12 Things to Know Before Getting a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or PBGV for short, has long eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache. PBGVs were developed to hunt rabbits and other small game in rugged terrain. The PBGV, on the other hand, is an ancient and distinctive French scent hound breed bred for agility in dense, thorny underbrush while hunting rabbits. As a descendant of the Griffon Vendéen, this breed hails from France's Vendéen region in western France. After a long period of careful breeding, it became a highly skilled scent hound. The following is what you need to know before purchasing a PBGV!

1. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an outgoing and active dog.

Outgoing, energetic, and always interested in new things are just some characteristics that define the playful PBGV. It has an inquisitive nature and enjoys digging and barking. This hunting hound enjoys stalking squirrels, rabbits, and other furry prey. PBGVs are energetic and upbeat playmates for children, but they may be a little too rowdy for babies.

The PBGV's enthusiasm can be harnessed through dog sports like agility, obedience, rally, and tracking if you're committed. It’s an excellent hiking companion, too. To help it burn off all of its excess energy, plan on taking it for several daily 10-minute walks or active playtimes.

If you're not in a safe, traffic-free area, don't take him for a walk without a leash. The PBGV isn't a dog that quickly responds to your commands when you give them. For PBGV, hunting will always take precedence over everything else. It requires a barrier it cannot dig under or jump over, which is why it must be securely fenced.

When training this canine brainiac, be firm, fair, and consistent at all times. Keep training sessions short and exciting, as they may have a short attention span. Negative reinforcement methods such as yelling and punishment are not effective.

2. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen requires minimal grooming.

The wire coat of the PBGV requires only minimal grooming. Clean up stray hairs regularly by brushing them in. Aside from that, just clean their ears, brush their teeth, and trim their nails.

Even though it’s supposed to be a no-fuss dog, wiping its beard clean after meals and drinks isn't a bad idea. And because it enjoys digging and running through the brush, you may find yourself bathing it regularly.

Any size home, including an apartment, condo, or townhouse, is suitable for the people-loving PBGV as long as he receives adequate exercise and attention. If left alone in the backyard, he will become agitated and destructive.

It's easy to take care of your pet's appearance. To keep PBGVs from over shedding, they must be brushed at least once weekly. Only bathe your PBGV when necessary.

3. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens has the potential to develop genetic health problems.

In the same way that people can inherit a particular disease, purebred dogs have the potential to develop genetic health issues. Run from any breeder who does not provide a health guarantee for puppies, who claims that the breed is completely healthy and free of any known health issues.

If you're not careful where to buy your PBGV, you may encounter some health issues. The lifespan of the PBGV is between 12 and 14 years of age. Some six to 18-month-old PBGVs are also susceptible to an auto-immune pain syndrome that causes pain and fever.

4. These dogs can adapt well to apartment living conditions.

These dogs are well-suited to apartment living thanks to their adaptability and affectionate dispositions. However, they require a lot of exercise because of their high energy levels.

PBGVs tend to be stubborn, so they'll need patience and positive reinforcement to learn. If you can give this pup plenty of exercise and attention, you'll be rewarded with a loyal canine companion for the whole family.

PBGVs can live in apartments because of their small size and desire to be around other people, provided they are allowed to exercise daily. It's a good idea to have a lot of sturdy toys on hand because they tend to be more active when inside the house.

Although they can thrive in a wide range of climates, they prefer a more moderate climate. The PBGV's nose and hunting instinct are powerful, so it should not be allowed to run loose. The best option is a private, fenced yard.

5. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens has a delightful personality.

PBGVs aren't just cute because of their tousled hair, but they also have a great disposition. Aside from being highly intelligent, they are also active, happy, and curious. They are loving dogs who crave attention from their owners. When properly socialized, they also get along with your other dogs and pets.

Precise and patient training methods can help PBGVs adapt well. It's essential to provide your PBGV with various toys and things to chew on and keep him in a safe place where he can't harm himself or your belongings if you must leave him alone for any period.

PBGVs are both adorable and strong-willed. PBGVs are incredibly energized and resilient. Every day is a good day for them to get some exercise. Do not let your dog off the leash while out for a walk because you never know when their hunting instincts will kick in.

