Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Dog Breed

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen-Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is technically a mixed breed--but since the parents are so similar, one could argue that this "hybrid" is not a crossbreed at all. Both the PBGV and the GBGV are members of the Hound group in the AKC and other clubs, so a Petit-Grand will fit nicely into that category. Because interbreeding of the two types is banned in some places, not much info exists about the mixing of the two differently sized Basset Griffon Vendeen breeds; for many years, though, the two sizes were not separated, and in fact, a Petit BGV and a Grand BGV were often born in the same litter. Though these dogs were originally developed in France to be hunters, they make friendly, energetic pets as well.

A few Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 15 inches at the shoulders in height and 40 pounds in weight; they have medium-length, rough, double-layered coats that shed moderately; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix:

The Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix is essentially the offspring of two dogs which, while recognized as two separate breeds, are essentially two size varieties of one breed. The breed name translates from French as: "petit" or "grand," small or large; "basset," low to the ground; "griffon," shaggy or wire-haired; and "vendeen" refers to the Vendee' (the French region where the breed originated).

In 1909, the official Basset Griffon Vendeen club rewrote the breed standard to separate the breed into two size varieties, with the Petit 13-15 inches in height and the Grand, 15-17 inches. This means the two dogs have virtually the same DNA--so their offspring will see little variation (see the "Variations" section below for more info). Bot the Petit and the Grand BGV are friendly, active, and stubborn; the only real noticeable difference between the two is that the Grand BGV has been bred to be faster and more athletic.

As such, a Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix can be speedy and tireless, or super-fast and inexhaustible. These dogs will need a good bit of both physical and mental stimulation throughout the day to keep them from becoming frustrated and disobedient.

The only real difference in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is in size (13-15 inches in height for the Petit versus 15-17 inches for the Grand). A Petit-Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen mix, then, will be consistent in all aspects. Its size won't vary too much either, at 13-17 inches and 30-50 pounds.

Breeders use specific symbols like P, F1, F2, and so on to indicate a crossbred dog's genetic makeup. For a Grand BGV-Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen cross, the following applies:

• P: Purebred; 100% Petit BGV or Grand BGV
• F1: P x P; 50% Petit, 50% Grand
• F1b: F1 x P; 75% of purebred's DNA
• F2: F1 x F1; 50% Petit, 50% Grand

(The formula continues up to F5 or more.)
Dishonest breeders will sometimes add other breeds into the mix to achieve better results. A fraudulent breeder may, for example, crossbreed Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens with a Toy or Miniature Poodle, then market the dog as a "Miniature Basset Griffon Vendeen mix"--when it reality the dog breed is a Petit Basset Vendeen-Poodle mix. Any dog owners curious about their pooches' genetic makeup can order a canine DNA test from numerous online outlets, or discuss the issue with their veterinarian.

Friendly, intelligent, lively, enthusiastic, and often very stubborn and strong-willed, the Grand-Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen temperament is one of activity and affection. BGVs are loving and sociable with everyone and everything, be it family members, other pets, friends, or strangers. They make great playmates for kids, and usually socialize well with other pets too; even so, it's best if your Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix grows up alongside any children or other household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

The one possibly difficult aspect of the Basset Griffon Vendeen personality is its stubbornness--which can make this dog difficult to train. Owners will need to begin obedience training as early in a BGV's life as possible; even so, adult BGVs may require some repetitions when learning tasks, tricks, and commands. Suffice it to say that plenty of patience and consistency (along with lots of doggie treats!) will be necessary when training these dogs.

A Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix will have pretty good watchdog skills too--mainly because the dog barks so much! These dogs will definitely sound a vocal alarm if they perceive an unknown sight or sound, but they're simply too friendly to really neutralize potential threats like intruders.

A Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen-Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen mix is pretty healthy overall, but can suffer ailments including epilepsy, joint problems like hip dysplasia or patellar luxation, allergies, eye issues such as glaucoma or primary lens luxation, and hypothyroidism. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Petit BGV-Grand BGV mix is fairly long, at 13-16 years.