Buying or Adopting a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen the right breed for you?

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Petit stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (such as dog agility or tracking); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• Trimming/clipping – every few months
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems that the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Petit to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your PBGV, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

Petits are not common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen rank 148th. It can be quite hard to find this breed.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a PBGV available from a Dog Rescue group. But not many Petits are turned over to Rescue groups, because not many people own them in the first place.

Petits may be turned over to Rescue because they're much more active and need more exercise and interesting activities than the owner expected. There might be barking or dominance issues. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen at a shelter, but shelter personnel are unlikely to recognize the breed if it did come in. It would probably be labeled a basset/terrier cross. Petit Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Petit turns up at a shelter, the rescue group would typically move in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from a show breeder, who breeds Petits to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Petit from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen ends up with cataracts and bad hip joints.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I've not seen a PBGV in a pet shop, but it's possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right PBGV Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?