Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen E-Book

Jeffrey G. Pepper

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2005

Seitenzahl: 248

Beschreibung

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or PBGV as the breed is usually called, is an ancient wirehaired basset breed of France that continues to gain popularity in the US and around the world. This beguiling hound is aptly called the "Happy Breed" due to his sunny disposition and his ever-wagging tail, sure to cheer up his owners even on their bluest days. Breeders prize the PBGV's tousled appearance, robust construction and his lively bearing. He is not only a home companion with class and style, he is also an active weekend sports dog, a bold hunter, a naturally attractive show dog and a talented performance dog.

Leseprobe

Physical Characteristics of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)

Head: Must be in balance with the overall dog.

Eyes: Large and dark.

Stop: Clearly defined.

Ears: Supple, narrow and fine, covered with long hair.

Nose: Black and large, with wide nostrils.

Muzzle: Slightly shorter than the length from stop to occiput.

Lips: Covered by long hair forming a beard and moustache.

Neck: Long and strong, without throatiness.

Chest: Rather deep, with prominent sternum.

Forequarters: Shoulders clean and well laid back. Elbows close to the body. The leg is strong and well boned. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Feet not too long, with hard, tight pads.

Coat: Rough, long without exaggeration and harsh to the touch, with a thick shorter undercoat. The overall appearance is casual and tousled.

Body: Muscular, somewhat longer than tall.

Tail: Of medium length, set on high, it is strong at the base and tapers regularly.

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.

Size: Both sexes should measure between 13 and 15 inches at the withers.

Color: White with any combination of lemon, orange, black, tricolor or grizzle markings.

Contents

History of the PBGV

Meet the smallest (or Petit) of the Griffon Vendéen breeds. Trace the development of the hunting hounds of France’s Vendée region and their emergence into separate breeds based on hunters’ needs. Learn about the people and dogs instrumental in establishing one of France’s longtime favorites, a relative newcomer to the pure-bred dog scene in the US.

Characteristics of the PBGV

Called the “Happy Breed” for its appealing “smile” and perpetually wagging tail, the PBGV is an active, curious and friendly scenthound that needs an owner who can keep up with his busy pace. The breed’s hunting instincts, personality, energy level and physical characteristics are discussed, along with owner suitability and health considerations.

Breed Standard for the PBGV

Learn the requirements of a well-bred Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club standard. Both show dogs and pets must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.

Your Puppy PBGV

Find out about how to locate a well-bred PBGV puppy. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.

Proper Care of Your PBGV

Cover the specifics of taking care of your PBGV every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails and bathing; and exercise needs. Also discussed are ID, boarding and traveling safely with your dog.

Training Your PBGV

Begin with the basics of training the puppy and adult dog. Learn the principles of house-training the PBGV, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Get started by introducing the pup to his collar and leash and progress to the basic commands. Find out about obedience classes and training for other activities.

Healthcare of Your PBGV

By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD

Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.

Your Senior PBGV

Know when to consider your PBGV a senior and what special needs he will have. Learn to recognize the signs of aging in terms of physical and behavioral traits and learn what you and your vet can do to optimize your dog’s golden years.

KENNEL CLUB BOOKS®PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDÉEN

ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-310-5

eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-024-1

Copyright © 2005 • Kennel Club Books® • An Imprint of I-5 Press™ • A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC™

3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618 USA

Cover Design Patented: US 6,435,559 B2 • Printed in South Korea

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright owner.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Photography by Mary Bloom, Isabelle Français, Carol Ann Johnson and Jeff Pepper

with additional photographs by

Paulette Braun, T.J. Calhoun, Alan and Sandy Carey, Classy Canines, Bill Jonas and Tien Tran.

Original drawings by Patricia Peters.

The publisher wishes to thank all of the owners of the dogs featured in this book, including Helen Ingher, Dawn Kierzek, Jeff Pepper, Harold D. Sanderson, Carol A. Strong and Linda Taranto.

