Scent hound Small size 11-18 kg

Petit Vendeen Rough Haired Basset

A cheerful, shaggy little pack hound; happy and sociable but stubborn and driven by its nose.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
11-18 kg, 34-38 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
High for its size; loves to explore
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Independent and easily distracted
Moderate
Coat care
Rough coat needs regular tidying
Good
Fit with kids
Good, merry family dog
Moderate
Other pets
Sociable with dogs; prey drive to small pets
Light
Health burden
Dental disease; hip dysplasia; ear infections

The Petit Vendeen Rough Haired Basset typically weighs 11-18 kg, stands 34-38 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a merry, sturdy, characterful small hound,
you can give a good hour of daily exercise and sniffing,
you enjoy a sociable dog that likes company and other dogs,
you can manage a stubborn, nose-led streak with humor.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want an easily obedient, off-leash-reliable dog,
you have small pets and a low tolerance for chasing,
you want a quiet dog - they are vocal,
you will not keep up with the rough coat's tidying.

A typical day with a Petit Vendeen Rough Haired Basset

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Walk with plenty of sniffing, 40-60 min
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and a chew
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Play or a short training session
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Yard exploring or scent games
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second walk and family time
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles happily indoors

Temperament and training

Friendliness Very high
Playfulness Very high
Scent drive High
Independence High
Vocality High
Trainability Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Expecting quick, off-leash obedience from a scent hound · Under-stimulating a busy, curious dog · Neglecting the rough coat, which mats and traps debris

Family and environment

Kids Good
Merry and sturdy with children.
Dogs Good
Sociable pack hound, enjoys other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Some prey drive; introduce carefully.
Apartment Conditional
Possible with daily exercise; can be vocal.
House with a yard Suitable
A fenced yard to explore suits it.
City Manages
Adapts well with enough activity.
Countryside Ideal
Loves space and scent trails.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock and manage weight and activity
Chronic ear infections Keep the long ears clean and dry
Eye conditions Periodic eye checks catch issues early

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Larger Vendeen basset relative
Grand Vendeen Rough Haired Basset
A cheerful, long-bodied rough-coated hound with a stubborn streak - fun and sociable, but with a determined nose and steady exercise needs.
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Related rough-coated Vendeen hound
Briquet Griffon Vendeen
A cheerful, shaggy French pack hound - friendly and hardy, but the nose, voice and stamina call for active homes and secure fencing.
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Calmer short-legged scent hound
Basset Hound
A gentle, low-slung scenthound that is wonderful with kids but stubborn on the trail and prone to ear, back, and weight issues.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen cost in the US?
Puppies from reputable breeders commonly run $1,500-$3,000, and the breed is uncommon so there may be a waitlist. Over a 12-14 year life, routine care plus coat and ear upkeep typically adds $12,000-$20,000 or more.
Are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens good family dogs?
Yes, generally - they are cheerful, sturdy and sociable, and do well with kids and other dogs. The trade-offs are a loud voice, a stubborn scent-hound streak and real exercise needs.
Do these dogs need a lot of grooming?
The rough, harsh coat needs regular brushing and occasional hand-tidying to prevent mats and shed trapped debris, but it is not clipped like a poodle. The long ears also need routine checks. Overall grooming is moderate, not heavy.
Are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens easy to train?
They are smart but independent and easily distracted by scent, so training needs patience, consistency and rewards. They are not reliable off-leash around interesting smells.