PBGVs can be naughty, but they're so endearing that you'll laugh rather than scold them. You'll need to be patient and firm if you want him to be well-trained.

The PBGV is also referred to as the "happy breed" because of its outgoing and friendly demeanor. In addition to its excellent hunting instincts, it is a fantastic therapy dog or companion. It does tend to bark, howl, or wail loudly at times. In the presence of other people or animals, the PBGV is a bit of an attention seeker.

6. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens has a great sense of smell.

The PBGV has a powerful sense of smell. Walking your PBGV in an area that is not fenced should always be done on a leash. He'll go on the hunt as soon as he smells something delicious.

If you have a PBGV, you'll need to ensure the fence is at least four feet tall and regularly check for holes or areas where he could get out. Your company is the only thing they enjoy more than the company of a dog or other pet.

7. PBGVs love to bark.

Because they enjoy barking, PBGVs make excellent guard dogs. Training them to be quiet on command is a good idea. When bored, PBGVs tend to be overzealous in their vigilance, barking up the wrong tree at every new sound or sight. To stop them, you'll need to be just as quick. There's yet another reason to double-check that you and your PBGV have established the right kind of relationship.

8. PBGVs need high-quality dry food.

Size, age, build, metabolism, and level of activity all affect how much food your adult dog consumes. Dogs, like people, are unique beings who require different amounts of nutrition. It's a given that a dog who's constantly on the go will need more care and attention than one who prefers to laze around. Your dog's health depends on the quality of the food you buy, and the better it is, the less you'll have to add to your dog's food bowl.

Choose the right dog food for your dog by considering its age (puppy, adult, or senior). Generally, this type of dog tends to put on weight. To avoid this, keep a close eye on your dog's caloric intake and only give treats during training sessions. If you have any questions about your dog's diet, it's best to consult a veterinarian.

9. PBGV loves children and other pets.

The playful PBGV is a big fan of children. He enjoys the commotion and noise that comes with having children around. Adults should always be present when children are around pets, but this is especially true for the PBGV, who could easily escape if a door or gate is left open.

The PBGV can be trusted with other pets with proper training and socialization. When he's with other dogs, he's most content. If an animal runs away, he will likely chase after it. The PBGV is rarely aggressive, but a bad experience with it can sour the relationship between you and your children.

10. The PBGV is quite a stubborn breed.

Regarding tricks, performances, and even basic commands, the PBGV has a reputation for being defiant and challenging to train. The dog should be able to focus on you if you use a gentle but firm approach. The dog may become discouraged if you lash out at it. Stay one step ahead of the dog's attention wandering and refocus it with games, treats, or other incentives if you see it.

11. The PBGV is quite an energetic breed.

The PBGV is a highly active type of dog that requires up to an hour of exercise daily. Keep this dog on a leash when you're out for a walk, run, or hike because it tends to follow scents. Toys, games, and tricks can keep it occupied for a long time when it's inside.

If you keep their attention on you, they can easily pick up new tricks and sports. Off-leash use is not recommended for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Your frantic screams will not affect these hunting hounds, who will chase after anything that moves. Because of its long coat, this breed is prone to overheating in hot weather, so make sure it gets plenty of rest and water breaks.

12. The PBGV needs to be socialized early.

This breed benefits significantly from early socialization and training. The dog's tendency to follow its nose may never be eliminated, but it can be substantially reduced and minimized. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder concerned about its dog's health is a wise decision. Also, you should take the dog to the veterinarian for a health checkup.

If you are looking for a dog that is built long and low to the ground, has a rustic wiry coat and whiskery face, rugged, robust, bold, curious, energetic, enthusiastic, always looking for something to do, thrives on vigorous outdoor exercise, and will alert you when strangers arrive, then a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may be the right dog for you.

It is crucial to remember that the inheritance of behavioral characteristics of these dogs is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Raising and training these dogs can also affect their temperament and behavior.

If you are ready for the responsibilities of taking this puppy home, then indeed, you are awaiting a life with a lot of excitement!