Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Description
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV, is a compact, rugged hound with a distinctive rough double coat that sets it apart visually. Its long, wiry fur, bushy eyebrows, and beard give it a rustic charm. This breed originated in western France’s Vendée region, where it was bred to hunt rabbits and small game through dense brush. Despite its small stature, the PBGV is surprisingly sturdy and agile, built to endure long hours tracking scents in challenging terrain. Friendly and outgoing, the PBGV thrives in active households that appreciate its lively personality. It’s a sociable dog that enjoys interaction but retains a strong prey drive, making it prone to chasing small animals. Its keen nose, second only to the Bloodhound’s, means it’s happiest when given tasks or games that engage its scenting abilities. This breed’s distinctive howl was historically used to communicate during hunts, and today it remains quite vocal, alerting owners to anything unusual.
Grooming
The PBGV’s long, rough double coat requires consistent care to maintain its texture and prevent matting. Weekly carding with a slicker brush gently removes dead hair trapped in the coat without damaging the wiry texture. Handstripping every 8 to 12 weeks is essential to preserve the coat’s natural roughness and vibrant color, especially in tri-color or white spotting patterns that can dull if neglected. This breed sheds minimally, but dead hairs tend to cling, so regular grooming is key. - Card coat weekly to remove dead hair - Use a light slicker brush gently - Handstrip every 8–12 weeks - Check ears and beard for debris - Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying coat Pro tip: Use a stripping knife or seek professional help to maintain coat texture and avoid over-brushing.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to suit their stamina and curiosity. Morning walks can focus on brisk exercise to burn off energy, while evening strolls offer a chance to explore scents and unwind. These dogs love following trails and sniffing out interesting smells, so including some off-leash time in a secure area can satisfy their hunting instincts. Example routine: - Morning: 45 minutes brisk walk with scent breaks - Evening: 40 minutes relaxed exploration and sniffing Keep walks varied to engage their nose and mind.
Boarding
When boarding a PBGV, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to allow comfortable movement and resting space. This breed enjoys active play sessions, so plan for two energetic play blocks daily that incorporate scent and brain games to keep them mentally sharp. Avoid small-animal toys, as their strong prey drive may trigger chasing behavior. Secure fencing is a must to prevent escapes. Staff should note the PBGV’s vocal nature; they tend to bark or howl when bored or anxious. Regular interaction and mental enrichment reduce stress and promote calm behavior. Offering puzzle feeders or scent trails during downtime helps replicate their natural hunting activities, making boarding more enjoyable and less stressful.