Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

by Kate Barrington

Published: March 23rd, 2016

About Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Weight

31-40 lb

Lifespan

14-15 years

Group

AKC Hound

Best Suited For

active families, active singles, families with children, house with a yard

Temperament

friendly, loyal, extroverted, active

Comparable Breeds

Basset Hound, Grand Griffon Vendeen

Height

13-15 inches

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Basics

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a unique breed that looks like a combination of several other breeds. This dog has the short stature and strong build of the Basset Hound with the shaggy, gruff appearance of various Griffon-type breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may be small but it has a big, friendly personality. If you are looking for an extroverted, intelligent, and family-loving dog then the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is definitely one to consider.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a unique breed that looks like a combination of several other breeds.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Origin

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is one of four Griffon Vendeens – the others are the Grand Griffon Vendeen, the Briquet Griffon Vendeen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. This breed was developed as a scent hound in France with its origins dating back to the 16th century. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen existed for several centuries before breeders began to develop a breed standard during the late 1800s – up until that time the breed was known as the Basset Griffon Francais. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen breed club was formed in 1907 at which point the same standard was used for the Petit and Grand Basset Griffon. In the 1950s the official standard for just the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was published and in 1992 the breed made its debut at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York.

Pedigree

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is one of several small hound varieties developed in France several centuries ago. It shares its history with the larger Griffon Vendeen, though it is distinguished by its petite size and short stature.

Food/Diet

As a small-breed dog, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has higher energy needs than larger dogs. This being the case you should feed your dog a commercial dog food diet specially formulated for small-breed dogs.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an intelligent breed which means that it should respond quickly to training.

Training

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is an intelligent breed which means that it should respond quickly to training. It is also important to note, however, that as a hound, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can be a little stubborn and strong-willed at times. To prevent problems in training your Petit Basset you should use positive reinforcement based training methods and maintain a firm and consistent hand in training. The earlier you start training and socializing your dog, the better. Do not let your dog walk all over you – you must establish yourself as an authority figure without becoming cruel or unkind to your dog.

Weight

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small-breed dog that stands between 13 and 15 inches at maturity, weighing between 31 and 40 pounds. Males and females of the breed are of similar size.

Temperament/Behavior

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a friendly breed that loves to spend time with people. This breed is often described as being “endlessly happy” because its tail never stops wagging. He generally gets along well with children and other dogs which makes it a great family pet, though they may be too energetic for very small children. This breed is by no means a nippy breed, but it can be a little bit loud – this is characteristic of hound breeds. Vendeens also make excellent therapy dogs due to their friendly and extroverted personalities.

Common Health Problems

In 2004, the UK Kennel Club performed a health survey of Basset Griffon Vendeens and found that the average lifespan for the breed was about 12-14 years and the leading causes of death were cancer and old age. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is generally a healthy breed but, like all dogs, it is prone to developing certain health problems. Some of the problems most likely to affect this breed include recurrent ear infections, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and persistent pupillary membranes.

Life Expectancy

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a long life expectancy around 14 years or more.

Exercise Requirements

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was developed as a hunting breed so it is fairly active and does require a good bit of daily exercise. These dogs also have strong hunting instincts so they may be prone to chasing small animals around the house.

This breed is often described as being “endlessly happy” because its tail never stops wagging.

AKC

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was officially recognized by the AKC in 1990 and was admitted into the Hound Group in 1991.

Coat

This dog has a long double coat that often exhibits a tousled appearance. The hair is long and rough, growing long on the face to give the dog the appearance of a beard and moustache. The primary color for this breed is white, though many dogs exhibit spots of yellow, orange, black, gray, sable or tan.

Puppies

The average litter size is 4 to 6 puppies with 5 being the most common. As a small-breed dog, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen puppies may reach full size before they are one year old at which point you should switch them to an adult dog food formula. Early training and socialization is recommended for this breed to ensure that it grows up to be well-behaved and well-adjusted.

Photo credit: Radomir Rezny/Shutterstock; PRESSLAB/Shutterstock; laurendotcom/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Basics A long-bodied, short-legged hunting breed, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a sight to behold. This dog may be small at just 40 to 45 pounds, but his hunting abilities are such that he can bring down even large game like boar and deer. Though he was originally developed for this purpose, today the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is more of a family pet. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly, pet-friendly dog breed that responds well to training, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen may be a breed to consider. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a kid-friendly, pet-friendly dog breed. Origin The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen shares its history with other Bassets, being derived from the Grand Griffon breed. At the end of the 19th century, breeders began selecting for dogs with straight legs and eventually they came to be fixed in the hound type. For years, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was interbred with the Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen and the puppies were simply separated by size. It wasn’t until the 1970s that they became two separate breeds and it wasn’t until 2004 that the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen entered the Foundation Stock Service for registration with the AKC. In 2018, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was officially entered into the AKC under the Hound Group. Pedigree

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Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

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Hypothermia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?

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A Small Cat Family Was Found Living in the Ceiling of a Restaurant

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Study Finds Link Between Having a Dog and Girls' Physical Activity

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Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs?

