The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen or PBGV, is a breed of dog of the scent hound
type, bred to trail hares in bramble-filled terrain of the Vendée district of
France.
Description
Appearance
Both,
males and females should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches
(32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).
Like
the other 3 Griffon Vendéen breeds: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon
Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; they are solid dogs that appear
rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure,
and a body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers. The
body length is not as extreme as that of a basset hound or dachshund.
The
dogs have a tousled appearance, with a harsh double coat that is both long and
rough.The hair on the face and legs may be softer than body hair. The fur on
the face resembles a beard and moustache. They usually have very long
eyelashes.
The
skull is domed, with drop, oval ears like many hounds share, though dogs tend
to have higher domes than bitches. The ears are set low and hanging, and if
stretched out should reach the tip of the nose. The tail is usually held
upright, and is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber.
The
coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, black, grizzle
(gray-and-white hairs), or sable, sometimes with tan accents. They may be
bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.
Temperament and breeding
PBGVs
are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the
"happy breed," PBGVs have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive,
intelligent eyes. PBGVs are typically active and lively. While good with
children, other dogs and pets, they may be unsuitable for very young children
because of their energy and tendency to play bite. The PBGV standard states
that the dog should "give voice freely"—as is typical of hounds,
petits are outspoken dogs. If their 'pack' begins howling or singing, the dog
will join in, with amusing results. PBGVs may howl alone or with a companion;
they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. PBGV
companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along
with favorite songs.
The
PBGV is not a quiet dog. While no PBGV would ever be called "yippy,"
their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite
stature. The outspoken nature of a PBGV varies from dog to dog, but even the
shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call.
Like
other hounds, Petits are stubborn, and sometimes may not respond well to
training.
Because
they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, PBGVs make excellent therapy
dogs.
PBGVs
are excellent hunting and tracking dogs. A "Hunting Instinct Test"
with associated AKC certification is currently in development as a part of
optional breed credentialing. Petits who work in this manner do not hunt to
kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track
rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes
the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the
pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or to a rabbit in motion
down a trail. "Saber tails," another PBGV nickname, are typically
white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above
the bramble and brush.
As a
companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in
the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some
PBGVs, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs
make fine companion animals, and have suitable manners to live among cats and
other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential PBGV owners are
cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home,
work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the
home "pack."
As
scent hounds, most PBGVs should be kept on-leash when in open outdoor areas.
Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are
natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where scent is involved. Scent
will typically trump obedience in the mind of a PBGV.
The
outspoken nature and erect tail of a PBGV can be misinterpreted by other dogs,
as these manners typically express dominance to other dogs. PBGVs can inspire a
misguided need to express dominance on the part of passing dogs. PBGV owners
need to be alert to this potential misinterpretation, as Petits are easily
outclassed in both size and aggressiveness.
Health
The
UK Kennel Club conducted a health survey of Basset Griffon Vendéens (both Petit
and Grand varieties combined) in 2004. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV)
Club of America has conducted two health surveys, one in 1994 and one in 2000.
The club is currently conducting another survey. These are apparently the only
completed or on-going health surveys for Basset Griffon Vendéens (as of July 2007).
Mortality
Average
longevity of PBGVs in the 2000 Club of America survey was 12.7 years (standard
deviation 3.9). Sample size was not clear, but it appeared to be 45 dogs. No
longevity data were collected in the 1994 survey. There was no information on
causes of death.
Average
longevity of 76 deceased Basset Griffon Vendéens (both varieties) in the 2004
UK Kennel Club survey was 12.1 years (maximum 17.3 years). Leading causes of
death were cancer (33%), old age (24%), and cardiac (7%).
Compared
to surveyed longevities of other breeds of similar size, Basset Griffon
Vendéens have a typical or somewhat higher than average life expectancy.
Morbidity
In
the PBGV Club of America 2000 survey, the most common diseases reported by
owners of 640 dogs were persistent pupillary membranes, recurrent ear
infections, hypothyroidism, neck pain, and epilepsy.
Among
289 live Basset Griffon Vendéens (both varieties) in the 2004 UKC survey, the
most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic
(dermatitis and mites), and aural (otitis externa, excessive ear wax, and ear
mites).
Care
They
should have daily walks to burn off excess energy. They need to be brushed
regularly, but not daily, to avoid matting and tangles. To keep the coat well
groomed it must be stripped. Hairs must be pulled out of the coat using either
a special stripping tool or the finger and thumb. The coat is shallow rooted
and is made to come out if trapped, so this grooming method causes no pain.
They need regular ear cleanings to prevent yeast infections and clipping of the
claws is normally needed once or twice a month.
Part
of the charm of a PBGV is its tousled, unkempt appearance.
Crufts 2013
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