The smallest of the Griffons Vendéens is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, affectionately known as the PBGV. It was developed for French commoners who hunted on foot. They needed a skilled hunting dog with whom they could keep pace, hence the shorter legs.

MAN’S HELPER

Man’s reliance on the dog for both companionship and assistance in bringing food to the table has existed for thousands of years. Dogs are considered to be the only animals that have freely chosen to live with man and have freely sought man’s companionship. Most dogs have an innate predisposition to live and work in groups, or “packs.” In each pack, one dog would become dominant and take the leadership role. As the dog’s relationship with man developed over time, man became the natural leader of the “pack,” and the dogs willingly did as the pack leader asked.

As man’s relationship with the dog deepened, man began to appreciate the many ways that a dog could assist him. A dog’s sense of smell and visual acuity are much greater than man’s, so the dog was helpful in locating game. The dog was swifter than man and so could chase down game when man could not. His teeth were larger and stronger than man’s, so he could bring down the game. Because of the dog’s willingness to allow man to lead, the dog was willing to share the bounty of the hunt; he thus provided sustenance for his human family. In truth, it was the fortunate man who had dogs as companions and hunting assistants. Often his relationship with dogs could mean the difference between adequate nourishment and starvation.

PURE-BRED PURPOSE

Given the vast range of the world’s 400 or so pure breeds of dog, it’s fair to say that domestic dogs are the most versatile animal in the kingdom. From the tiny 1-pound lap dog to the 200-pound guard dog, dogs have adapted to every need and whim of their human masters. Humans have selectively bred dogs to alter physical attributes like size, color, leg length, mass and skull diameter in order to suit our own needs and fancies. Dogs serve humans not only as companions and guardians but also as hunters, exterminators, shepherds, rescuers, messengers, warriors, babysitters and more!

Not all dogs were hunters. The dog’s protective instincts were nurtured and used to help protect both man and man’s property. The dog pack eventually grew to include other animals, such as cows and sheep, owned by the family. Some dogs were trained to herd or protect these valuable possessions of their masters. Others were trained to guard their masters’ homes.

As time passed, the need to hunt purely for sustenance passed. Hunting of small game became more of a sport, especially for those of means, primarily the royalty of each country. Forests were owned by the crown and only those with royal permission were allowed to hunt there.

As time went on and man’s knowledge of his friend and companion, the dog, increased, man realized that he could select which dogs were to be bred to which. Usually he based his breeding decisions on the dogs’ individual abilities to perform the tasks that made them such valuable assets. Initially little thought probably was given to what the resulting puppies would look like. The concern was that they would perform their assigned tasks as well as or better than their parents did. When selection was based on the outward appearance of the dog, it was directed toward improving the dog’s abilities to perform its job efficiently or as a means of protecting the dog from harm. Most families had barely enough to survive, and feeding a dog that was unable to perform its tasks was simply not possible. Only the very rich could afford to keep dogs solely for companionship.

The nature of the dogs’ tasks was and remains as varied as the living arrangements of their owners. Dogs and humans living in northern climates needed heavy coats as protection against the cold, while dogs in hot desert conditions needed protection from the heat. Dogs whose functions required them to work in water required water-resistant coats to protect them from the environment. Those working in heavy cover required longer coats that would protect the skin and not pick up too much debris. Thus different kinds of coats developed as dogs and their masters responded to the requirements of their working environments.

These same concerns dictated man’s choices regarding size and temperament in making breeding plans for their dogs. As a result of man’s selection of which dogs should be bred, distinctive breeds of dog began to appear over time, each varying in size, structure, coat and temperament, as they were developed for the specific tasks required of them in their particular parts of the world.

