Character & Temperament

The PBGV is a small dog with a big personality! Originally bred for hunting, he is determined, intelligent and has a natural curiosity. This means he often has an active and adventurous side. He loves being outside and exploring new places. His nose often takes center stage when he goes for a walk, so he can sometimes be stubborn when he spots an interesting trail. In terms of temperament, the PBGV is typically cheerful and energetic. He's not hyperactive, but he needs regular exercise to be happy. His hunting instincts can cause him to exhibit strong prey and hunting behavior, so it is important that you respond to his needs and provide him with enough mental and physical stimulation. The Petit Basset Griffon Vend"en is an extremely people-oriented dog. He loves being part of family life and is often very affectionate. He generally gets along well with children and has a playful side that makes him a great companion for younger family members. Although the PBGV is an affectionate breed, it can learn to stay alone for short periods of time if handled correctly. It's important to teach him that it's okay to be alone and avoid separation anxiety. The PBGV is also an alert dog, meaning it is a good watchdog. He will let you know when someone approaches the house, but he is not aggressive.

What Awaits You

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a friendly, independent dog that has a lot of hunting motivation. This breed is mainly kept by hunters.

Housing & Care

Despite its small size, the PBGV is an active dog and needs daily exercise. It goes well with active families and can adapt just as well in the city as in the country. He is friendly and even-tempered and can get along well with children and other pets as long as he is well socialized. However, it is important to remember that as a hunting dog, he has a high prey drive, which may mean he could go after small animals.

Training & Education

Raising a PBGV can be a fun challenge as they are very intelligent but sometimes stubborn. You are full of energy and need physical and mental stimulation. Agility, tracking or flyball are great ways to keep them busy. It is important to slowly introduce the PBGV to frustration tolerance and impulse control. Positive reinforcement is particularly effective in training this breed. You should make sure to give your dog enough rest and not to keep him busy.

Nutrition & Care

The PBGV has a robust appetite and needs a well-balanced diet to maintain optimal weight. His diet should contain high quality protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. Overfeeding should be avoided to avoid obesity. In terms of grooming, the PBGV has a double coat with a coarse outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. This coat structure makes the PBGV well suited to the German climate. However, the dog sheds, especially during shedding periods, and regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat healthy and minimize shedding.