what they are likePetit Basset Griffon Vendéen temperament
A cheerful, extroverted little hound that is confident and independent yet keen to please. Bred to hunt in a pack, it enjoys company and gets on well with other dogs and children, and it is calm indoors after an active day.241
how to spot onePetit Basset Griffon Vendéen coat and colours
rough, harsh coat with undercoat
A small, lively hound with a slightly long body, a proudly carried tail and an expressive bearded face. The harsh, rough coat is moderately long over a thick undercoat and is meant to look naturally tousled, never trimmed into shape.12
Colourswhite with lemonwhite with orangewhite with blackwhite with sabletricolourgrizzlehare, wolf, badger or wild boar colour12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
by countryIs the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksPetit Basset Griffon Vendéen exercise needs
An energetic scent hound bred to hunt through thick brambles; needs regular, vigorous exercise.13
the hands-on bitsPetit Basset Griffon Vendéen grooming and care
The casual, rough coat should be kept natural rather than clipped or sculpted.2
who they like aroundPetit Basset Griffon Vendéen with people and other pets
A pack hound that loves company, both human and canine.4
where it all beganPetit Basset Griffon Vendéen history
The PBGV was developed in the Vendée to follow rabbits and hares through dense, thorny cover. It first shared a standard with the larger Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and gained its own separate standard through the work of Abel Dezamy. It is one of four Griffon Vendéen breeds.13
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The French describe it as 'a devil in the field, an angel in the house'.1
2
A PBGV named Buddy Holly (GCH Soletrader Buddy Holly) won Best in Show at Westminster in 2023, the breed's first win there.5
3
A team of PBGVs won the very first French Cup for rabbit hunting.1
4
Its white-based coat markings make it easy to spot in the field.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen translates from French: 'Petit' means small, 'Basset' means low, 'Griffon' means rough-coated, and 'Vendéen' refers to the Vendée region of France where the breed originated.4
told by a Petit Basset Griffon VendéenA day in the life
Bonjour! I woke up with a happy yip and a wagging tail, ready for adventure. My human took me to the woods, where I put my nose to the ground and followed the most exciting smells, through brambles and under logs! I sang a little song as I went, and my human laughed. After a good run, we went home, and I flopped on the couch, exhausted but content. I gave my human a big, sloppy kiss to say thanks. I'm a cheerful fellow, always ready for fun, but I also love a good cuddle. Life is best when it's full of sniffing and friends.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 67, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.3 Small-sized hounds, with working trial; valid standard 09.01.1999.1
AKC
Hound Group; current standard approved 22 April 2014, effective 1 July 2014.2
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tip
PBGVs are food-motivated and prone to weight gain, so keep treats to less than 10% of daily calories and use low-calorie options for training. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or itchy skin, ask your vet about a diet trial.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, and at what times?
Feed your adult Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times help their digestion, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.7
How often should I bathe a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least every three months. Their rough coat doesn't need frequent baths; bathe when dirty or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen need brushing?
Brush your Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen weekly to keep their rough coat free of tangles and debris. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which suits their natural tousled look. This also helps distribute skin oils.8Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.8Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen need?
This energetic hound needs daily vigorous exercise, like long walks and playtime. They were bred to hunt through thick brambles, so they love exploring. After a good active day, they are calm indoors.13Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, or at least two to three times a week. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.8Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen live?
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a lifespan of about 13.7 years. With good care, they can enjoy a long, happy life.3
Is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is great with children and other pets. They are cheerful, extroverted, and love company, making them wonderful family dogs.241
Can a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen be left alone?
This pack hound loves company and may not do well left alone for long periods. They are independent but thrive with human or canine companionship. If you must leave them, consider a dog sitter or another pet for company.4
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Basset Hound