Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Also known as PBGV
- Height at the withers
- 34 to 38 cm
- Weight
- 12 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A small scent hound with a wiry coat, bushy eyebrows and beard, a slightly long body and a proudly carried tail, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a passionate hunter that loves brambles and thick brush, and a rabbit specialist. “A devil in the field, an angel at home,” as its standard puts it, it is cheerful, sociable and expressive, but also stubborn, vocal and quick to follow a scent.
History and origins
For a long time, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens shared the standard of the Grand Basset, differing only in size, which produced dogs too heavy for their work. In the mid-20th century, Abel Dezamy wrote them a standard of their own, making the breed a basset scaled down in harmonious proportions, and crossbreeding with the Grand Basset ended in 1975. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 67), the PBGV has become popular abroad, even winning Best in Show at Westminster in 2023, while it remains low-key in France, with 127 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma
- Primary lens luxation
- Steroid-responsive aseptic meningitis
- Herniated disc
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: white and black, black and tan, white and orange, tricolor, fawn with black overlay, sand with black overlay, with or without white.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very open, 5 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen FAQ
How big does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen get?
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen stands 34 to 38 cm at the withers and weighs 12 to 18 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs average care.
Can the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are primary open-angle glaucoma and primary lens luxation.
