Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, often shortened to PBGV, is a small French scent hound. It was bred to trail hares through the bramble-filled country of the Vendée in western France. It is one of four Griffon Vendéen breeds, alongside the Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and one of six basset-type breeds recognized by the FCI.

Appearance

The PBGV stands 34–38 cm at the withers and has a long body on short legs. It is solid for its size, weighing around 15 kg on average. The coat is rough and of medium length, white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, tricolor or grizzle markings.

Care and health

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.7 years for the breed.

In a 2000 survey by the breed club in the United States, covering 640 dogs, the conditions owners reported most often were persistent pupillary membranes, recurrent ear infections, hypothyroidism, neck pain and epilepsy. A 2004 survey of 289 Basset Griffon Vendéens of both sizes found reproductive, skin and ear problems to be the most common, including dermatitis, mites, outer ear infections and excess ear wax.

The breed is one of those more often affected by primary open angle glaucoma, which in the PBGV is caused by a recessive mutation in the ADAMTS17 gene. Older dogs can develop the eye condition pannus. With its long body, short legs and solid weight, the breed is also said to be prone to hip dislocation.

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