Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

By Sophie Kininmonth · 26 Jan 2026 (updated 21 Jul 2026) ·7 min read

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small, scruffy French scent hound with a lot of personality packed into a low, sturdy frame. It is compact enough for everyday living but still a true hound, bright, sociable, and happiest with its nose to the ground. That combination is the appeal: a characterful companion that keeps you entertained and stays interested in the world around it. It is also a genuine commitment. The same nose and independence that make the breed fun also mean secure fencing, patient training, and a tolerance for a dog that likes to talk.

Height: 34 to 38 cm at the withers (about 13.5 to 15 in)¹
Weight: Commonly around 11 to 18 kg (25 to 40 lb)²
Coat: Rough and harsh with a thick undercoat (not silky or woolly)¹
Colour: White with lemon, orange, sable, grizzle or black markings; tricolour also seen¹
Temperament: Lively, companionable, independent-minded; can be vocal and scent-driven³
Training: Best with calm consistency and rewards; patience helps with the hound streak³
Grooming: Weekly brushing; occasional tidying or hand-stripping to keep the coat harsh¹
Exercise: Daily walks plus sniffing and problem-solving activities; secure fencing and lead manners matter³
Life expectancy: Often around the mid-teens; studies and breed sources commonly place the average around 14 years⁴

History and Origin

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) comes from the Vendée region of France, developed as a small, rough-coated scent hound for working through thick cover while trailing game such as rabbits and hares.⁵ That working background still shows in everyday life: the nose goes first, the legs follow, and the brain often stays busy even when the house is quiet.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

A PBGV is low to the ground, slightly longer than tall, with a weather-resistant coat that looks a bit tousled even when well cared for. The ears are long and drop close to the head, which was useful in the field but also a reason owners need to stay on top of ear hygiene.¹ Size is tightly defined in breed standards at 34 to 38 cm at the withers, with only a small tolerance.¹ If you are comparing breeds for housing or travel, that range is the reliable anchor.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - What they look like (and why it matters)

Temperament and Personality

PBGVs are sociable with their people and lively around the home, but they were not bred to be ornamental. They were bred to work at a distance, make decisions on the move, and follow scent even when the world is noisy and thorny. Common traits owners notice:

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Temperament: the “small hound” in the lounge room

Independence: they can be affectionate yet stubborn about changing course mid-sniff.³
Vocalising: many are talkative, and excitement and alert barking are common in hounds.³
Curiosity and prey drive: secure fences and lead reliability are not optional. This is a scent hound, not a decorative terrier with short legs.³

Is a PBGV Right for You?

This is a good match for people who like a dog with opinions and do not mind some noise. If you can offer daily exercise, patient reward-based training, and a securely fenced yard, a PBGV will reward you with a warm, characterful companion. It suits active households and people who enjoy sniffy walks and a bit of training as a shared hobby. It is a poorer fit if you want a quiet, low-effort dog, if off-lead reliability is a must from day one, or if a talkative hound would strain relations with neighbours. Be honest about the barking and the scent-driven wandering before you commit.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Training: keeping it steady, not forceful

Training and Exercise

PBGVs respond best to consistent routines and rewards, with short sessions that feel like a game. Harsh corrections tend to backfire with independent breeds. You usually get better results by teaching a strong recall on a long line, rewarding check-ins, and practising calm lead walking away from high-scent areas.³ Early socialisation helps, especially for a dog that may greet the world loudly and with confidence.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Exercise and enrichment needs

Daily movement matters, but so does daily thinking. A PBGV that only walks heel-to-knee can still be under-stimulated, because scent work is the engine that keeps the breed steady. Good outlets include:

brisk walks with time allowed for sniffing
tracking or scent games in the yard
training sessions that practise recall, "leave it", and settling on a mat
secure, fenced play (or a long line) rather than off-lead roaming in open areas³

Health and Lifespan

PBGVs are generally robust, but like many breeds they have known inherited risks. Eye disease is one of the key ones: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) has a DNA test available, and eye screening is commonly recommended in kennel club health schemes.⁶ Other issues reported in the breed include ear infections and epilepsy, and some lines may have joint or back-related concerns, as can happen in longer-bodied, shorter-legged dogs.⁶

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Grooming and coat care

When you are assessing a breeder, ask for written proof (not verbal assurances) of any relevant tests and screening, and ask what the results mean for puppies, not just whether the parents were tested.⁶ Many sources place the breed's average lifespan around 14 years, with individual dogs living longer or shorter depending on genetics and care.⁴

Grooming and Care

The coat should feel harsh, not silky. Weekly brushing helps prevent tangles in the furnishings (beard, eyebrows, legs), and occasional tidying can keep the outline clean while still looking natural. Breed standards explicitly discourage over-stylised trimming.¹ Because the ears are long and folded, check them regularly for wax, grass seeds, and moisture build-up, especially after bush walks or wet weather.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Health: what to watch for and what to ask breeders

Choosing a Puppy or Rescue Dog in Australia

Start by deciding whether you truly need a puppy. Adult dogs can be a better match for some homes, and adopting through a reputable rehoming organisation lets you see the dog's settled temperament more clearly.⁷ If you do buy a puppy, avoid buying blind. In Australia, animal welfare groups consistently advise meeting the puppy in person, seeing where it was raised, and where possible meeting the mother. This reduces the risk of supporting puppy farming and helps you judge health and behaviour before money changes hands.⁸

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Choosing a puppy or a rescue dog in Australia

In NSW, check the Breeder Identification Number (BIN) where applicable and verify details through the NSW Pet Registry, and be cautious of sellers who will not let you visit or who push for deposits before you have met the dog.⁹

A Few Things Worth Knowing

Breed standards place them at 34 to 38 cm at the withers (about 13.5 to 15 inches).¹
They are not a wash-and-wear coat. Regular brushing reduces loose hair and matting, and keeping the harsh texture often involves occasional hand-stripping or tidy-ups rather than heavy clipping.¹
They are intelligent, but many have a strong hound independence. Calm, reward-based training and plenty of recall practice work better than trying to out-stubborn them.³
Many sources place the breed's average lifespan around 14 years, with individual dogs varying by genetics and care.⁴

The Bottom Line

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen suits people who like a dog with opinions: compact, scruffy, bright-eyed, and often noisy, with a nose that keeps working long after the walk is over. If you can provide daily exercise, patient training, and a secure environment, the PBGV can be a warm companion. It is still very much a French hunting hound, just living on the rug instead of in the brambles.

References

Sophie Kininmonth

Dog lover and writer at My Pets Australia, sharing practical breed guides and care advice for Australian pet owners.