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Hound breeds: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Origin
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or PBGV, as it is affectionately known in the United States, is of ancient French origin. He can be traced back to the 16th century and to his larger cousin, the Griffon Vendeen. His names explains just who he is: Petit, small; Basset, low to the ground; Griffon, rough or wire coated; and Vendeen, the area in France he comes from.
The PBGV is a small scent hound. He was developed to hunt in the thick underbrush, thorns rocks, and brambles of the western coast of France. He needed to be hardy, alert, bold, determined, and an intelligent hunter with mental and physical stamina. He is used to hunt small game, especially rabbit. He is one of 28 hound breeds developed in France.
The first standard for the breed was not established until 1898. Much interbreeding went on between the Petit and Grand sizes of the breed. It was not until 1950 that there was an official splitting of the sizes and each was given its own standard. It took until 1975 to disallow the interbreeding of the two sizes.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was founded in 1984. The PBGV was admitted to the AKC studbook in 1990 and became eligible to show in 1991.
General description
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 35 pounds
Color: The color is white, with any combination of lemon, orange, black, tricolor of grizzle markings.
Grooming requirements
The PBGV is a shedder, and the coat requires care. The PBGV needs to be brushed biweekly with a slicker brush and a metal comb. The comb should be used after the slicker brush to ensure there are no areas of dead coat left. When using the comb, be sure to comb all the way to the skin; this will remove all dead coat, making the coat mat-free. The major problem areas with PBGV are the bib, beard, neck, the ear area, and the hind quarters. Since the beard is constantly exposed to food and debris, you need to brush this daily to ensure that no matting occurs here. Thinning shears or scissors can be used to trim the scraggly hairs from the hocks of the back feet and the ankles of the front feet. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming must be done.
Health considerations
The PBGV is prone to ear infections.
Breed characteristics and personality
The PBGV is courageous, vigorous and tenacious. This is a happy, extroverted, independent but willing-to-please dog. He's bold and vivacious in character. He has an alert outlook, lively bearing, and a good voice freely used. He is a barker. He can live in the home. He's gentle with children but can be hyper. The PBGV is well suited as a companion dog. He needs a fenced yard.
Uses
The PBGV is used individually or in a pack for hunting rabbit, hare and even feathered game. His pleasing personality makes him a good companion.
Web links
AKC Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen page
The Basset Griffon Vendeen Club
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