Drawings of some breeds, such as the Greyhound and Pharaoh Hound, can be found in ancient Egyptian pyramids. The Romans, too, used dogs for hunting, which became a sport for the emperors and a necessity for poor families. As the Roman Empire expanded, so did the range of their dogs. Gaul was occupied by the troops of the Roman Empire, and the Roman troops brought their dogs with them. One group of these dogs were hounds which hunted by scent. They may have been crossed with rough-coated hounds native to Gaul and called by the Romans “Segusian” (meaning “scent”) Hounds, or Chiens Segusiens. From the resulting root stock, over the centuries a number of hunting hound breeds were developed in France. One was called a Chien Gris de St. Louis (identified with Charles IX in a French book published in 1625 called La Chasse Royale), which is quite possibly the ancestor of all four of the French hunting hound types known as Griffons Vendéens.

CANIS LUPUS

“Grandma, what big teeth you have!” The gray wolf, a familiar figure in fairy tales and legends, has had its reputation tarnished and its population pummeled over the centuries. Yet it is the descendants of this much-feared creature to which we open our homes and hearts. Our beloved dog, Canis domesticus, derives directly from the gray wolf, a highly social canine that lives in elaborately structured packs. In the wild, the gray wolf can range from 60 to 175 pounds, standing between 25 and 40 inches in height.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (or GBGV) is the larger of the two Basset breeds of the Griffon Vendéen group.

By the Middle Ages, royalty conducted its hunting expeditions for sport on horseback. Commoners had no such luxuries; instead, they needed a hunting dog able to help supply food for the table and one with which they could keep pace while on foot. They needed to slow down the large, long-legged Grand Griffon Vendéen (which stood about 25 inches at the shoulder). Even the smaller Briquet version (about 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder) was too swift for a man to follow on foot. To produce a slower dog, the commoners selected the dogs with the shortest legs for breeding purposes. The resulting shorter-legged dogs slowed the pace of the hunt to a point where following the pack on foot became possible.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDÉEN

Over time, four breeds of Griffons Vendéens, all similar to each other in appearance and general type, evolved. Each breed was used on progressively smaller game, the largest on deer and wolf and the smallest on rabbit. This is one of the reasons given for the development of the four sizes. Today the Griffon Vendéen is the only French hound to come in four different sizes—the Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, the four harsh-coated hounds of France’s Vendée region.

In recounting the history of the pure-bred dog, the development of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) represents a relatively recent addition. In fact, in a very real sense, the history of the PBGV as a breed apart could begin as recently as the mid-1970s, for it was not until January 1977 that the practice of interbreeding the Petit Basset and the Grand Basset was banned by the French Club du Griffon Vendéen. Until that time, both breeds were found in the same litters and a determination of which puppy was of which breed was not made until the litter was evaluated by a club expert when the pups were one year old. This accounts for the presence of Grand Basset characteristics in litters of Petits and Petit characteristics in litters of Grand Bassets.

SIZE DIFFERENCE

There can be as much as a 10-inch difference in height between the four different Griffon Vendéen breeds. They range in size from the largest, the Grand Griffon Vendéen, down to the Briquet Griffon Vendéen and then to the two Basset breeds: the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the smallest of the group (hence the “petit” or small), the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.

So how did the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen develop? Early owners of hunting hounds in the Vendée department (region) of France needed a dog able to withstand the low underbrush, briars and brambles of the area. This goal was accomplished with the thick, shallow-rooted, harsh coat and fairly thick skin of the Griffons Vendéens. Remember, commoners were not permitted to hunt on horseback, so they had a need to slow down the large Griffon Vendéen breed that was used by the royalty. To accomplish this goal, commoners bred the dogs with the shortest legs. These shorter-legged dogs were called “bassets” (meaning “low-to-the-ground” in French). This designation of “basset” should not be confused with the more familiar breed we call the Basset Hound (also developed in France). Eventually two different sizes of this shorter-legged breed were recognized. The taller of the two (the “Grand,” or large) measures 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder and the smaller (or “Petit”) size is between 13 and 15 inches at the shoulder. Keep in mind that the word “petit” in this case does not mean a small dog, it just designates the smaller of the two sizes of Bassets Griffons Vendéens.

PBGV POPULARITY

In terms of registrations and show entries, the most popular of the four Griffons Vendéens in France, the mother country of the breeds, is the PBGV.

