The name describes the basic characteristics of the breed as:
Petit: Small Basset: Low to the Ground Griffon:Rough Coated Vendéen: Region in France Breed Originated
Welcome to our site!
We are Outlander's PBGV's, a small home hobby breeder of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens. We are pleased to share our passion for these charming little hounds with you!
Raising quality puppies as close to the AKC standard as possible is of the uptmost importance to us. Our adults have passed CERF eye tests and health clearances.
We discovered this endearing breed in 2003 and have enjoyed showing and raising our PBGV's and meeting other breeders at the shows.
Home-Raised with Love
Our dogs are raised underfoot, in our home, as part of our family. We place our puppies with discriminating families refusing to settle for less than a well bred and highly socialized puppy. Excellence in temperament and health is paramount in our breeding program. We consistently produce sound, intelligent, and loving puppies, perfect for families searching for a devoted companion, or a show potential.
About the PGBGV
PBGVs are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the "happy breed," PBGVs have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes. PBGVs are typically active and lively. While good with children, other dogs and pets, they may be unsuitable for very young children because of their energy and tendency to play bite. The PBGV standard states that the dog should "give voice freely" -- as is typical of hounds, petits are outspoken dogs. If their 'pack' begins howling or singing, the dog will join in, with amusing results. PBGVs may howl alone or with a companion; they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. PBGV companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along with favorite songs. (At Outlander's, we have found our dogs to be very responsive to training. Our adults only bark when they are talking to us or playing. We have NOT found them to be excessive barkers. They have learned the 'quiet' command and are very respectful neighbors!)
While no PBGV would ever be called "yippy," their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature. The outspoken nature of a PBGV varies from dog to dog, but even the shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call. Like other hounds, Petits are stubborn, and sometimes may not respond well to training (Although we have had excellent results with training at Outlander's). Because they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, PBGVs make excellent therapy dogs. PBGVs are excellent hunting and tracking dogs. A "Hunting Instinct Test" with associated AKC certification is currently in development as a part of optional breed credentialing. Petits who work in this manner do not hunt to kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or to a rabbit in motion down a trail.
"Saber tails," another PBGV nickname, are typically white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above the bramble and brush. As a companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some PBGVs, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs make fine companion animals, and have suitable manners to live among cats and other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential PBGV owners are cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home, work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the home "pack." (At Outlander's, we also raise cats, so our puppies have been successfully acclimated to their feline friends!)
As scent hounds, most PBGVs should be kept on-leash when in open outdoor areas. Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where scent is involved. Scent will typically trump obedience in the mind of a PBGV. The outspoken nature and erect tail of a PBGV can be misinterpreted by other dogs, as these manners typically express dominance to other dogs. PBGVs can inspire a misguided need to express dominance on the part of passing dogs. PBGV owners need to be alert to this potential misinterpretation, as Petits are easily outclassed in both size and aggressiveness.
