

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a cheerful, robust scenthound—bred as a low-slung pack dog that tirelessly works its way through dense thorny thickets while baying on the trail. Its charm is immense, but so is its hunting instinct.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für Französische und Schweizer Laufhunde e.V. (CCFS)
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
34–38 cm
Weight
14–20 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is like a good-natured forest sprite on an eternal mission: as soon as it has a scent, the rest of the world ceases to exist. You aren't getting a submissive follower, but a headstrong colleague who prefers to spend life with its nose to the ground. If you view its hunting passion as teamwork, you'll gain the most cheerful buddy imaginable.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, affectionately often called PBGV, is a small but powerful dog breed. It has short legs and a long back, which gives it a unique appearance. Its coat is rough and dense, which makes it insensitive to adverse weather. With its large, dark eyes and drooping ears covered with longer hair, it has a charming and expressive look. The PBGV belongs to FCI Group 6, which includes scent hounds and bloodhounds. It is classified as a low-legged dog, meaning that it follows a trail on the ground when hunting rather than keeping its nose in the air. There is no distinction between performance and show lines.
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 Vendéen 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.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen was originally bred as a rabbit hunting dog in France, and its name literally means "Small low wire-haired dog from the Vendée"!
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a friendly, independent dog that has a lot of hunting motivation. This breed is mainly kept by hunters.
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.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Raising a PBGV can be a fun challenge as they are very intelligent but sometimes stubborn. They 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 overstimulate him.
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.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Robust
Health grade
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is considered a very healthy breed, but there are specific risks for primary open-angle glaucoma, eye problems, and hip dysplasia (HD). The Verein für Französische und Schweizer Laufhunde e.V. (CCFS) therefore mandates an ophthalmological eye examination as well as a genetic test for primary open-angle glaucoma for breeding, whereby carriers may only be mated with clear partners. Responsible breeders additionally have their dogs examined for hip dysplasia (HD) and patellar luxation (PL). Before purchasing, you should ask to see the relevant certificates: results for HD with A–B, PL 0, and proof that at least one parent is clear of the mutation for primary open-angle glaucoma.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should focus on joint-friendly exercise and a healthy weight to relieve pressure on the long back, as well as regularly checking and cleaning the eyes and floppy ears.
Responsible breeders test for primary open-angle glaucoma, eye issues, and hip dysplasia (HD), as well as voluntarily for patellar luxation (PL), to reliably prevent severe joint and eye diseases.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Verein für Französische und Schweizer Laufhunde e.V. (CCFS) requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Verein für Französische und Schweizer Laufhunde e.V. (CCFS) for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,330 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€31,610.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€5,330
Across the dog's life
~€31,610
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
HonestDog Concierge
We currently have no breeders for this breed who have passed our verification. Create your short buyer profile: we'll set up your search alert, review a possible source and email you within 28 days.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen hails from the Vendée region of western France and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was originally bred as a hunting dog and specialized in hunting in thick undergrowth. Its small size and maneuverability made it ideal for tracking game such as rabbits and wild boars through dense terrain. The breed is closely related to the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, with the PBGV being the smaller version. They are believed to have originated from the same strains, and the breed was refined over time through selective breeding to promote traits that were useful when hunting in the specific landscape of the Vendée region. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was recognized as a distinct breed in the 1950s and soon gained popularity outside France, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was bred to hunt rabbits and other small game in dense undergrowth.
France
1500
Many owners describe life with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen as cheerful, busy and very warm. At home the breed is considered very affectionate, cuddly and people-oriented. Around children in particular, the PBGV comes across as a patient, sturdy and playful companion that seeks out its people and loves to be in the middle of everything. Thanks to its history as a pack hound, it is usually very easygoing and uncomplicated with other dogs.
At the same time, reports point out that despite its handy size, the PBGV is not just a lap dog. Fans of the breed describe it as "a devil outside and an angel inside": indoors it seems relaxed and adaptable, but outdoors it turns into a bundle of energy. Owners also mention that it likes to bark. The PBGV happily announces noises and visitors in its deep hound voice, which takes forward-thinking management in thin-walled rental apartments. Time alone should also be built up carefully from the start, since the breed is very attached to its pack and doesn't handle loneliness well.
Sources:dogpackapp.comwirliebenhunter.deallekleinehunderassen.devdh.dezooroyal.de
One theme runs through owner reports on training the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: its strong hunting instinct and its famous stubbornness. Bred as a scent hound that works independently, the PBGV tunes everything out the moment a fresh game or scent trail hits its nose. Owners agree that a reliable recall in open country is one of the biggest challenges; in areas with a lot of wildlife, many keep the dog on a long line permanently or only allow off-leash time in securely fenced areas.
Pressure or harshness has no place in training, because these dogs simply dig in their heels. Owners stress that patience, humor and positive reinforcement get you the furthest. To give that busy nose the right kind of work and prevent frustration on the leash, experienced owners strongly recommend activities like tracking, mantrailing or targeted search games in everyday life.
Sources:dogpackapp.comwirliebenhunter.deallekleinehunderassen.deforum.champdogs.co.uktackenberg.de
Health-wise, owners generally consider the PBGV a weatherproof, long-lived and vigorous breed. Still, its typical build, a long back on short legs, calls for some care. Owners warn against letting young dogs climb stairs too early or jump out of the car too often, to protect the back and joints. The long, drop ears also need regular checks, since moisture and dirt easily collect under the heavy ear leather, which can lead to ear infections.
The rough griffon coat does shed dirt well, but owners note that its low-slung build and shaggy coat turn the PBGV into a kind of "walking Velcro": burrs, leaves and wet mud get caught in the coat and beard after every outing. Owners describe weekly brushing and occasional hand-plucking or stripping as essential to prevent mats and keep the coat's weatherproof texture.
Sources:vdh.deforum.champdogs.co.ukzoomalia.depurina.dezooroyal.at
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen comes in these colors: Black and white, Black and tan, Fawn, Orange, Sable, Tricolor, Grizzle, Wolf grey, Wild boar.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.