Skip to content
    Hound Group

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

    A small, scruffy-coated scent hound known for a tireless work ethic and a perpetually cheerful disposition. Originally bred to hunt rabbits in the brambles of France, they are sturdy, vocal, and highly active. They require firm training and regular mental stimulation to manage their independent nature and keen hunting instincts.

    A small, scruffy-coated white hound with lemon and orange markings standing alertly.

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    France
    Height (M / F)
    13-15 / 13-15 in
    Weight (M / F)
    25-40 / 25-40 lb
    Lifespan
    12–14 years
    Coat
    Rough, long, and harsh to the touch with a thick undercoat.
    Shedding
    medium
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Trainability
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Daily exercise
    45–60 min

    History & Origin

    Developed in the Vendée region of France in the 16th century, the PBGV was bred to hunt small game like rabbit through thick brush. The breed is the smaller version of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, refined for its ability to work in difficult terrain. It was formally recognized by the AKC in 1990.

    Temperament & Personality

    Vivacious, happy, and independent with a bold personality. They are often described as 'happy' dogs that enjoy social interaction with humans and other dogs. Their hound heritage makes them stubborn at times, requiring a patient but consistent owner.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by AKC parent clubs, OFA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

    Moderate

    A specific form of glaucoma that can lead to blindness if not caught early.

    Screening: DNA Test/Annual Eye Exams

    Hip Dysplasia

    Low to Moderate

    Instability of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and pain.

    Screening: OFA/PennHIP Radiographs

    PBGV Pain Syndrome (Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteriitis)

    Rare but breed-specific

    An inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels in young dogs.

    Screening: Clinical Diagnosis

    Hypothyroidism

    Moderate

    A common endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland is underactive.

    Screening: Blood Panel (T4/TSH)

    Exercise Needs

    Consistent moderate exercise is necessary to prevent boredom and manage their high energy levels.

    • Daily brisk walks on a secure lead
    • Structured playtime in a fenced yard
    • Participation in scent work trials
    • Tracking exercises
    Puppies: Avoid high-impact jumping and long endurance runs until growth plates are closed at 12-14 months.
    Seniors: Maintain gentle movement to manage joint stiffness while avoiding overexertion in high heat.

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: 600-900 kcal/day (varies with activity)

    Divide meals into two portions. Use slow feeders if the dog tends to gulp food.

    Common allergens to watch: Beef, Dairy, Wheat.

    ⚠ Excess weight significantly impacts joint health in low-slung breeds.

    Entertainment & Enrichment

    As scent hounds, they require activities that engage their noses and satisfy their natural drive to explore and hunt.

    • Scent work or nose games
    • Variable-terrain hiking
    • Interactive food puzzles
    • Hide-and-seek with high-value treats

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb to prevent matting is essential. The coat should look natural and disheveled; over-grooming or clipping is generally discouraged for show dogs but may be done for pets.

    Training

    Use positive reinforcement and keep sessions short and engaging. Because they are scent-driven, recall can be unreliable; they should always be kept on a lead in unfenced areas.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on size, lifespan, and health risks. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

    These three costs move together. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Moderate

    Multiple breed-specific health watchouts

    Vet service load

    Above average

    High activity raises orthopedic & injury visits

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Long coat tangles without weekly grooming

    Hands-on care is the headline — frequent grooming and vet touchpoints, with mid-band insurance.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $60

    Routine vet

    $50

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$170/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    They thrive in homes with a securely fenced yard due to their strong prey drive. While they can adapt to apartment life, their vocal nature and exercise needs require dedicated owner commitment.

    Choosing a Puppy

    Select breeders who screen for POAG and hip dysplasia. Puppies should be bold and inquisitive, never shy or fearful, as they are naturally confident hounds.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do PBGVs bark a lot?

    They are known to be 'vocal' hounds and will bay or bark to communicate, especially when they catch a scent or hear a stranger.

    Are they easy to train?

    While intelligent, they are independent and easily distracted by scents. They require patience and a positive, reward-based approach.

    Is the coat high maintenance?

    Yes, their rough coat requires weekly brushing and occasional stripping to keep it healthy and minimize shedding.

    Related breeds

    A tri-color Basset Hound with characteristic long, drooping ears and sad-looking eyes, sitting in a grassy area.

    Basset Hound

    The Basset Hound is a famously placid and charming companion, but new owners must be prepared for a stubborn, scent-driven nature and a loud bay. Their distinctive long-and-low build is linked to serious health risks, particularly spinal problems (IVDD) and chronic ear infections. This is not a low-maintenance breed; they require significant commitment to grooming and veterinary care.

    Tricolor Beagle sniffing in a grassy meadow with wildflowers

    Beagle

    Cheerful, curious, and incurably nose-driven. Beagles are friendly family dogs that come in a tidy 13–15 inch package. They're great with kids and other pets, generally healthy, and surprisingly active. The catch: world-class scent drive means unreliable recall, vocal baying, and Houdini-level escape attempts.

    A red Bloodhound with long, droopy ears and a wrinkled brow stands in a grassy field.

    Bloodhound

    The Bloodhound is a gentle giant, famed for its unparalleled nose and affectionate, patient nature. While loving with family, their stubborn, independent streak and single-minded focus on scent make training a challenge. Owners must be prepared for significant drool, loud baying, and the absolute necessity of a leash on walks. They require experienced handling and a well-fenced yard.

    Red rough-coated Brussels Griffon with whiskered face on a wooden stool

    Brussels Griffon

    A Belgian toy breed with a distinctive 'almost human' whiskered face. Brussels Griffons are smart, sensitive and intensely bonded to their person — often called 'velcro dogs.' They have brachycephalic features so manage heat carefully, and they need daily company. Two coat varieties: rough and smooth.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual dogs vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.