The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV, is a breed of dog of the scent hound type, bred to trail hares in bramble-filled terrain of the Vendée district of France. The breed is known in the United States as “Petit” or “PBGV,” in England as “Roughie,” and in Denmark as “Griffon” or “Petit”.
Appearance
Both males and females should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).
Like the other 3 Griffon Vendéen breeds, the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; they are solid dogs that appear rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers. The body length is not as extreme as that of a basset hound or dachshund.
The dogs have a tousled appearance, with a harsh double coat that is both long and rough. The hair on the face and legs may be softer than body hair. The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache. They usually have very long eyelashes.
The skull is domed, with a drop, oval ears like many hounds share, though dogs tend to have higher domes than bitches. The ears are set low and hanging, and if stretched out should reach the tip of the nose. The tail is usually held upright and is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a sabre.
The colouring is primarily white with spots of orange or lemon or black or grizzle (grey-and-white hairs) or sable, sometimes with tan accents. They may be bicolour, tricolour, or have grizzling.
Temperament and breeding
PBGVs are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the “happy breed”, PBGVs have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes. PBGVs are typically active and lively. This breed most often interacts well with both other dogs and people. The PBGV standard states that the dog should “give voice freely”—as is typical of hounds, petits are outspoken dogs. If their ‘pack’ begins howling or singing, the dog will join in, with amusing results. PBGVs may howl alone or with a companion; they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. PBGV companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along with favourite songs.
The PBGV is not a quiet dog. While no PBGV would ever be called “yippy,” their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature. The outspoken nature of a PBGV varies from dog to dog, but even the shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call.
Like other hounds, Petits can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. Yet it is not unusual to see PBGV’s excel in agility, obedience and in the ring – all requiring training.
Because they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, PBGVs make superb therapy dogs.
PBGVs are excellent hunting and tracking dogs. Many PBGVs have passed a “Hunting Instinct Test” and earned AKC hunting titles. Petits who work in this manner does not hunt to kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or a rabbit in motion down a trail. “Saber tails,” another PBGV nickname, are typically white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above the bramble and brush.
As a companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some PBGVs, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs make fine companion animals and have suitable manners to live among cats and other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential PBGV owners are cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home, work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the home “pack.”
As scent hounds, most PBGVs should be kept on-leash when in open, non-fenced outdoor areas. Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where the scent is involved. The scent will typically trump obedience in the mind of a PBGV. PBGVs excel at nose work and many have earned AKC scent work and tracking titles.
The outspoken nature and erect tail of a PBGV can be misinterpreted by other dogs, as these manners typically express dominance to other dogs. PBGVs can inspire a misguided need to express dominance on the part of passing dogs. PBGV owners need to be alert to this potential misinterpretation, as Petits are easily outclassed in both size and aggressiveness.