Basset Griffon: Temperament, Exercise, Grooming, Health

Group: Hound; Scent Hound

Also known as: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV)

About Basset Griffon

Origin of the Breed It was bred to hunt small game in bramble filled terrain of the La Vendee district of France. Description of the Dog They are solid dogs that appear rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers. The body length is not as extreme as that of a basset hound or dachshund. The dogs have a tousled appearance, with a harsh double coat is both long and rough.

The hair on the face and legs may be softer than body hair. The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache. They usually have very long eyelashes. The skull is domed, with drop, oval ears like many hounds share. The ears are set low and hanging, and if stretched out should reach the tip of the nose. The tail is usually held upright, and is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber.

Coat

The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, black, grizzle (gray-and-white hairs), or sable, sometimes with tan accents. They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.

Height

Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers

Weight

Between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

They are very extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. PBGVs tend to be very active and lively. They are good with children and other dogs. They can be rather vocal, as is typical of scenthounds. They tend to do what they want to do unless there is a reward for them.

Living Conditions

They should have daily walks to burn off excess energy. Like other hounds, they are stubborn and do not respond as well to training as some owners may like.

They are well suited for apartments.

Grooming

The Basset Griffon has a double coat. The inner coat is for warmth and is soft. The rough single coat protects the dog when hunting in thick underbrush. His coat should be thick, wiry and somewhat casual looking.

A weekly brushing will remove loose and dead hair and help to control shedding. A pin brush, comb and possibly a mat breaker are the only necessary tools. Bathe him as needed. Properly groomed, they shed little to no hair.

Health Issues

In the PBGV Club of America 2000 survey, the most common diseases reported by owners of 640 dogs were persistent pupillary membranes, recurrent ear infections, hypothyroidism, neck pain, and epilepsy.

Among 289 live Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UKC survey, the most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic (dermatitis and mites), and aural (otitis externa, excessive ear wax, and ear mites).

Life Expectancy: About 14 or more years.