THE Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) is one of the many shorter-legged varieties of French scent hound. His origins can be traced to the 16th Century and to the Griffon Vendeen, a larger, more powerful ancestor. He comes in two distinct sizes and types - the Petit and Grand. The whole name is rather a mouthful for a small dog but it is easy to remember when explained: Petit means small, Grand means large, Basset means low to the ground, Griffon means rough coated. The breed originates from the Vendee region of France, hence Vendeen.
The characteristics of both PBGV and GBGV have made them a popular addition to the many breeds in Britain, but don't be deceived by the happy temperament and constantly wagging tail. Both need space, patience and a secure garden, for they are all hound and will be off on the hunt at the whiff of a rabbit or other game. Neither breed is for the sit-at-home, but be owned by one and you are guaranteed tremendous fun with a loyal friend.
It is a popular misconception that the PBGV is a shaggy Basset Hound. The two breed names share the word basset, but they have little in common. The PBGV is smaller, lighter boned and bodied, far more compact and livelier than his more familiar Basset Hound cousin.
The PBGV is well-balanced with a rough, unrefined outline. He weighs about 12-17kgs (26-37lbs). Height is 33-38cms (13"-15") and, measured from sternum to buttocks, he is roughly 50percent longer than tall.
He has an enormous amount of charm and a friendly outgoing character. Being a strong workmanlike little hound, he is deep chested and firmly muscled. His beautiful head has gentle, large, dark eyes, large well-flared nostrils for scenting, and fine well-turned ears, not too long and covered with fine hair. A particular feature is his lovely curling hair over the eyebrows, but not obscuring the eyes, also a profuse beard and moustache. He has a good voice, which he uses freely. His tail is medium length, thick at the base and carried proudly like the blade of a sabre.
He has a harsh, weather-resistant coat, which is white with any combination of lemon, orange, tri-colour or grizzle markings. The coat needs regular grooming, brushing and combing to remove dead or matted hair and dirt, with attention to ears, teeth, nails and tidying up around the feet.
Centuries ago, the rugged terrain of the French Vendee region made pursuit on horseback difficult. Hunters needed a hardy dog with physical and menial stamina and a coat resistant to brambles and thorns. Selective interbreeding produced the powerful, rough-coaled hound and, later, the shorter-legged Basset Griffon Vendeen, which could be followed on foot. By the end of the 19th Century, the popular BGV existed in France within the group of basset (shorter-legged) breeds. With breeders' reputations hanging on their ability to produce a quality hound of correct size and proportions, length of leg became important depending on type of game hunted.
In 1907 the Club du Griffon Vendeen was formed, with Paul Dezamy its first President. Two years later, a standard for the BGV recognised two types, the variation in height and the significant difference in crook of front leg. In the 1950s new standards were published and the PBGV was given an official one of its own and considered a separate breed. However, with the earlier practice of interbreeding the Petit and Grand, it was common for offspring from the same litter to be of Petit and Grand type. In the 1970s, Paul's grandson, Hubert Desamy, banned interbreeding, though for many subsequent generations the results of this practice were evident.
The first PBGV arrived in England in 1969. His name was Rigolo de la Vrignaie. A bitch, Oree, arrived later with two of her female puppies, T'Annetta and T'Adette. By 1978 the breed was strong enough to allow for the formation of a UK BGV Club. The name was carefully chosen to allow for the later establishment of the GBGV under the same umbrella. To this day the Club committee strives to protect the health and welfare of the PBGV and responsible PBGV breeders place heavy emphasis on type and size as they seek the ideal of a healthy, well-socialised Petit.
The BGV Club has a rescue service for the breed as sometimes new homes are needed for them. If you understand what owning a hound is all about and are interested in taking on a rescued Petit or Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, please contact Rescue Co-ordinator Diana Sadler or email dianasadler@btinternet.com Tel 01544-230794 or for breed information, contact the BGV Club Secretary, Linda Skerritt monkhams@aol.com Tel: 01753 817987 or visit the website at www.bgvclub.co.uk.
