Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed ComparisonBoth Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and Braque Saint-Germain are originated from France. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than Braque Saint-Germain. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Braque Saint-Germain. Both Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and Braque Saint-Germain has almost same life span. Both Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and Braque Saint-Germain has almost same litter size. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen requires Moderate maintenance. But Braque Saint-Germain requires Low maintenance

History

petit basset griffon vendeen - historyThe Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen hails from France. They have always been used to hunt game by scent. This dog has always been appreciated for its independence and the fact that is is mentally focused and fit.

These dogs, referred to as the PBGV descend from the larger Griffon Vendeen, which comes in four distinct sizes. The first official French standard for this dog was published in 1898. It was in 1909 that a revised standard for the dog recognized two distinct varieties.

The first PBGVs were imported to the United States in 1983 and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was founded in 1984.

braque saint germain - historyThe Braque Saint-Germain, also known as the St. Germain Pointing Dog, is a French creation. The French pointing dogs and the English pointing dogs were mixed to develop the Braque Saint-Germain. He is a versatile hunting dog that was both a pointer and a gun dog. They are medium to large in size and went from being bred by royalty in the 1830’s to a popular everyday hunting dog. The ancestry of the breed can be traced back many additional centuries.

As popular as the Braque Saint-Germain was as a hunter, he gained his notoriety in the show ring. The first time a Braque Saint-Germain entered the ring in 1863 it was an acclaimed breed and upstaged all other pointing breeds. The French Braque Saint-Germain club was opened in 1913 and recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique International (FCI) and in 2006 was recognized by the North American United Kennel Club. Their popularity has risen and fallen since World War II. It has flirted with extinction more than once. Today’s Braque Saint-Germain is a highly talented hunting dog with a standard appearance that still does well in the ring.

The English Pointer was a cross between the hound dogs, British gundog, Spanish Pointer and herding breeds. This made the English Pointer a very versatile breed before it was crossed with the Braque Francais Gascogne. The Braque Francais Gascogne itself is believed to have developed from the Chien d-Oysel and Italian and Spanish pointing dogs. The English Pointer was specialized in pointing and the French Braque Francais Gascogne was a very versatile dog. In the Braque Saint-Germain the dog world has a versatile, excellent pointing dog.

In the 1800’s the French Crown was gifted with two English Pointers that were great at hunting. Some considered the English Pointers to be better than any of their Braque Francais. The female of these two pointers was bred many times but the male died without breeding. The female’s first litter was with a brown German Spaniel and were of low quality. Her second litter however was with an outstanding bird dog and produced 7 excellent puppies. Because of this these two dogs were bred several more times. The owner of the adult dogs moved to Saint-Germain, where their appearance attracted many hunters. The breed flourished here and was named the Braque Saint-Germain.

Soon corrupt individuals sold non-purebreds as Braque Saint-Germains and handlers showed these dogs under the Saint-Germain name. There are always dangers when a popular breed’s beginnings comes from only two dogs. In 1913 the new breed club fought over the standard and ended up producing two types. The first type was a sturdy dog with long ears and a round chest. He was larger and slower than his cousin. The second type was a smaller dog with a finer skeleton and short, high set ears. He was a galloper to his cousin’s trot.

The breed found itself facing near extinction in 1914 and during all of World War I. Dogs were not bred and many were not properly cared for. The breed became quite rare. Then as it began to recover, the Second World War intervened and devasted the breed again. By the end of the war, they were once again very rare and on the edge of extinction. It took a dedicated effort from local breeders to bring the breed back. By the 1950’s the two types of Braque Saint-Germain dogs were molded into only one breed. There remained a conflict between those that bred show dogs and those that bred hunting dogs.

Slowly the breed grew in number and in the late 1990’s there were over 100 puppies registered into the club every year. More than 100 were entered into the clubs in 2009. There have also been a few English Pointer crosses allowed to breed with the Braque Saint-Germains in order to grow and improve the gene pool. Still the breed is exceedingly rare outside of France. Through it all the breed has been able to maintain its place in confirmation and still be a versatile hunting dog.

Description

petit basset griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionBoth male and female dogs are much the same in size, standing at between 32 and 40cm and weighing between 15 to 20 kilograms.

These are solid dogs with fairly short legs and a harsh double coat that is medium length and rough. The coloring is essentially white with patches of orange, lemon, tan or black. The dog has a general tousled appearance with quite a bit of hair around the face. The ears are set low and are floppy while the tail is medium length and held high.

Temperament:

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a friendly, social, outgoing dog that is good with children and other dogs. He is stubborn and should be trained and socialized so that he is well mannered around people and so that he also obeys simple commands.

They are quite noisy dogs, ‘talking’ to other dogs with a howl and bark.

braque saint germain puppy - descriptionThe Braque Saint-Germain is very much a pointer and yet is a very attractive dog. They have a medium build, drop ears and a long, level tail tapered at the end. They are really distinctive looking with an athletic, lean, muscled look. The skull is round and the muzzle is the same length as the skull. Their nose is pink , their lips cover their lower jaw and their eyes are golden, round and large. The ears are set high on the head and look like they are slightly detached. The neck is long, muscular and arched, while they have deep chest. They are well proportioned, good looking dogs with a friendly facial expression. Their coat is true to the pointing dog group as it is short, smooth and white with orange markings. Dogs of any other color might be great hunting dogs but are not show dogs and should not be bred

Characteristics

petit basset griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThe Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is known for his amicable characteristics. They’re also intelligent, curious dogs and will respond well to training and socialization.