In size the GBGV (right) is head and shoulders taller than the Petit.

Both the Grand Griffon and the Briquet Griffon were used on large game such as deer and wolf. The Basset dogs, which were shorter in stature, were used on hare and rabbit. This quarry required a quick and agile dog, able to go both over and under the obstacles in its path just as the rabbit did. The breed is hunted in packs, as are other smaller scenthounds such as Beagles and Basset Hounds.

The PBGV has been developed into a keen and intelligent hunter, although the Griffons Vendéens are sometimes criticized for being too independent and a bit too eager to kill their quarry. This tendency to independence is so strong that some modern-day masters of hunting packs have been known to resort to outcrossing with Basset Hounds in an attempt to slow down the breed. Rather than resorting to mixing breeds in their breeding programs, other packs use the occasional Wirehaired Dachshund as part of the pack to reach the same goal. This same independence has ramifications on the breed as a companion dog, which we will discuss later.

THE BREED CLUB AND REGISTRATION

The dog show is a relatively recent development in the history of dogs. The first formal shows were held in the late 1800s. Uniformity of judging criteria led to the eventual development of written standards of perfection for each breed. Often those interested in a particular breed banded together to form clubs and associations dedicated to that individual breed. This development began in Great Britain, but parallel organizations were formed in mainland Europe.

In 1907 a club was formed in France specifically for the Basset Griffon Vendéen breed. It was established by Paul Dézamy, whose family had been involved with the breed since the late 1800s. This club was the first in France to be devoted exclusively to one breed. As the new club’s first president, M. Dézamy and his family (succeeding generations of which remained as presidents of the club until 1985, when Renaud Buche was elected) have had tremendous influence on the breed.

The Dézamy family is in large measure responsible for the existence of the Bassets Griffons Vendéens today. M. Dézamy was devoted to the large version of the breed, and he worked diligently toward the goal of uniformity in the breed, something that had not existed prior to his involvement. M. Dézamy concentrated on the larger dogs and developed a 42-centimeter Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen so famous throughout France that the dogs were also known as “42 Dézamys.”

The club set up its own registry and registered only those dogs already recognized by another stud book, such as the Société Centrale’s “LOF” stud book, which had already been in existence for more than 20 years. Primary interest was in the working abilities of the dogs, which were used primarily for hare. The breed was divided into the two varieties we know today: the taller dog (Grand), always with straight legs, and the smaller dog (Petit) with shorter legs, which were often crooked. The first breed standard defined the two sizes almost entirely according to whether or not the legs were straight.

By 1922 the club recognized the need for a smaller dog dedicated to hunting rabbit in a smaller area than that required for hunting hare. This dog also had to be willing to go into the underbrush where rabbits hide, a task which the larger Grand Basset was unwilling to do. By virtue of its size, the Petit was an easier and less expensive dog to keep. Thus the Bassets were divided into two sizes and the PBGV was born. At this time a new, more detailed breed standard was put into place with more emphasis on height. Photos from the time indicate that there were already some dogs that would be considered to be of correct type for the Petit even today.

In 1924 the club changed its name to Club du Griffon Vendéen and accepted the Briquet and Grand Griffon into its registry in addition to the Basset breeds. Standards were drawn up by the club and published in 1930. The Grand had been in decline since World War I and suffered an even greater decline during World War II. By the end of the second war, few existed anywhere outside the Vendée region, and the few left there were not of great type. Dedicated breeders, however, have brought back the quality of the breed and have increased its numbers in France.

“BASSET” DEFINED

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is not related to the better-known Basset Hound. The word “basset” is French, referring to “short-legged” or “low-to-the-ground,” and applies to any breed fitting this description.

