PBGV's co-owned with Wendy Hewitt

The PBGV is a medium sized, rough coated hound with a slightly elongated body.  His long eyebrows, beard and moustache give him a slightly comical look which well matches his personality.  His coat is predominantly white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, tri-colour or grizzle markings.
 

Behaviour /  Characteristics

The PBGV should be bold and vivacious in character.  He is an extrovert and willing to please but also has an independent streak owing to his pack hound origins.   Definitely not a 'lap dog', he is very active and always looking for a new adventure.  His property needs to be well fenced.
 

History

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is one of many small French hounds.  The breed has evolved slowly over the last 400 years, his predecessor being the Griffon Vendeen, a very large, powerful hunting hound with a rough coat.

As hunting became less of a way to survive and more of a leisure activity packs were developed to suit local needs, and the local environment of the Vendee region in France determined the development of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, translated to mean 'small, low to ground, rough coated hound of the Vendee'.  The correct pronunciation is 'Puh-tee Bah-say Gree-fohn Von-day-uhn' and it is easy to see why the abbreviation 'PBGV' or 'Petit' is preferred!

Venery (hunting) is still popular in France today, and there are still many packs in France bred and maintained to fulfill their original purpose.
 
 

Ownership Preferences

This is an active, lively dog that as an adult will require regular  exercise.  As his pack hound origins suggest, he is very social and loves company so he is not a breed that should be left to his own devices for long periods of time. He is happiest in the company of his family.  His coat requires regular weekly grooming to keep it free of matts.
 
 

Housing Requirements

A well fenced property is essential for any scent hound, as is a good sized section.  He will do equally well kennelled (provided he has company) or in the house.  A sturdy wire crate is a safe, secure place which affords both dog and owner peace of mind.
 

Feeding Requirements

Petits are 'good doers' and are not fussy by nature.   There are many excellent prepared foods on the market that will give the correct amount to feed on the package to maintain a healthy weight.
 

Grooming

The PBGV has a thick, wiry, coarse coat which was developed to protect the skin from the rough environmental elements of the Vendee.    Care must be taken to groom him regularly to minimize the risk of matting, keep the skin healthy and get out all of the dead hair.  The occasional bath will also be necessary.  Nails should be clipped regularly and ears checked weekly and kept free of hair.
 

Training

Like any breed, a PBGV needs to be taught good manners from an early age.  He can be headstrong and wilful but is also very intelligent and will learn fast.  Consistency and firmness will pay off very quickly.

Overseas, many Petit owners enjoy running their hounds at agility and also in obedience tests.
 

Leisure Pursuits

The PBGV is an active dog by nature, and as an adult will require regular exercise.  He will be happy to walk with you for miles.  As he is a scent hound, it is recommended that you keep him on a lead at all times, especially near traffic.
 
 

Longevity

A healthy PBGV has an average life span of 12 - 14 years.
 
 

Health

Although overall the PBGV is generally robust, as with any breed there are some health problems which have been noted.  This breed is still very new in New Zealand and breeders have gone to great lengths to secure sound, healthy animals to establish the breed in this country. 
 

Undesirable Traits

Prospective owners will be attracted to the PBGV because of his good looks and charming personality.  They make absolutely delightful pets but it is important to also consider that he is an active little hound who was bred specifically to hunt and requires plenty of attention and regular exercise and grooming.