Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
A happy, low-slung tangle of rough coat and mischief from the brambles of the Vendée.
Vital stats
| Size | Small · 34–38 cm |
| Weight | 12–18 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | High — 60 min/day |
| Shedding | Light–moderate |
| Coat | Rough, harsh double coat · white with lemon, orange, grizzle or black |
| Group | Hound · FCI №67 / AKC |
| Origin | Vendée, France |
| FCI group | 6 — Scent hounds and related breeds · FCI 67 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen by the numbers
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Plan for steady ongoing costs — mid-range food, routine vet care and insurance.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Built to push through thorn scrub after rabbits, the PBGV is bold, cheerful and tireless for its size — the 'happy breed', hunting with tail up and voice on. At home it's an affectionate extrovert with a hound's independence: it loves everyone and obeys selectively.
Habits & quirks
The PBGV shout
A ringing hound voice used freely — for joy, for squirrels, and for the general news.
Bramble-proof bustling
It plunges into the thickest hedge on the walk and emerges delighted and decorated.
Table-height ambition
Low-slung but optimistic — counter edges and bin lids sit well within scenting range.
Pack sociability
Bred to work in company, it genuinely enjoys other dogs and hates long solitude.
Care
| Exercise | An hour a day of varied, sniff-rich walks and play; a bored PBGV becomes a loud PBGV. |
| Containment | It digs, squeezes and follows its nose — walk the fence line before the dog does. |
| Grooming | A weekly brush and occasional tidy keep the rough coat honest; check the long ears regularly. |
| Training | Recall needs food, patience and a long line — the nose will always cast the deciding vote. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–14 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
How do you pronounce Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?
Roughly puh-TEE bah-SAY gree-FOHN von-day-AN. Most owners surrender gracefully and say PBGV, or just 'Petit'.
Do PBGVs bark a lot?
Yes — they're pack hounds with a proud voice and opinions to share. Training helps take the edge off, but a silent PBGV was never on offer.
Are PBGVs good family dogs?
Excellent ones for active households — merry, sturdy and genuinely fond of children and other dogs. Just meet their exercise needs and never trust them off-lead near traffic.
Does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen shed a lot?
Moderately. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen sheds a fair amount, steadily through the year with heavier seasonal patches. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your floors and clothes.
Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen hypoallergenic?
Not really. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen's shedding coat releases plenty of the dander that sets off allergies. If someone at home is allergic, this isn't the easiest breed to live with — spend time around one first.
Is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen easy to train?
Reasonably. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.