Lifestyle needs
The Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit), or PBGV, is characteristically an alert, enthusiastic and active dog. He has a short, dense coat which needs regular grooming . He is happy to live in most home environments, although would prefer his own garden. He needs plenty of exercise and opportunites to use his innate skill as a scent hound. He is suitable as a family or companion pet.
Inbreeding coefficient – COI
(should be as low as possible)
The breed average COI is 10.8%
Health and welfare problems due to conformation
(body shape and physical characteristics)
- The long back of this dog does predispose him to spinal problems.
- Chondrodysplasia (shortened and curved leg bones)
BVA/KC Health Schemes: http://www.bva.co.uk/chs
- Eye disease: Persistent pupillary membrane
DNA tests available
Parents should be tested for:
None available for this breed
Unofficial (breed club) schemes
None known
Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents (or check the results with the KC’s health test results finder). If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.
Other diseases
(for which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)
- Epilepsy
- X-linked muscular dystrophy (weakness, difficulty walking and muscle pain)
- Hypothyroidism (underactivity of the thyroid gland, causing lethargy, weight gain and hair loss)
Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.
Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions. Some breeders will also agree to contribute towards medical costs or refund purchase price.
You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the RSPCA / BVA AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP): www.puppycontract.org.uk
You are also advised to buy from a breeder who follows the Dog Advisory Council’s Standard for Breeders: http://www.dogbreedhealth.com/dac-breeding-standard/

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
University of Cambridge, Dr David Sargan, Inherited Diseases in Dogs (IDID).
IDID is a searchable site containing short descriptions of diseases for which there is strong proof of inheritance in the veterinary scientific literature. There are links to scientific publications about those diseases. Very complete in terms of breeds represented, and on modes of inheritance, mutations where known, and DNA tests.
A Canadian based veterinary database of genetic diseases in dogs which provides information to owners and breeders aimed at reducing the incidence of those diseases.
Australian based website designed to collect, organise and disseminate information on the prevalence of inherited disorders among (Australian) cats and dogs.
Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats, Alex Gough and Alison Thomas (Wiley-Blackwell)
An easy to use online facility for prospective puppy purchasers. Excellent advice on finding a good breeder and a healthy puppy. Not breed specific.
RSPCA Guide to Buying a Puppy, Get Puppy Smart