Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen adult
Ch Patorama April in Paris
"April"

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) comes from France. While his name is quite a mouthful, it provides a good description of him. The word 'Petit' means 'small". "Basset' means 'low-set'. 'Griffon' means 'rough-coated' and 'Vendeen' is the region in France where this dog was originally bred. With a family tree going back to the 16th Century, the PBGV is an ancient and popular hound.

The PBGV is a scent hound, bred to work in packs of four to six dogs hunting and driving game. A keen hunter, he uses his nose to trail his quarry through any cover. The smallest of the four breeds of rough-coated French hounds, the PBGV stands between 13.5 and 15 inches tall. He has a harsh, rough, double coat of medium length. The coat is white with lemon, orange, tri-color, black, or grizzle markings.

Living up to his reputation as "the happy breed", the PBGV is an extrovert. Lively, alert, independent but still willing to please, the PBGV is a curious and active hound. As a pack hunter, he will tolerate other dogs well and is affectionate and loving with all members of the family. This is a dog that needs attention and won't stand for being ignored!

The PBGV has a stubborn streak, but he is highly intelligent and is easily trained. As with all dogs, training and socialization are necessary to develop good manners. A busy, active, hunter, he needs lots of exercise. Boredom can result in destructive behavior. Off-leash romping in a secure area only or he'll follow his nose the first time he scents something interesting. He needs a fenced-in yard but watch that tendency to dig!

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