Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a scent hound developed to hunt small game over the rough and difficult terrain of the Vendéen region. To function efficiently, he must be equipped with certain characteristics. He is bold and vivacious in character; compact, tough and robust in construction. He has an alert outlook, lively bearing and a good voice freely used. The most distinguishing characteristics of this bold hunter are his rough, unrefined outline; his proudly carried head, displaying definitive long eyebrows, beard, and moustache; his strong, tapered tail carried like a saber, alert and in readiness. Important to the breed type is the compact, casual, rather tousled appearance, with no feature exaggerated and his parts in balance.
Any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Structural  faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the PBGV as in any other breed, regardless of whether they are specifically mentioned.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size--Both sexes should measure between 13 and 15 inches at the withers, with a ½ inch tolerance in either direction being acceptable. Height over 15½ inches at the withers is a disqualification. Proportion--Somewhat longer than tall. A correctly proportioned dog will be approximately 50% longer than tall when the entire body is measured from sternum to buttocks as compared to withers to ground. Substance--Strong bone with substance in proportion to overall dog.
Head
The head is carried proudly and, in size, must be in balance with the overall dog. It is longer than its width in a ratio of approximately two to one. A coarse or overly large head is to be penalized. Expression alert, friendly and intelligent. Eyes large and dark, showing no white. The red of the lower eyelid should not show. They are surmounted by long eyebrows, standing forward, but not obscuring the eyes. Ears supple, narrow and fine, covered with long hair, folding inward and ending in an oval shape. The leathers reach almost to the end of the nose. They are set on low, not above the line of the eyes. An overly long or high-set ear should be penalized.
Skull domed, oval in shape when viewed from the front. It is well cut away under the eyes and has a well developed occipital protuberance. Stop clearly defined. Muzzle--The length of the muzzle is slightly shorter than the length from stop to occiput. The underjaw is strong and well developed. Nose black and large, with wide nostrils. A somewhat lighter shading is acceptable in lighter colored dogs. Lips--The lips are covered by long hair forming a beard and moustache. Bite--It is preferable that the teeth meet in a scissors bite, but a level bite is acceptable.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck--The neck is long and strong, without throatiness, and flows smoothly into the shoulders. Topline--The back is level with a slight arch over a strong loin. Viewed in profile, the withers and the croup should be equidistant from the ground. Body muscular, somewhat longer than tall. Chest deep, with prominent sternum. Ribs moderately rounded, extending well back. Loin strong; muscular and rounded about the lateral axis of the dog. Tail of medium length, set on high, it is strong at the base and tapers regularly. It is well furnished with hair, has but a slight curve and is carried proudly like the blade of a sabre; normally about 20 degrees to the aft of vertical. In a curved downward position the tip of the tail bone should reach approximately to the hock joint.
Forequarters
Shoulders clean and well laid back. Upper arm approximately equal in length to the shoulder blade. Elbows close to the body. Legs--The length of leg from elbow to ground should be slightly less than ½ the length from withers to ground. Viewed from the front, it is desirable that the forelegs be straight, but a slight crook is acceptable. The leg is strong and well boned. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Any tendency to knuckle over is a serious fault. Dewclaws may, or may not, be removed. Feet not too long, with hard, tight pads. Slight turnout of the feet is acceptable. The nails are strong and short.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular with good bend of stifle. A well-defined second thigh. Hocks are short and well angulated, perpendicular from hock to ground. Feet are as in front except that they must point straight ahead.
Coat
The coat is rough, long without exaggeration and harsh to the touch, with a thick shorter undercoat. It is never silky or woolly. The eyes are surmounted by long eyebrows, standing forward, but not obscuring the eyes. The ears are covered by long hair. The lips are covered by long hair forming a beard and moustache. The tail is well furnished with hair. The overall appearance is casual and tousled.
Hounds are to be shown untrimmed. Indications of scissoring for the purposes of shaping or sculpturing are to be severely penalized.
Color
White with any combination of lemon, orange, black, tricolor or grizzle markings.
Gait
The movement should be free at all speeds. Front action is straight and reaching well forward. Going away, the hind legs are parallel and have great drive. Convergence of the front and rear legs towards his center of gravity is proportional to the speed of his movement. Gives the appearance of an active hound, capable of a full day's hunting.
Temperament
Happy, extroverted, independent, yet willing to please.
Disqualification
Height of more than 15½ inches at the withers.
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