week to manage shedding and coat condition.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen lifespan is 14–16 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Active families with children
- Owners with securely fenced yards
- Experienced dog owners who enjoy hound breeds
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- First-time dog owners expecting quick obedience
- Apartment dwellers or those in small homes without outdoor access
- Owners who need a quiet, low-energy companion
- Requires significant daily exercise
🆚 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Other Breeds
✅ Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen wins at
The PBGV tends to be slightly more outgoing and sociable at dog parks and with strangers than the Beagle.
✅ Beagle wins at
The Beagle is easier to train and more widely available from reputable breeders in the UK and worldwide.
✅ Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen wins at
The PBGV is significantly more energetic and agile, making it better suited for active households and outdoor adventures.
✅ Basset Hound wins at
The Basset Hound is calmer and better suited to quieter homes or owners who prefer a more laid-back companion.
🏠 Who Should Own a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Active families with children
- Owners with securely fenced yards
- Experienced dog owners who enjoy hound breeds
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time dog owners expecting quick obedience
- Apartment dwellers or those in small homes without outdoor access
- Owners who need a quiet, low-energy companion
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
- You have a very sedentary lifestyle
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen good for families?
Yes, the PBGV is an excellent family dog that genuinely enjoys the company of children and tends to be playful and gentle with them when properly socialized. It is naturally sociable with other dogs and household pets, making it a good fit for multi-pet homes. However, its high energy and stubborn hound nature mean it does best in families who can provide daily exercise and firm, consistent training.
How much does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy cost?
In the UK, a PBGV puppy from a health-tested, Kennel Club registered breeder typically costs between 800 and 1,500 pounds depending on lineage and availability. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 80,000 to 180,000 PKR due to the breed's rarity, with most puppies being imported. In India, expect to pay between 40,000 and 90,000 INR, though the breed is uncommon and finding a reputable local breeder may require significant research.
Is Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen easy to train?
The PBGV is an intelligent breed but it is not considered easy to train due to its strong hound instincts and independent nature. It tends to follow its nose rather than commands, which can make recall training particularly challenging without consistent reinforcement from an early age. Positive reinforcement techniques with short, engaging sessions work best, and owners should expect a longer learning curve compared to more biddable breeds.
What food is best for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?
A high-quality dry kibble formulated for small to medium active breeds is a solid foundation for an adult PBGV, providing the protein and fat ratios needed to support its energetic lifestyle. Feeding roughly 1 to 1.5 cups of kibble per day split into two meals helps prevent bloat and keeps weight in a healthy range. Avoid overfeeding with treats during training sessions as the breed has a healthy appetite and can gain weight if caloric intake is not monitored.
Does Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen bark a lot?
Yes, the PBGV is a vocal breed and was originally bred to give voice while tracking game, so barking and howling come naturally to it. Owners in close-proximity housing such as semi-detached homes or terraced streets should be prepared to invest time in bark management training from puppyhood.
Can a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen live in an apartment?
The PBGV is generally not well suited to apartment living because of its high energy levels, tendency to bark, and need for regular off-lead exercise in a secure outdoor space. It can adapt to smaller homes if owners commit to multiple daily walks and enrichment activities, but a house with a securely fenced garden remains the ideal environment for this breed.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 14–16 years, high energy demands, and moderate grooming requirements, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen will reward you with years of loyal companionship.