Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Care

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) is a compact hunting breed that's active and independent, but very good-natured as well. Overall PBGV care and maintenance won't take a lot of work, but will need to include daily exercise--and since these dogs are well-known "escape artists," they'll need close supervision when outdoors.

Below you'll find details on caring for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising these busy, sweet dogs, see the following sections.

As an active hunting breed, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen exercise requirements are fairly high. These dogs are intelligent, athletic, and curious, so they'll need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make good jogging companions as well.

Adult PBGVs will generally need about an hour of proper exercise each day. You can start exercising your PBGV puppy at three months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with PBGV exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're eight months old
• High prey drive means a leash is required when exercising in public
• Excellent escape artists; yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off

It's important to exercise your PBGV every single day. These dogs are active and quite vocal--and without consistent activity they'll bark excessively, turn destructive, and even try to escape to freedom. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs will chase a ball, stick, or Frisbee for hours
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Hunting: Puts a PBGV in its natural element
• Canine Sports: These dogs can excel at obedience or agility trials and other events
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash

When indoors, make sure to give your PBGV access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also good to have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

These dogs don't need a ton of maintenance overall. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen shedding is seasonal: fair for most of the year, but heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. Drooling isn't an issue.

PBGVs have medium-length, rough, double-layered coats that shed moderately most of the time--but when they blow their undercoats in the spring and fall, the shedding is heavier. Owners will need to brush their PBGVs twice a week or so to help collect dead hairs and to keep the coats from matting and tangling. Cleanup--vacuuming the floors, and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be necessary from time to time. (Brushing and cleanup will obviously be required more often during shedding season.)

A PBGV practically never drools, though. If your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.