Alt Names: None Country of Origin: France

History: The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, one of many small varieties of the French hounds, is of ancient descent. His origin can be traced to the sixteenth century, to the Griffon Vendéen, his larger, more powerful ancestor. His name reveals much about him: Petit - small; Basset - low to the ground; Griffon - wire coated; and Vendéen - the area of France in which he originated. In the United States, the breed is referred to as "Petit" or "PBGV", in England, "Roughie", and in Denmark, "Griffon" or "Petit".

The attempt to standardize breed type was not undertaken seriously until the latter half of the nineteenth century. Until 1898, when the first official standard for the Basset Griffon Francais was adopted, judges at the French Exposition made their placements without benefit of any official standard. The Dezamy family, headed by Paul Dezamy, the first president of the newly founded Club du Basset Griffon Vendéen (1907), is known for having devised the first standard. The same standard described the Petit and Grand, both of which came from the same litters at that time. In 1909, a standard for the Basset Griffon Vendéen recognized two types of Basset, one standing 34 to 38 centimeters, or approximately 13 to 15 inches, and the other 38 to 42 centimeters, 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The Petit was distinguished by his smaller size only, with sometimes semi-crooked legs. The taller, or Grand, always had straight legs.

In March, 1987, the second annual meeting of the club and the first National Specialty were held once again in Louisville. Twenty-four Petits were entered, and 22 shown. Exhibitors came from California, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, New Jersey and Arizona.

On July 1, 1989, the PBGV became eligible to compete in AKC Miscellaneous classes. Full recognition followed swiftly on February 1, 1991. In 1992, 24 champion Petits represented their breed at the Westminster Kennel Club show for the first time.

Appearance: Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 35 and 45 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).

Like the other 3 Griffon Vendeen breeds: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; they are solid dogs that appear rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a thick body that is about half as much longer than it is tall at the withers.

The double coat is both long and rough. The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache similar to that of a Scottish Terrier. They have drop ears like many hounds share. The tail is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber. The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, or black. They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.

Temperament: They are very extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. PBGVs are not lazy like the Basset Hound, they are much more active and lively. They are good with children and other dogs. They can be rather vocal.

Like other hounds, they are stubborn and don't respond as well to training as some owners may like. They tend to do what they want to do unless there is a reward for them.