Apart from getting on well with children in the home, they also get on well with other dogs. They’re independent and strong willed and can be inclined to bark a bit to make himself known. It is why he is best suited to a home in the suburbs or countryside where his barking won’t disturb close-living neighbors, although training and socialization should change this habit. With training, this dog can become a most wonderful friend and pet.

braque saint germain dog - characteristicsThe Braque Saint-Germain is a working dog and a show dog. They are energetic, competitive and driven. They are generally affectionate, loyal and love to cuddle with their people. They need human companionship companionship and can have severe separation anxiety when left by themselves. They love being a member of the family with children, but they are likely to knock very young children down unintentionally.

The Braque Saint-Germain is a loyal, gentle breed and some might even be shy. They are not guard dogs. They are much too friendly toward strangers. Even though they were bred to point and track small game, they can be socialized to be safe living with smaller pets such as cats. They are intelligent, fast learners who love to learn. They also love to work and work long hours without fatigue. They will love to be a jogging or cycling partner.

They do best with large yards, rural areas or in hunting packs. They are not small apartment, city dwellers. They do get along with strangers and other animals. They will warn of strangers, but they are not aggressive.

Health Problems

petit basset griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsAverage longevity of these dogs is about 12, 13, or 14 years if he gets looked after well.

Eyes and joints are always a problem with the Petit and several of the eye diseases dogs get can actually lead to blindness.

Corneal wounds are fairly common in dogs. The cornea can be injured and lacerations can damage the eye. You’ll see your pet rubbing at the affected eye.

Hip joints can cause lameness and pain. Dogs can develop hip and joint problems at any age. Joint problems can be better eliminated by providing the dog with good nutrition and exercise. If your dog is obese, joint problems can be more severe. Weight loss can reduce the signs of joint pain in dogs.

braque saint germain puppies - health problemsThe breed has very few health issues even with all the cross breeding followed by inbreeding. Due to the small gene pool there might be some genetically inherited problems. Due to the size of the gene pool, they might suffer from “founder’s effect” where if one dog has a certain condition, their descendants could also. Not enough research has been done to know if this is the case with the Braque Saint-Germain of not.

Some of the potential health issues that the3 Braque Saint-Germain might face include:

  • Dysplasia of the hip and elbow.
  • Cleft Palate or Lip.
  • Ear Infections.
  • PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Demodex Mange/Demodectic mange
  • Epilepsy
  • Deafness
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome

Caring The Pet

petit basset griffon vendeen dogs - caringThese are active dogs and they will like a daily walk to burn off some of their excess energy. They can adapt to living in the city or the countryside but they will certainly need to receive exercise wherever they are. Buy him some toys and a ball and throw it for him – this can be a wonderful form of exercise for your 4-legged friend.

Grooming:

They need to be brushed at least twice a week to avoid matting and tangles. Some people opt to have the coat stripped. This is either done by hand or with a special stripping tool. Some dog owners prefer to hand the dog in for a professional cut, but this can alter the texture of the coat.

Because of the floppy ears, they will need regular ear cleanings to prevent ear infections brought about by dirt, wax and moisture within the ear.

He will also need to have his paw nails clipped. He can’t tell you about aching teeth, so do your canine friend a favor and check inside his mouth to ensure that all his teeth are still in tip top condition. Bad teeth can cause all kinds of illnesses and even affect the heart and kidneys.

Diet:

The nutritional needs of your Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very important if your want your pet to enjoy good health.

Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of his nutrition, and luckily the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods see to it that the food has essential nutrients in them. With the best ones, your pet can expect a balanced diet.

Try and avoid the lower quality foods as these have toxic fillers and unhealthy ingredients in them that can make your pet sick.

Give him some home-made food too. You can chop this food up and mix it into his kibble occasionally to give him a healthy tasty treat. The best thing about dogs as pets is that they love their food to be simple and nutritious. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potato will do him the world of good.

If you can, a little bit of raw meat from time to time can also be excellent for him. Make sure he is never without a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Feeding

braque saint germain dogs - caringThis is a working dog that can run and track for miles. She needs good nutrition. Feed about 3 cups per day in one or two meals. Two meals are preferred.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed might be susceptible to many genetic diseases or disorders but there have not been any studies to show this.

Exercise and games

The Braque Saint Germain does not need a high amount of exercise as their energy level is medium. They still need daily exercise. They do best with a fenced off leash area to run. They love frisbee and chasing balls.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
France
France
Height Male:
32 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
32 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
16 - 28 kg
35 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
PBGV
Saint-Germain Pointer, French Pointer (Saint-Germain), Saint-Germain Pointing Dog, French Pointing Dog (Saint-Germain) Braque d’Auvergne Pointer, Auvergne Pointer, Braque du Auvergne, Auvergnese Pointer, Auvergne Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointer, Auvergnese Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointing Dog Bleu de Auvergne, Bleu d’Auvergne
Colors Available:
lemon, tan or black , White with patches of orange
Dull white with orange (fawn) markings
Coat:
Medium length, double-coat, harsh
short not fine
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Podengo vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  2. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  3. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  4. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  5. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Beaglier - Breed Comparison
  6. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Bluetick Beagle - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basset Artesien Normand - Breed Comparison
  8. Pomeranian vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  9. Pug vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  12. Russell Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  13. Schipperke vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  14. Schweenie vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  15. Schnorkie vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  16. Sealyham Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  17. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  18. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  22. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  24. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  25. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  26. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  27. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  28. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  29. Field Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  30. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  31. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  32. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  33. Shikoku vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  34. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  35. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  36. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  37. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  38. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  40. Wetterhoun vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  41. Braque Saint-Germain vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Braque Saint-Germain vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  43. Braque Saint-Germain vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque Saint-Germain vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  47. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds