PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN
APPEARANCE
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is small in size, but is nevertheless sturdy and robust. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a rough, long outer coat with a harsh texture, and a dense undercoat. The coloring of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is white with patches of color, which include orange, lemon, grizzle, black, or tri-colored. These dogs weigh in at around 25-30 pounds for females and 30-40 pounds for males. In terms of height, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen reaches around 12-13 inches for females, and 14-15 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
The Petit Basset Griffon VendeenS are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. They have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes and are typically active and lively. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a courageous and independent dog, with plenty of character, spirit, and enthusiasm. This is a keen scenthound with a very inquisitive nature.
TRAINING
With their intelligence and desire to please the Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen is relatively easy to train. However, it is important they learn they are not the master. Early socialization and basic obedience are recommended. Training should be done with firmness, fairness, patience, repetition, consistency, and reward. His stubborn streak and bossy nature means that he is better suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. Females tend to be the more dominant sex with this breed.
EXERCISE
Highly energetic, this breed needs daily vigorous exercise in an outdoor environment. They enjoy family play sessions as well as family activities in which they are included. It is vitally important to remember that the Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen is a scent hound. Therefore, they must never be let off lead when walking or jogging.
SOCIALIZATION
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can be very boisterous and mischievous, and this means that you may need to exercise caution around very small children who may inadvertently get knocked over or hurt. However, that said, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen does get along very well with children as well as with strangers. This breed will typically get along with other dogs, but is not recommended for homes with cats or other household pets they will view as prey.
LIVING CONDITIONS
They will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised. If you intend to put him in a garden, make sure that the garden is fenced that he may may run off unexpectedly if they get a whiff of small game. Yards must be securely fenced and they must be closely monitored and supervised as they are prone to digging and are exceedingly adept at escaping.
GROOMING
The grooming requirements for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are not demanding, and you can keep his coat looking good with a weekly brushing. This will also help to keep shedding to a minimum, and as he is a low shedder anyway the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may prove ideal for those with allergies. The ears and teeth should be checked and cleaned on a consistent basis.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is around 12-14 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. The Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen is prone to eye abnormalities, aseptic meningitis, epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, hypothyroidism, and food and skin allergies.
HISTORY
Originating in France during the 16th century, this hound of ancient descent was developed to hunt small game by scent. They were highly capable of hunting in any type of weather as well as over any type of terrain. They were originally bred to hunt rabbits and small game. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1991.
