| Petits: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard says, "Bold and vivacious in character... tough and robust in construction... an alert outlook, lively bearing, and a good voice freely used."
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) is actually not basset-like, but terrier-like -- enthusiastic, curious, reacting quickly to interesting scents and sudden movements, always looking for something to do.
He plays vigorously and needs long daily walks and frequent romps. But this inquisitive sniffing machine should not be trusted off-leash, for he is a confirmed chaser who will follow his nose.
He sounds off (in a surprisingly deep bass) when strangers enter his territory, then welcomes them with happy wags.
Most PBGVs are extroverted with other dogs and cats, but pet rabbits and rodents are not a wise addition to the household.
This stubborn, clever little hound requires an owner who knows when to laugh at his appealing whiskery face and mischievous antics -- and when to be firm and in control.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen demands attention and companionship and enjoys barking and digging. Some are escape artists who can go over, as well as under, fences."
History
The Petit (small) Basset (low to the ground) Griffon (rough-coated dog) is a native of the French province of Vendee, where he hunted rabbits through dense brambly underbrush. There is also a Grand (large) version.
Size
13-15 inches and 25-40 lbs |
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Petit Basset
Griffon Vendeen
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Petits, and placid Petits.
- Hard-headed Petits, and sweet-natured Petits.
- Serious Petits, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Petits, and Petits who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is built long and low to the ground, with a rustic wiry coat and whiskery face
- Is tough and robust, bold and curious
- Is energetic and enthusiastic and always looking for something to do
- Thrives on vigorous outdoor exercise
- Will alert you when strangers arrives, but then welcomes them with happy wags
- Is usually sociable with other dogs
A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Strong instincts to chase other animals who run
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Running away, oblivious to your calls, when an interesting scent catches his attention
- Regular clipping and trimming of the wiry coat
- Slowness to housebreak
- Digging holes
- Barking
A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Petit Basset... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. The PBGV is an energetic go-getter. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Petits can make a shambles of your house and yard.
| If you simply want a household pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog out for LOTS and LOTS of romps in a large enclosed area, I do not recommend this breed. |
- Bounciness. Young PBGVs (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.
| If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Petit Basset puppies. The temptation to play roughly is too strong in many young PBGVs. |
- Chasing other animals. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was developed to hunt other animals. They have strong instincts to chase and seize fleeing creatures. This can make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster!
| The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen cannot be trusted off-leash. They will take off -- oblivious to your frantic shouts -- after anything that runs. |
- Fence security. Many PBGVs are clever escape artists who will go over or under fences in search of adventure. To keep your Petit Basset in, you may need higher fences than you might imagine for their short height. You may also need to sink wire into the ground along the fence line to thwart digging. Gates should have the highest quality locks.
- Mind of their own. PBGVs are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and some are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Petit to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Petit Basset Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Grooming. To keep their rough coat free of mats, PBGVs require regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months.
- Housebreaking. Petit Bassets tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training before you see results.
- Barking. PBGVs are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. For the same reason, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised.
| If you're considering an adult Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen... |
There are plenty of adult Petit Bassets who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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