The petit basset griffon Vendeen (small, low, rough-coated Vendeen) is a friendly dog, but it is not very common in the United States. PBGVs are often mistaken as mutts because of their shaggy appearance and awkward bodies. But PBGVs have been around for a long time. They are scent hounds, originally bred in France for hunting rabbits during the 1700s, according to The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile. Their coats are rough and able to tolerate thorns and brush while hunting. They are still used for hunting in France. In the United States where they are less common, they are primarily pets.
PBGVs are similar to the basset hound and at one point were even shown as a wire-coated version of the basset, according to Coile. However, PBGVs have longer legs and are more athletic than bassets. They weigh between 25 and 35 pounds and come in white mixed with any other color such as gray or gold. In 1990, the PBGV became recognized by the AKC. Today the breed makes a good pet because of its gentle, upbeat personality.
Advantages to owning a PBGV:
1. PBGVs are good with children, dogs and pets.
2. Their coats do not require much grooming. PBGVs shed, but not as much as most breeds.
3. PBGVs have no major health issues.
4. They are playful and friendly with strangers. They can be barkers, but they are gentle and want to make friends with everyone. Because of their personality and goofy appearance, they make great therapy dogs.
5. They don’t drool a lot, but water clings to their beards when they drink.
Disadvantages to owning a PBGV:
1. PBGVs like to dig.
2. They are smart dogs, but smart does not mean obedient. They aren’t the easiest to train, and you might find your PBGV getting distracted by a scent. A PBGV will follow her nose wherever it takes her!
3. PBGVs bark at approaching strangers or people they know. They don’t have a yappy bark, it’s a big-dog’s bark in a little body.
4. The breed is high energy and needs a long walk each day.
5. PBGVs coats are wiry, not soft and cuddly.
If you would like to write a profile of your favorite breed, send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com. I’ll use pictures of your dog and link to your site. I’m happy to feature any breed, including mixed breeds! Click here to see all the breed profiles that have been done.
(Top image from sighclub.com, bottom image from pbgvhighwire.com)
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September 10th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Ive never been a fan of rough or wire haired dogs (I had a childhood being raised by Old English Sheepdogs..lol) but the top photo has won me…hes a gorgeous thing…great post Lindsay… Dont think Ive ever heard of them in Austalia
Abz & Chelss last blog post..Rainforest Romp
September 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I’ve not heard of this breed either. They are adorable though!! I love bassett’s personalities so I’m guessing these guys would be in the “love” category too!
Tammys last blog post..R.I.P. Jenny
September 10th, 2008 at 8:49 am
I am not a fan of the wire coats either, but these dogs are so happy, it’s hard not to like them.
September 10th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I think I have seen a few here in LA, they’re very nice looking dogs and very bubbly!
Apryl DeLanceys last blog post..5 Questions With And One – Part Two
April 7th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
awwwwwwwww they are soooooooooooo cute I have one thye are great dogs but they are not glamdogs they like to get down and dirty! oh and mine eats a lot but they are otherwise great dogs awwwwwwww!
April 8th, 2009 at 8:59 am
I bet your dog is really cute! Thanks for visiting my blog!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Hi, we have two boys Herbie and Sprocket and they are fantastic dogs, so funny and loving, we had a little girl, Prim but lost her and miss her but the guys are just great. They do need exercise and when they get on a scent, hold on tight – we have two extended leads which helps and lets them have some space to root around – such happy characters, I would recommend them to anyone
Have fun with your dogs and i love the picture ….. now where’s that brush!
May 14th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Aw, Sprocket is a cute name. Thanks for telling us about your dogs!
October 5th, 2009 at 8:13 am
One other disadvantage is they are a bit smelly so plan on lots of bathing with a PBGV. Mine excelled in AKC tracking, Search and Rescue missions, agility and therapy dog visits. Trained with clicker and treats, they are smart, cooperative and love training.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Thanks, Wendy! Yes, now that you mention it, they are a bit smelly!