Melatonin is an important hormone, which is naturally produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It has numerous beneficial aspects, such as it can help regulate mood, sleep cycles, and reproduction. However, its production is directly stimulated by darkness, while it is inhibited by light. What does this mean? It means that both dogs and humans will produce melatonin only when it is dark outside. As soon as the dawn arrives with the light of day, melatonin production ceases. This means that many people will supplement melatonin, or use it throughout the day for various reasons. Which brings up the question - is melatonin safe for dogs? Let’s find out. Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs? Melatonin is generally considered extremely safe for dogs, and it is almost always safe to give it to them - when it is used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. While melatonin is used in humans for the above-mentioned reasons, for dogs it is usually used for treating various skin conditions, anxiety, or sleep disorders. But even with all the positive aspects, it is necessary to first heed the advice of your veterinarian, before giving melatonin to your pet. This is because the proper dosage is important. The dose of melatonin administered depends on your pet’s size, weight, and overall health condition. Generally, veterinarians recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if necessary. Dosages typically range from 0.5 to 3 milligrams per dog, but this can vary. Mistake the dosage, and you risk a lot of side effects, like digestive upset, lethargy, and changes in mood or behavior.What is more, melatonin might not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions or those taking other medications. Because of this, it is always crucial to seek professional advice before administering any supplements or medications to your pet. Ignoring this can cause a lot of harm.

New Study Shows Surprising Effect of Pet Ownership on Seniors

You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

Working Dog Gets Stolen and Dropped in a Shelter 700 Miles From Home

We all love our pooches, don’t we? It’s impossible to imagine that someone would be capable of stealing your four-legged companion. But, sadly many dogs get stolen every day. That’s exactly what happened to Hank, a 12-year-old McNab mix, who was working on a ranch in Oregon.The woman who brought Hank to the St. George Animal Shelter told the staff that she had found the dog locally. However, Hank was more than 700 miles away from home!“He was a working dog,” said Animal Service Officer Supervisor Cathy Freitas to St. George News. The pooch was found on a ranch in Oregon and driven to St. George by a woman who lied to the shelter staff and said that she found the dog in the local area. “The dog was absolutely well cared for and happy,” Freitas added. “And the person who saw it assumed otherwise and thought rather than going to the authorities and saying ‘I found a dog,’ she intentionally drove the dog from that area because she didn’t want it to go back to the owner thinking that it wasn’t well taken care of because it was outside… Not every dog is going to be happy lying on your couch and eating snacks.”The shelter posted a photo of Hank on social media, hoping someone would recognize him. Luckily, the post reached the right people, and a person in Idaho recognized the pooch. Soon, everything became much clearer.As it happens, Hanks was with his family for a long time, and they missed him terribly. Unfortunately, Hank’s owners didn’t know where to start looking for him because the people who took him had driven so far away. When the shelter got ahold of the owners, they immediately got into their vehicle and drove 700 miles to get their dog. That’s 1,400 miles round trip - a sure proof of the love and dedication that they have for their pooch.The owners explained that Hank is in the fifth generation of McNab dogs bred to work on the family’s ranch. People should know that there are working dogs, Freitas explained. These dogs are bred and trained to work and that’s where they feel the most comfortable and happy. If you happen to find a dog near livestock, there’s a good chance that it’s a working dog, and it’s best not to approach it. If the dog seems neglected or injured, contact Animal Services or nonemergency dispatch. This way the local authorities can check on the dog and get a hold of its owner. When it comes to Hank, the St. George Animal Shelter wouldn’t be able to hold his owners accountable if he had been neglected or abused because they are outside of the St. George Police Department’s jurisdiction.  The police from the dog’s hometown wouldn’t have been notified, giving the family a chance to adopt another dog.Taking a dog like this is extremely stressful for them and their family, but it can also put their herd at risk, as they would be without a guardian and more likely to become prey. Luckily, this story has a happy ending and Hank is back on the ranch, helping his owners with livestock. His family could press charges against the woman who took him, even though she might have had the dog’s best interest at heart. At the end of the day, she stole Hank and transported him across state lines. If you come across a dog herding livestock, stay a safe distance away and don’t offer any treats or food. According to Freitas, most working dogs aren’t aggressive towards people, but they can be if they sense their herd is at risk. Let’s not forget that working dogs aren’t house pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

No one likes to be separated from their cherished pet for too long. But going to work is unavoidable for most of us, and, inevitably, our pets have to stay home alone. It might not seem like a big deal to you, knowing you’ll be back after a few hours, but it is definitely a big deal for your dog. In fact, most pet dogs are affected by this separation so much that they can experience anxiety and stress, ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic. Needless to say, this is traumatic for your pet (and can result in destroyed valuables, too) so it’s important to learn how to help them manage anxiety when you’re away. Here are some tips to help you navigate your pet’s separation anxiety while you’re at the office. 6 Ways To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety When You’re At WorkGoing off to work and leaving their pet behind is a challenge for many pet owners around the world, especially those who live alone. When you're at the office, you need to make sure your pet is safe and taken care of until you come back. But even when you organize everything, your pet might feel stressed out on their own - even when it’s for a few hours, your dog won’t know why you left or even if you are coming back which can be a trigger for a panic attack for some canines. Some, especially  velcro dogs, get so nervous and stressed that they develop a separation anxiety disorder. But even so, there are many ways to help your pet cope when you're at work, regardless of the severity of their anxiety – here are 6 ways to reduce stress for your four-legged bestie.Create a Consistent Routine:Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps them know what to expect and when. You can create their schedule around your work hours, so your pet will not find it odd that you are not there when they know what to expect before and after your shift (e.g. walk and mealtime).Gradual Departures and Arrivals:Don't make a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures low-key to reduce anxiety. This helps normalize the process. Make it seem like you just popped out for a few minutes. If you help your dog understand it is not a big deal, they might pick up on your relaxed energy and stay calm when you depart.Offer Interactive Toys: 

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