Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a hunting dog, and has been bred so for several centuries. These dogs are headstrong but are fine for first-time dog-owners, homes with children of all ages, and most pets (especially canine and larger non-canine). They do well as companions and can be trained to do a great number of jobs, although they might not be good seeing-eye dogs due to their short legs and tendency to get underfoot as they nose around.

Here are some of the good and bad things about them:

This is an excellent hunting dog that, as her name suggests, works well in packs. Long bred in France, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) remains one of the most remarkable pack hunters.

As the PBGV is extremely smart and has hundreds of years of blood memory when it comes to hunting, training these dogs is easy for the experienced owner. For those who are getting their first dog and are patient, you'll find them easy to train too.

The laid-back behavior of this hound is for two reasons. One is that, if you live in an urban or suburban area, she will be waiting for squirrels, cats, and other little animals to chase. The other reason is to reserve energy for a real hunt, and this is more often appreciated with proper training and socialization.

While these short-legged dogs will certainly like lazing around all day, they do need to exercise a bit more than most dogs. To let them lie around will, in time, prompt them to find ways to burn pent-up energy in ways you won't like. They are strong, and they can be highly active — but if you don't take them hunting, you'll find that they'll suddenly not be lazy in a most destructive way. Be sure to set aside an hour or two daily to make sure they get some exercise.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen temperament is one that seems to be right out of Central Casting: affable, lively, curious, welcoming, and humorously bold. She does well on her own, with other dogs, and among humans of all ages and no matter how many people there may be. Regardless of who or what is present, you can be sure she is always alert to everything around her. She doesn't spook easily, and if she does bark, it means she's giving chase or there's a real threat on hand.

Although she seems to get on with almost everything and everyone, however, don't let her friendly personality fool you. She's a hunter at heart, and she will get down to brass tacks when cats, squirrels, or other non-canine furries are present. The typical PBGV is stubborn but not in a dangerous way. She'll just wait to get what she wants when you're not looking!

Unfortunately, the PBGF has a long list of health problems, and many of them are somewhat serious. Like many purebred dogs that have been kept pure to maintain the more appealing traits, the inbreeding has also kept as well as increased the likelihood of inheritable diseases.

Here is a list of many of the health problems this breed is likely to encounter:

• Hernias
• Epilepsy
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Skin allergies
• Lens luxation
• Hip dysplasia
• Heart diseases
• Luxating patella
• Hypothyroidism
• Retinal dysplasia
• Digestive problems
• PBGV Pain Syndrome
• Inflammatory brain disease
• Persistent pupillary membranes

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a typical lifespan of 11 to 14 years.