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Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, also known as the Petit, Griff, or Roughie, breed of hound descended from the larger, more powerful Griffon Vendeen of 16th-century France. Its name translates to “small,””low to the ground,””rough or wire-coated,” and “from the Vendeen region of France.” Breeders developed this dog to hunt hare, fox, and deer by scent across the rocky, thorny terrain of the Vendeen region.
The petit basset griffon Vendeen is short, with a compact, robust body. It stands about 33 to 38 cm (about 13 to 15 in) high at the shoulders, and weighs about 10.5 to 15.5 kg (about 24 to 35 lb). The legs are short, straight, and firm. The chest is deep, the neck long and strong, and the shoulders laid back. The back arches slightly. Thin narrow ears sit below the eye line and fold inward. The medium-length tail tapers to a tip.
The coarse fur coat of the petit basset griffon Vendeen grows up to 5 cm (up to 2 in) long. Coloring is white with orange and cream, or black and tan. Long eyebrows fall forward, but do not block the line of vision of its large, dark eyes. Long hair covers the lips, forming a distinctive beard and mustache.
The petit basset griffon Vendeen looks tousled and rough, but what it lacks in grace is made up in ability. In the field, it is a fast-paced, curious hunter with great stamina. It requires a great deal of exercise, and regular grooming with a hard brush.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1991. The national breed club is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America.
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