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Discover everything about Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
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At a glance
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
Der Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen steht gesundheitlich sehr gut da, da die Rasse im Vergleich zu anderen nur von sehr wenigen Erbkrankheiten betroffen ist. Ein Hauptaugenmerk liegt auf Augenerkrankungen wie dem Primären Offenwinkelglaukom (POAG), das sich jedoch durch gezielte DNA-Tests in der Zucht hervorragend kontrollieren lässt. Zudem sollten allgemeine Augenanomalien vorab tierärztlich bei den Elterntieren untersucht werden, um das Risiko für spätere Sehbeeinträchtigungen zu minimieren.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
34–38 cm
Weight
14–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Rough, dense, medium length with undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- A variety including black
- white
- fawn
- tricolor
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen right for you?
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a cheerful, robust scenthound—bred as a low-slung pack dog that tirelessly works its way through dense thorny thickets while baying on the trail. Its charm is immense, but so is its hunting instinct.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive scent work like mantrailing or tracking—simple walks are not enough to satisfy this passionate hunting dog.
- You live in an environment where a dog with a strong hunting voice won't immediately cause conflicts with the neighbors.
- Ideally, you already have a confident dog or plenty of time—as a true pack animal, being alone is extremely unnatural for them.
- You have a great sense of humor and patience for a dog that makes its own decisions and considers blind obedience a waste of time.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that can reliably walk off-leash in the woods—once its nose picks up a fresh trail, it switches to hunting autopilot.
- You want a tidy companion—its rough Griffon coat reliably collects every burr, bit of mud, and twig from the undergrowth.
- You are looking for an athletic partner for jogging or cycling—its short legs are built for persistent foraging in the thicket, not for monotonous running.
The real vibes check
A Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is like a good-natured forest sprite on an eternal mission: as soon as it has a scent, the rest of the world ceases to exist. You aren't getting a submissive follower, but a headstrong colleague who prefers to spend life with its nose to the ground. If you view its hunting passion as teamwork, you'll gain the most cheerful buddy imaginable.
Breed Profile
The Petit Basset Griffon Vend"en, affectionately often called PBGV, is a small but powerful dog breed. It has short legs and a long back, which gives it a unique appearance. Its coat is rough and dense, which makes it insensitive to adverse weather. With its large, dark eyes and drooping ears covered with longer hair, it has a charming and expressive look. The PBGV belongs to FCI Group 6, which includes scent hounds and bloodhounds. It is classified as a low-legged dog, meaning that it follows a trail on the ground when hunting rather than keeping its nose in the air. There is no distinction between performance and show lines.
- Height
- 34 - 38 cm (Female), 34 - 38 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 14 - 18 kg (Female), 15 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 years
- Character
- Friendly, determined, clever
- Coat
- Rough, dense, medium length with undercoat
- Coat Color
- A variety including black and white, fawn and white, tricolor
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
History
The Petit Basset Griffon Vend"en hails from the Vend"e region of western France and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was originally bred as a hunting dog and specialized in hunting in thick undergrowth. Its small size and maneuverability made it ideal for tracking game such as rabbits and wild boars through dense terrain. The breed is closely related to the Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en, with the PBGV being the smaller version. They are believed to have originated from the same tribes and that the breed was refined over time through selective breeding to promote traits that were useful when hunting in the specific landscape of the Vend"e region. The Petit Basset Griffon Vend"en was recognized as a distinct breed in the 1950s and soon gained popularity outside France, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Original Use
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was bred to hunt rabbits and other small game in dense undergrowth.
Origin
France
Date
1500
Character & Temperament
The PBGV is a small dog with a big personality! Originally bred for hunting, he is determined, intelligent and has a natural curiosity. This means he often has an active and adventurous side. He loves being outside and exploring new places. His nose often takes center stage when he goes for a walk, so he can sometimes be stubborn when he spots an interesting trail. In terms of temperament, the PBGV is typically cheerful and energetic. He's not hyperactive, but he needs regular exercise to be happy. His hunting instincts can cause him to exhibit strong prey and hunting behavior, so it is important that you respond to his needs and provide him with enough mental and physical stimulation. The Petit Basset Griffon Vend"en is an extremely people-oriented dog. He loves being part of family life and is often very affectionate. He generally gets along well with children and has a playful side that makes him a great companion for younger family members. Although the PBGV is an affectionate breed, it can learn to stay alone for short periods of time if handled correctly. It's important to teach him that it's okay to be alone and avoid separation anxiety. The PBGV is also an alert dog, meaning it is a good watchdog. He will let you know when someone approaches the house, but he is not aggressive.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was originally bred as a rabbit hunting dog in France, and its name literally means "Small low wire-haired dog from the Vend"e!
What Awaits You
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a friendly, independent dog that has a lot of hunting motivation. This breed is mainly kept by hunters.
Housing & Care
Despite its small size, the PBGV is an active dog and needs daily exercise. It goes well with active families and can adapt just as well in the city as in the country. He is friendly and even-tempered and can get along well with children and other pets as long as he is well socialized. However, it is important to remember that as a hunting dog, he has a high prey drive, which may mean he could go after small animals.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Raising a PBGV can be a fun challenge as they are very intelligent but sometimes stubborn. They are full of energy and need physical and mental stimulation. Agility, tracking or flyball are great ways to keep them busy. It is important to slowly introduce the PBGV to frustration tolerance and impulse control. Positive reinforcement is particularly effective in training this breed. You should make sure to give your dog enough rest and not to keep him busy.
