Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)

The largest is the Grand Griffon Vendeen (60-65cms), a big noble straight-limbed dog with a fearless temperament, medium sized is the Briquet Griffon Vendeen (48-55cms), lighter framed and more agile, it is used for hunting small deer. There are two Basset sizes, - 'basset' simply meaning short legged, with no immediate connection with the more commonly known Basset Hound. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (39-45cms), again a noble, well boned fearless dog and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (33-38cms), smaller and more agile than his bigger cousin.

The breed with the longest name! But the name tells you all about the breed : 'petit' - small; 'basset' - short legged; 'griffon' - rough coated; and 'Vendeen' - coming from the Vendee region of Southern France. What more is there to tell?

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (often abbreviated to PBGV) is a strong workmanlike little hound of moderate length, deep chested and firmly muscled. He has a beautiful head with gentle, large round eyes, a large nose for scenting and fine well-tuned ears - not too long and covered with fine hair. He has a medium length tail, thick at the base and carried like the blade of a sabre. He has a short harsh coat and a particular feature is the lovely curling hairs over the eyes and his beard and moustache. He has a lovely deep voice, much prized by huntsmen. Any recognized hound colour is acceptable, but there should be some white marking. The colours range from the very pale orange and whites to the very dark, almost solid coloured hounds.