By 1952 the Bassets had evolved to the point where the club decided that a separate standard was needed for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen as a breed completely separate from the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, rather than the two sizes being varieties of the same breed. Around this time, the club also decided that the puppies of each litter should be evaluated at one year of age and a decision made as to which breed each puppy belonged before being officially registered in the stud book. It is for this reason that littermates in some pedigrees may be considered members of two different breeds, despite having the same parents. Interbreeding between the Petit and the Grand was permitted, and this practice continued until finally it was banned by the club in 1977. Litters were still evaluated at one year of age by a club representative to determine which breed, Grand or Petit, that each puppy would be assigned when registered. Registration of a puppy was not possible until this evaluation was completed. This system continued until 1985, at which point a Grand puppy appearing in a PBGV litter (or, likewise, a Petit puppy in a Grand litter) simply was considered unregisterable.

In a hunting breed, function and form go hand and hand. In the show ring, this award-winning bitch demonstrates the impressive and driving gait of the PBGV.

This practice is one reason why the earlier generations appearing in current PBGV pedigrees might be confusing. In fact, there is at least one dog appearing in some pedigrees that was a Petit champion in one country and a Grand champion in another! This makes knowing the dogs in a pedigree especially important today when planning a mating. One would not want to breed to a dog that is now considered a member of a different breed.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, then, can be considered a relatively new breed as pure-bred dogs go, but its history can be traced back hundreds of years to the basic scenthound stock from which many of the French scenthounds descend. Today the registration of PBGVs in France exceeds that of all of the other Griffons Vendéens. He remains primarily a hunting dog in his homeland, although it is no longer unusual to find a PBGV whose sole job is to be a companion dog. The PBGV is one of the most popular hunting hounds in France and his place in canine history is assured.

THE PBGV IN THE UNITED STATES

Virtually unknown to the dog-show world in the United States prior to 1984, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has become a well-established member of the Hound Group and has made a significant impact on the overall dog-show scene. A small group of fanciers interested in the breed gathered in late 1984 at the AKC Centennial Show in Philadelphia and established the PBGV Club of America (PBGVCA). At the time there were very few PBGVs in the country. One working pack of PBGVs owned by Elizabeth Streeter had been in the US prior to this time, but it was unknown to the AKC dog world. After Mrs. Streeter’s death, the pack, currently located in Pennsylvania, became a subscription pack with James Scharnberg as its Master. It remains the only working pack of Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens in America.

Importations from England and Denmark, as well as a few from Canada, marked the establishment of the breed in the US. In 1985 the new club held its first match show in Kentucky, and before long a system of awarding points toward a club championship was developed and instituted in 1986. By the spring of 1987, the first two club championships were awarded. Later that year the first PBGVCA national specialty was held in Louisville, Kentucky. Early winners at national specialties were all imported, primarily from England, with two coming from Denmark. It wasn’t until the first national specialty held following AKC recognition in 1991 that an American-bred PBGV, Pepperhill’s Fantaisie (later an AKC champion) went Winners Bitch at a national.

Interest in the breed grew quickly and before long PBGVs could be found on both the East and West Coasts of the US. As with any “new” breed, peoples’ interest came and went in the early years. Only a small number of those early breeders remain involved today. Because the majority of the initial breeders and exhibitors had show experience from other breeds, a concerted effort was made from the outset toward gaining full AKC recognition for the breed. Admission to the Miscellaneous Class came in 1989. Full AKC breed recognition came relatively quickly in January 1991, less than seven years after the founding of PBGVCA. When AKC took over the PBGV stud book a few years earlier, there were about 365 hounds registered with PBGVCA. In that first year following full recognition, 85 dogs became AKC champions. By the turn of this century, between 225 and 275 PBGVs were being registered annually with AKC.

Despite the relatively small number of PBGVs exhibited every year, the breed has done exceedingly well in the US show ring. To date, there are no fewer than eight PBGVs who have won at least one all-breed Best in Show award. Only one, however, has more than ten BIS wins. She is the current breed recordholder with 23 Bests in Show, Ch. Pepperhill-Dehra Charmaine. Bred by Nick Frost and Barbara Pepper and Jeffrey Pepper, Charmaine was co-owned by Helen Goldberg, Nick Frost and Ellen Frost during her show career.