Nutrition & Care
The PBGV has a robust appetite and needs a well-balanced diet to maintain optimal weight. His diet should contain high quality protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. Overfeeding should be avoided to avoid obesity. In terms of grooming, the PBGV has a double coat with a coarse outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. This coat structure makes the PBGV well suited to the German climate. However, the dog sheds, especially during shedding periods, and regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat healthy and minimize shedding.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
Der Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen steht gesundheitlich sehr gut da, da die Rasse im Vergleich zu anderen nur von sehr wenigen Erbkrankheiten betroffen ist. Ein Hauptaugenmerk liegt auf Augenerkrankungen wie dem Primären Offenwinkelglaukom (POAG), das sich jedoch durch gezielte DNA-Tests in der Zucht hervorragend kontrollieren lässt. Zudem sollten allgemeine Augenanomalien vorab tierärztlich bei den Elterntieren untersucht werden, um das Risiko für spätere Sehbeeinträchtigungen zu minimieren.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly exercise and a healthy weight to relieve pressure on the long back, as well as regularly checking and cleaning the eyes and floppy ears.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' eyes, hips, and knees thoroughly examined and pay attention to epilepsy-free lines to specifically reduce health risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2021)
Wir haben uns ganz bewusst für einen Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen entschieden, weil wir einen fröhlichen und aktiven Familienhund gesucht haben. Und genau das haben wir bekommen! Unser Rüde ist im Haus ein absoluter Engel – unglaublich verschmust, menschenbezogen und er liebt es, mit den Kindern zu spielen. Er ist extrem verträglich mit anderen Hunden und freut sich über jeden Besuch, sogar über den Postboten. Ein echter Wachhund ist er allerdings nicht, da er wahrscheinlich auch einen Einbrecher schwanzwedelnd begrüßen würde.
Die große Herausforderung fängt an, sobald wir die Haustür verlassen. Im Gelände mutiert er zum sprichwörtlichen Teufel. Seine Nase klebt ununterbrochen am Boden, und wenn er erst einmal eine frische Fährte aufgenommen hat, schalten seine Ohren komplett auf Durchzug. Der Jagdtrieb ist extrem tief verwurzelt, weshalb das Freilaufenlassen ohne Leine bei uns im Wald absolut unmöglich ist. Man muss immer vorausschauend spazieren gehen und ihn geistig fordern, um diesen Trieb in geregelte Bahnen zu lenken.
Christian T., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2023)
Wer sich einen PBGV anschafft, sollte wissen, worauf er sich einlässt. Mein Hund ist mein absoluter Seelenhund, aber die ersten Monate waren ehrlich gesagt eine echte Zerreißprobe. Er ist extrem verfressen, klaut alles Essbare, was nicht niet- und nagelfest ist, und kann unglaublich stur sein. Wenn er keine Lust auf eine Übung hat oder eine andere Stelle interessanter findet, stellt er sich buchstäblich taub. Zudem neigt er dazu, sehr lautstark und mitteilsam zu sein – er bellt gerne, um seine Meinung kundzutun.
Auf der anderen Seite ist er ein unglaublich treuer und witziger Begleiter, der mich jeden Tag zum Lachen bringt. Er ist sehr anhänglich und sucht im Haus ständig meine Nähe. Wir mussten das Alleinebleiben sehr kleinschrittig und geduldig trainieren, da er anfangs extrem protestiert hat. Für Anfänger finde ich die Rasse wegen des eigenwilligen Dickkopfs und der Neigung zum lautstarken Kommentieren nur bedingt geeignet – man braucht wirklich viel Humor und eiserne Konsequenz.
Annett K., Halterin aus dem Harz (Hündin, seit 2020)
Als leidenschaftliche Wanderin wollte ich einen robusten, lauffreudigen Hund, der trotz kürzerer Beine problemlos mitthalten kann. Meine Hündin ist ein echtes Energiebündel und liebt es, stundenlang durch die Natur zu streifen. Sie ist zäh, wetterfest und liebt jedes Abenteuer. Die Fellpflege ist dank des harteren Haars eigentlich recht unkompliziert, allerdings muss man sie regelmäßig gründlich bürsten und von Hand trimmen lassen, damit das Fell nicht verfilzt und seine schmutzabweisende Struktur behält.
Gesundheitlich ist sie zum Glück topfit, aber vor dem Kauf habe ich mich intensiv mit den rassetypischen Risiken beschäftigt. Wichtig ist vor allem, dass die Elterntiere auf POAG (Primäres Offenwinkelglaukom) getestet wurden, eine Augenerkrankung, die in der Rasse vorkommt. Wer einen unkomplizierten 'Mitläufer' sucht, ist hier falsch, denn der PBGV fordert seine Beschäftigung ein – aber wer einen aktiven, charakterstarken Kumpel für Outdoor-Aktivitäten sucht, wird diese Rasse lieben.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen the right dog for me?
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen live?
The average life expectancy of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen need?
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen good for families with children?
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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