Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Even though the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a hunting dog, it is characterized by a calm temperament. At the same time, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are confident and independent, brave and intelligent, stubborn and a bit naughty. They are hardworking and hardy hunters, loyal and loving pets.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Lesser Vendee Basset Griffon is a low-bred hound breed bred in France in the 16th century. It is a direct descendant of the Great Vendée Basset-Griffon. For a long time, they were considered a single breed. In 1909, according to the Vendée Basset-Griffon’s standards, it was assumed the existence of two types of this breed – small and large. It was believed that they differed only in the height of the limbs. But later, there was an opinion that the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is not just a low dog; it is proportionally smaller than its older relative. Thus, in 1950, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was officially recognized as a separate breed.

The Basset Griffon has long been used as a hunting dog. In today’s world, representatives of this breed can often be found as pets. This breed is very popular in Europe, but at the same time, it is little known in the United States.

Appearance

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a short hound with a muscular, elongated body, a strong long neck, and a deep chest. The pet’s ribs and lower back are moderately convex. The tail of this breed is of medium length and covered with a thick coat, predominantly downward.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen’s skull is domed, slightly convex at the back of the head. Large, dark eyes and a wide nose are all characteristics of the
dog.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen’s coat is stiff and coarse, looking a bit like wire. The dog has a soft and thick undercoat that helps keep him warm. The dog has a small beard and mustache, as well as thick eyebrows. The color of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is usually white with reddish-brown-black spots.

Character

Even though the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a hunting dog, it is characterized by a calm temperament. At the same time, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are confident and independent, brave and intelligent, stubborn and a bit naughty. They are hardworking and hardy hunters, loyal and loving pets.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are friendly and open to people as well as to other dogs. They are easy-going, always alert, love fun and games, so they respond with great pleasure to the “offer” to play with both the owner and a stranger. These dogs do not like solitude and cannot tolerate boredom. Once alone for long periods, they become uncontrollable.

Care

The thick, shaggy hair and long ears of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen require care first. Comb the pet’s hair with a long coat brush once a week, wash and trim it a little once every few months. Additionally, you need to care for and wash the muzzle’s hair – whiskers and beard, which gets dirty quickly when the pet eats or sniffs something. Brushing his ears once a week is recommended since dogs with floppy ears are at greater risk of developing infections.

Representatives of this breed need regular physical activity, so it is best to keep them in a country house. If it so happens that this pet lives in the apartment, you need to provide him long daily walks in the fresh air. It is not recommended to let this four-legged friend off the leash because the strong hunting instinct and free character contribute to the dog’s escape.

Training

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is an overactive and intelligent breed that can be very difficult to train. The innate independence and stubbornness of this breed do not contribute to their obedience at all.

The process of training this dog can be very long and challenging, requiring a lot of stamina and patience. It is recommended to begin the education of the pet from early childhood. Otherwise, there are risks that the dog’s character will form on its own, and then it won’t be easy to raise it.

Training of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen should be varied and interesting, which will maximize the pet’s involvement in the process and contribute to achieving quick results. It is recommended to draw up a training program, which will include various exercises and training commands.

Common Diseases

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a relatively healthy dog breed that, with proper care and an active lifestyle, stays in good shape for long years. However, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen’s ears and eyes’ health needs to be closely monitored. Regular hygiene procedures will help avoid inflammation and infections, to which this breed is prone to develop. Don’t forget to watch and regularly check the condition of your pet’s skin, as a thick coat can be the cause of dermatitis.

Serious diseases that can occur among Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens include reduced thyroid function and epilepsy. Aseptic meningitis is very rare among these animals.

Nutrition

Like the nutrition of any dog, the diet of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen should be balanced and appropriate for its physical activity. It is recommended to include meat based on the pet’s daily diet, supplementing it with porridges, thick vegetable soups, and fresh herbs.

It should be remembered that the food should be enriched with vitamins and minerals. In addition to special vitamin capsules and supplements, you can add bone meal and a little salt to your pet’s food.