Pet Wiki

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Also called PBGV, Basset Petit Griffon Vendéen

A cheerful, extroverted little hound that is confident and independent yet keen to please.

SizeSmall
Height33 to 39 cm (13 to 15 in)12
Lifespan13.7 years3
CoatRough, harsh coat with undercoat
OriginFrance, from the Vendée region on the Atlantic coast.13
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
happy and outgoing
good with other dogs and children
brave, keen hunter
241

Personality what they are like

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic scent hound bred to hunt through thick brambles; needs regular, vigorous exercise.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The casual, rough coat should be kept natural rather than clipped or sculpted.2

Company who they like around

A pack hound that loves company, both human and canine.4

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The French describe it as 'a devil in the field, an angel in the house'.1

  2. 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. 3

    A team of PBGVs won the very first French Cup for rabbit hunting.1

  4. 4

    Its white-based coat markings make it easy to spot in the field.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

BijouFifiGastonCocoPierreMargotRemyChouBriocheToulouseMinouPamplemousse

A day in the life told by a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

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.

Recognised by the official bits

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.8 Pet 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.8 Pet 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.8 Pet 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.13 Pet 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.8 Pet 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.

You might also like

Grand Basset Griffon VendéenBasset Fauve de BretagneBasset Hound

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 67: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. AKC Official Standard of the PBGV images.akc.orgused for height, coat, colours, temperament
  3. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, lifespan, history
  4. AKC breed page: PBGV akc.orgused for temperament, social needs
  5. List of Westminster Best in Show winners - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for Westminster 2023
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.