Apartment fit
PBGVs can live in apartments only when barking and exercise are handled seriously. The small size helps, but the hound voice can be the limiting factor.
HoundSmall
France
FrancePetit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Weight
25-40 lb
Height
13-15 in
Lifespan
14-16 yrs
Coat
Rough Medium
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small French rough-coated scenthound bred to hunt rabbit through bramble and rough terrain.
Small rough-coated French scenthoundName means small, low, rough-coated dog from VendeeCheerful and vocalNeeds secure fencing and scent outlets
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
PBGV
CheerfulBusyScent-drivenIndependentFriendlyVocal
Weight
25-40 lb
Height
13-15 in
Lifespan
14-16 yrs
Coat
Rough Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate to High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, often shortened to PBGV, is a French scenthound from the Vendee region. Its name describes the dog well: petit for smaller size, basset for low build, griffon for rough coat, and Vendeen for its region of origin.
This is a small, sturdy hound, usually about 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder. The coat is rough, harsh, and tousled, never silky or woolly. Standard colors are white with markings that may include lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolor, or grizzle.
PBGVs are cheerful, busy, vocal hounds with strong noses. They can be excellent family companions for active homes, but they need secure fencing, recall management, ear care, and realistic expectations about barking and scent-driven independence. They are not large dogs and should not be treated like high-obedience sporting retrievers.
Temperament & Personality
CheerfulBusyScent-drivenIndependentFriendlyVocal
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a cheerful, busy, scent-driven companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate to high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Rough
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
White and Lemon, White and Orange, White and Black, Tricolor, Grizzle, Sable
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active families who like hounds
- homes with secure fencing
- owners who enjoy sniffing walks
- people comfortable with a vocal, cheerful dog
Not ideal for
- quiet apartments
- owners expecting easy off-leash reliability
- homes with no plan for barking
- people wanting a low-energy lapdog
Common challenges
- barking
- following scent
- ear care
- recall around distractions
- coat tangles
Barking & behavior
Expect a vocal hound. Teach quiet routines and give the dog sniffing outlets to reduce frustration.
Training style
Use food rewards, long-line practice, and patience. Scent work can make training more satisfying for the dog.
Grooming & shedding
The rough coat needs weekly brushing and combing, and the ears need regular checks.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most PBGVs need 60 minutes or more of daily walks, sniffing, play, and training. Secure fencing or long-line management is important.
Grooming
Brush and comb the rough coat weekly to prevent tangles, especially around the ears, legs, and beard. Check ears after wet walks.
Training
Use food rewards, scent games, and patient recall practice. The breed is clever, but hound independence is normal.
Nutrition
Feed measured meals and keep the dog lean. Extra weight strains the low body and reduces stamina.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate to High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsHip dysplasiaPatellar luxationEye disordersEpilepsyObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen mean?
The name roughly describes a small, low, rough-coated hound from the Vendee region of France.
Is the PBGV a large dog?
No. It is a small hound, usually about 13 to 15 inches tall.
Does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen bark a lot?
Yes, it can be vocal. Hound voice is normal, especially when excited or following scent.
Can a PBGV live in an apartment?
It is possible, but barking, exercise, and scent drive can make apartment life challenging.
Does the PBGV shed?
It sheds moderately. The rough coat needs weekly brushing and combing.
Is the PBGV good with other dogs?
Many are social with other dogs, especially with good introductions and early socialization.
What is the biggest challenge of owning a PBGV?
The biggest challenge is managing a cheerful, vocal hound that follows scent and needs secure boundaries.
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