Hound group
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The “happy breed” — a scruffy, merry little hound with a big voice.
PBGVs are small, rough-coated scent hounds from France with a cheerful, curious personality. They are sociable and fun, but independent, vocal and always following their noses.
- Height
- 13–15 in33–38 cm
- Weight
- 25–40 lb11–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 14–16 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Vendée, France
Coat: Rough, long, harsh coat with a beard and moustache. Colours: White with lemon, orange, black, tricolour or grizzle markings.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
PBGVs are happy, extroverted and affectionate. They love people and other dogs, and their enthusiasm has earned them the nickname “the happy breed”.
They are independent hunters with strong noses and loud voices. Recall is difficult, and they can be mischievous and escape-prone.
Living with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Exercise
Needs about an hour of daily exercise with scent games or long walks on a line.
Grooming
Brush weekly and hand-strip occasionally. Clean the beard and ears regularly.
Training
Independent and scent-driven; use food rewards and patience.
Kids & other pets
Excellent with children and other dogs; unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Sociable dogs that may bark or dig when bored; a companion dog helps.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen typically lives 14–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Primary open-angle glaucoma
An inherited, painful eye disease; a DNA test identifies at-risk dogs.
Persistent pupillary membranes
Remnant fetal tissue in the eye; usually minor but screened for.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Intervertebral disc disease
The long back increases disc risk; keep dogs lean.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Ask a breeder for
- Eye examination
- DNA test for primary open-angle glaucoma
- Hip evaluation
- Thyroid evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen; Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
PBGVs were developed in the Vendée region of France to hunt rabbits in dense, rocky brush. Their rough coats protected them from thorns.
The breed was recognised by the AKC in 1991. In 2023 a PBGV named Buddy Holly won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Did you know?
- A PBGV named Buddy Holly won Westminster Best in Show in 2023.
- PBGVs are nicknamed “the happy breed”.
- Their name means “small, low, rough-coated dog from the Vendée”.
Library guides for Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are PBGVs good family dogs?
- Yes — they are cheerful, sociable and great with children.
- Do PBGVs bark a lot?
- They can be vocal, especially when bored or on a scent.
- Are PBGVs easy to train?
- They are independent; patience and food rewards are key.