Petit Basset Griffin Vendeen

  • Overview

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are jovial and rakish in their manner. They are spirited little dogs with a perky appearance and an appetite for fun who will bring humor, activity and affection into their owners' lives immediately. They have a sturdy build, but they are only about 14 inches tall.

    This little rascal is immediately endearing, but his inquisitive, busy personality is best suited to an active, involved owner who will keep their Petit Basset consistently entertained. Their rakish look gives them the appearance of a casual, low-maintenance dog, but they will require some brushing to look their best.

  • Personality

    Petit Bassets have an insatiable appetite for adventure. Combined with their almost reckless sense of independence, these little guys can be a handful. They do not appreciate being told what to do, but they are perfectly happy to be bribed with treats and rewards, so positive training will prove to be the most successful. Even though Petit Bassets are small, they need ample activity and will make themselves busy if they are bored or neglected.

    Although this confident, energetic dog is considered a hound, they have lots of characteristics in common with terriers. They love to jump, bark and enthusiastically greet new friends. They also love to explore a large, fenced-in yard by digging and sniffing. Petit Bassets should not be timid or snappish. In fact, they enjoy being around people and are extroverted with strangers.

  • Coat Care

    Their coat is rustic and natural-looking. It is a single, harsh wiry coat that helps protect the Petite Basset during his outdoor romps. Their friendly faces are fitted with bushy eyebrows, moustaches and beards, and their long ears are covered in soft hair. The shaggy, rough hair is usually white with lemon, orange, grizzle or tan markings. The tousled appearance is very important to the Petit Basset's appearance.

Petit Basset Griffin Vendeen
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Brushing

The coat should be brushed with a wire slicker brush to prevent it from becoming to sloppy.

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Bathing

With preparation, perseverance and a positive attitude, bathing can become a fun and fulfilling part of the regular grooming cycle, while helping your dog avoid many diseases and infections.

The general rule of thumb for dog bathing is every three months but wire-coated dogs can be done with greater frequency, often within a four-to-six week range. The coat should end up fresh smelling, shiny, with no loose or shedding hair. First give the dog a good brushing to remove dead hair and mats. Place a rubber mat in the tub to provide secure footing and fill the tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water. Use a spray hose, pitcher or unbreakable cup to wet the dog, taking caution to avoid getting water in the eyes, ears and nose. Massage in pet shampoo, saving the head for last. Immediately rinse thoroughly, starting with the head to prevent soap from dripping into the eyes. Towel dry. The coat should be fresh smelling, with no loose or shedding hair.

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Hair Clipping

Loose hairs around the face, feet and ears should be trimmed or clipped back to help prevent the Petit Basset from getting too dirty or unkempt during his festive outdoor play sessions.

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Nails

Many dog owners are apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails because they are nervous about cutting into the quick. But with the right conditioning and careful cutting, nail clipping can be a simple, stress-free activity for you and your dog.

Provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement and even treats to help associate nail clipping with a positive experience.  As you start to clip, gently press on your dog’s paws to help him become accustomed to the feeling of having his nails clipped. Then, work gradually, shaving down just a thin portion of the nail at first to make sure you don’t reach the quick. Clip one nail, reward your dog with a treat, and stop to give him some positive reinforcement before moving on. Gradually increase the number of nails you clip in one sitting to help your dog get used to the process. Never trim extremely long nails down to a short nail in one sitting, because this is an excellent way to accidently quick the dog’s nail. Instead, work gradually, shaving small portions of your dog’s nails off each time.

You can tell if you’re getting close to the quick by the texture of your dog’s nail. The nail is hard closer to the surface and becomes softer as you get closer to the quick. If your dog’s nail starts to feel softer, that’s a good indication that you’re getting close to the quick.

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Eyes / Ears

The Petit Baset's hairy ears can also be prone to ear infection, so make sure their ears stay clean and the hair around them is tidy.

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Teeth

Many owners do not realize how important it is to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Some dogs are prone to dental problems and sensitive teeth, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and dogs with special diets. These problems can be easily combatted with frequent brushing.

Cavities are rare with dogs but gum disease caused by tartar buildup is not, which is why they require regular brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs. While daily brushing is ideal, doing so on a weekly basis will be a big help in avoiding the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.