Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the "happy breed," Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are typically active and lively. While good with children, other dogs and pets, they may be unsuitable for very young children because of their energy and tendency to play bite. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen standard states that the dog should "give voice freely" -- as is typical of hounds, petits are outspoken dogs. If their 'pack' begins howling or singing, the dog will join in, with amusing results. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens may howl alone or with a companion; they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along with favorite songs.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is not a quiet dog. While no Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen would ever be called "yippy," their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature. The outspoken nature of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen varies from dog to dog, but even the shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call.
Like other hounds, Petits are stubborn, and sometimes may not respond well to training.
Because they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens make excellent therapy dogs.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are excellent hunting and tracking dogs. A "Hunting Instinct Test" with associated AKC certification is currently in development as a part of optional breed credentialing. Petits who work in this manner do not hunt to kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or to a rabbit in motion down a trail. "Saber tails," another Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen nickname, are typically white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above the bramble and brush.
As a companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs make fine companion animals, and have suitable manners to live among cats and other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen owners are cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home, work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the home "pack."
As scent hounds, most Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens should be kept on-leash when in open outdoor areas. Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where scent is involved. Scent will typically trump obedience in the mind of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.
The outspoken nature and erect tail of a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can be misinterpreted by other dogs, as these manners typically express dominance to other dogs. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can inspire a misguided need to express dominance on the part of passing dogs. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen owners need to be alert to this potential misinterpretation, as Petits are easily outclassed in both size and aggressiveness.
Average longevity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens in the 2000 Club of America survey was 12.7 years (standard deviation 3.9). Sample size was not clear, but it appeared to be 45 dogs. No longevity data were collected in the 1994 survey. There was no information on causes of death.
Average longevity of 76 deceased Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey was 12.1 years (maximum 17.3 years). Leading causes of death were cancer (33%), old age (24%), and cardiac (7%).
Compared to surveyed longevities of other breeds of similar size, Basset Griffon Vendeens have a typical or somewhat higher than average life expectancy
In the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America 2000 survey, the most common diseases reported by owners of 640 dogs were persistent pupillary membranes, recurrent ear infections, hypothyroidism, neck pain, and epilepsy.
Among 289 live Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UKC survey, the most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic (dermatitis and mites), and aural (otitis externa, excessive ear wax, and ear mites)