After more than 20 years in this country, there remain a few current PBGVCA members who were members in the first formative three years for the breed in the US. Their influence as breeders over the years can still be seen in today’s winners. They include first PBGVCA president Claire “Kitty” Steidel (Sanchu), whose unparalleled history of service to the club as an officer, board member and judges’ education chair continues to the present. Other early breeders who have maintained a lasting relationship with the breed include: George and Betty Barth (Gabeba), Helen and Charles Ingher (Charlen), Barbara Galbraith (Lacebark), Jennifer King, Debbie Perrott and Shirley Knife (Hootwire), Barbara Pepper and Jeffrey Pepper (Pepperhill), Canadian member Harry Jeffries (Technique) and overseas member Linda Skerritt (Monkhams). Dogs from these few early breeders combined with additional imports from England and the Morebess and Chouan kennels in Denmark formed the foundation of nearly all of today’s successful kennels.

Author and foundation breeder of the Pepperhill PBGVs Jeffrey Pepper and one of his handsome hounds.

Without question, however, the breeder with greatest impact on the breed in the US, who also had great influence on the breed in Great Britain, has been Nicholas Frost. A resident of England until he moved to North Carolina in the mid 1990s, and a member of PBGVCA since the early years, Frost’s Dehra kennel name (along with his occasionally used “Fredwell”) can be found in winning pedigrees on both sides of the Atlantic. Making excellent use of the Jomil and Varon lines in Great Britain, Frost’s involvement and understanding of the breed are extensive and long standing. Beginning with his importation of Eng. Dk. Int. Ch. Salto de Crislaure of Morebess, Frost’s stud dogs have had a major impact on the breed. An examination of the pedigrees of top winners in this country will frequently reveal Salto in the background. Further pedigree study will reveal a large number of dogs and bitches carrying the Dehra affix as foundation stock for many of the most successful kennels.

Top PBGV of all time, here’s Ch. Pepperhill-Dehra Charmaine, winning Group 2 at Westminster Kennel Club in 2003.

More recently, a small number of American PBGV fanciers have been attending the annual Championship Show of the Club du Griffon Vendéen in France. Prior to about 2000, only a trickle of importations from France occurred. Dogs bred in France are now seen more frequently in this country, and these imports have increased Americans’ understanding of the finer points of the breed. The influence of these dogs will be seen in future generations.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen today remains a breed with relatively low annual AKC registrations, yet it attracts a dedicated following. PBGVs have found their way into the obedience and agility rings with some success, though the breed’s natural independence, intelligence and stubbornness demand a dedicated trainer. A few PBGVs hold the coveted Utility Dog title, and just recently the breed’s first Master Agility Champion (MACH) was crowned. With a group of serious enthusiasts developing, more PBGV performance titles are certain to follow shortly.

In March 2001, with the support of the national club, a new area of endeavor was begun with field work. Organized by Bobbe Jackson for PBGVCA, the first hunting instinct test was held in North Carolina as an experiment. It was a great success. The following year the first official test was held. PBGVCA has now sponsored successful hunting instinct tests for several years, many with Bobbe Jackson as the chairman of the event. The club has begun to offer a club Hunting Certificate to those dogs who have qualified in a hunting test.

Because of the increasing interest in the hunting aspect of the breed, in 2004 a full weekend of field education was very successfully offered in Virginia by PBGVCA. It included a demonstration by the Skycastle pack in the field. This was followed by nearly one and a half days of classroom work with instructors James Scharnberg, Master of the Skycastle Hounds, and Michel Gourhan, a field-trial instructor and approved field-trial judge from France. At the end of the weekend, a short course applying the field experience to the breed standard was offered to participants.

THE PBGV IN CANADA

In the early 1980s Mrs. Anne Snelling and Mrs. Audrey Benbow imported a number of PBGVs from England into Canada. By 1984, the breed was represented by a Canadian club, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Fanciers of Canada, and the breed was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club. While the breed has never become very popular in Canada, there are still a number of Canadians involved with the breed today.