HWT Featured Breeds -- PBGV

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen [pronounced Peh-TEE Bha-SAY Gree-FOHN Vehn-DAY-uhn] is a rough coated scent hound originally bred to hunt rabbits in the Vendeen region of France. Other favorite names for this medium-small, shaggy hound are: PBGVs, Petits, Peebs, or PBs. They are friendly, out going creatures that make great family pets. They love people, and you can trust them to be friendly to guests of all ages and other dogs. However care should be taken when introducing a small child to a PBGV since it might knock the child down in it's exuberance.

Petits are very busy, gregarious dogs. They need daily interaction with their people, and therefore cannot be expected to spend their life kenneled in the back of your yard. However being a scent hound they do require a fenced exercise area since they are ruled by their noses. If left alone too much of the time, this smart hound tends to become very creative, and unfortunately you will probably not like the results. Things such as giving voice freely (barking) or digging out quarry, flowers, or just under the fence & gone.

RATING GUIDE:

1. Energy level ; Need 10 laps around their fenced yard, or a dedicated walker, before coming in to snuggle up on the couch to watch TV.

2. Good with children under 5? Yes, however neither toddlers nor puppies should ever be left unsupervised.

3. Good with children over 5? Yes, as long as the PBGV is taught not to jump and the child is taught not to hurt the dog. Sharing cookies is ok.

4. Good with children under 10? Yes. Both child and dog will enjoy a good romp. Be sure that child knows how to play with an animal and is not abusive.

5. Good with children over 10? Yes. Children over 10 are usually large enough to be thought of as adult by the dog. However, never get a dog with the expectation of the child being the primary care giver for the dog. Children are not responsible enough to be in charge, and the dog is unable to tell you that it has not been fed or watered.

6. Ease of care (grooming etc.): PBGVs have a wire coat that sheds very little. However, they have a very soft, fine undercoat that must be brushed or combed weekly to prevent mats from forming. The coat is softer on the legs and head which attracts and holds such items as leaves, small sticks and other sticky items. The beard and cute fuzzy face holds water very nicely after drinking and can also hold mud and dirt if your Petit decides to investigate a mud puddle or dig a nice hole in which to rest.

7. Housebreakability: In most cases they are easily housebroken. The males might be a little easier to train since the females tend to be more dominant than the males as a result of their working in packs where the female is alpha.

. Life limiting disorders: The PBGV has fewer health concerns than many breeds. Some juvenile animals may suffer from an aseptic meningitis characterized by lethargy, high fever, teeth chatter, and neck or back pain or painful all over. The syndrome varies in severity among affected animals and in rare instances can be fatal. Most cases respond to steroids given for 3-4 months. If the treatment is stopped too soon, the dog may not respond to treatment when it relapses. This is thought to be a hereditary syndrome which is also found in other breeds as well.

9. Non-life limiting disorders: Ear infections are probably the most common health problem in PBGVs. The problem is usually caused from yeast and the lack of air due to the long ears which cover the ear canal. Petits also have hair which grows in the ear canal similar to that which is found in Poodles. It is important to remove this hair periodically to allow better air circulation. Your breeder should be able to show you how to remove the hair, or you can take the dog to a groomer or your vet and let them do it.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM) and retinal dysplasia (retinal folds) are the two most common eye problems. Neither commonly affect vision.

Other disorders which have been reported are: seizure disorders and epilepsy, hypothyroidism, skin allergies, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia.

11. Trainability: PBGVs are one of the more trainable of the scent hounds. They are independent, yet willing to please. The trainer is required, however, to have a good sense of humor, lots of patience and a will as strong as the PBGV being trained.

12. Less than lovely breed quirks: Can be barkers, chewers, diggers and occasional climbers usually due to their hunting instinct or boredom

13. Average weight/size: According to the PBGV standard they are supposed to be 13-15 inches at the shoulder with a 1/2 inch leeway on either end. Over 15 inches is a disqualification in the show ring. Average weight is 25-40 pounds. Females usually are smaller than the males.

14. Personality: Friendly, out going, busy, gregarious, affectionate, willing to please, independent, somewhat stubborn, enthusiastic, extreemly intelligent, curious, confident, engaging