Dogs You Don't See Every Day

Dr. Debbye Turner On Unique Canine Breeds

(CBS) 

PETIT BASSET GRIFFON

What kind of temperament do these dogs have?

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, sometimes called the "Little Griffon Vendeen Basset" is merry, friendly and always very busy exploring. Very intelligent, but independent. Bold and lively; compact and robust. He's a dog that needs 'people attention' and will demand it if his owner neglects him. The PBGV is basically a pack animal and much of his behavior reflects this heritage.It has a casual appearance, but is always alert. It can be willful, but a charming rascal. Curious and completely confident. The dog must be well-secured, as he is a renowned digger, jumper and escape artist. They are generally good with other dogs, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. You may have heard that PBGV's are hard to train. This is not true! The PBGV is intelligent and can be trained for many purposes. He also has a great desire to please. The problem for the owner is that the dog is so smart that he often has his own agenda (which may not be the same as the owners!) They are good with children and are fairly friendly with strangers. A bored or lonely PBGV will make his own 'entertainment'. Giving your dog a variety of toys and things to chew on, a safe environment and eliminating the opportunity to be destructive will control this potential problem. The use of a crate not only provides this safety, but it also becomes his own special place.

What were they were bred to do?

The Petit Basset has its ancient origins in the Vendee region of France. In 1947 its characteristics were fixed by Abel Desamy, a French breeder. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a small (Petit), low (Basset), wire-haired (Griffon), French (from the Vendeen region) scent hound, used primarily for hunting rabbit. The PBGV was developed from the white St. Hubert and the white & tan Italian hound. Also the "King's White" Grand Griffon which is a larger, heavier, and longer Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. The two breeds were often bred together in the past, so even though crossing them has been prohibited since 1975, puppies representing both types may still arise from a single litter. Though the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has been a very popular hunting dog in France for almost a century, the breed is relatively new to the United States. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America was formed in 1984, and the breed entered the Hound Group of the AKC in 1991.

How big do they get?

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 31-40 pounds

How long do they typically live?

About 14 or more years

What family situation or lifestyle is most suited for this breed?

Will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and do well in most climates, but prefer cooler weather. This is one breed that should not be allowed to be off lead. The hunting instinct is too strong. All that is needed is one small scent and your hunter will be off on the chase. Having a secure fenced in yard is a very good idea. The PBGV like to dig and can be great escape artists. Watch for small holes and/or signs of interest along the fence line. He would as soon go under as he would to go over.

OTTERHOUNDS

What kind of temperament these dogs have?

They are people and pet friendly. They are outgoing and happy dogs.The Otterhound standard says that the breed is "amiable, boisterous and even tempered". Basically these are big friendly dogs, but with a mind of their own. Otterhounds are affectionate, but don't demand attention all the time. If you're in search of a very loving dog, you might find OHs too independent. Left to their own devices, OHs can be very good at entertaining themselves - but be warned that it may be in ways that you and your neighbors won't find acceptable, such as excavating or baying.
Otterhounds are generally good with other dogs and with other animals if they are raised with them or introduced to them carefully. Many Otterhound owners also have cats, and contrary to what some sources may lead you to believe, they usually get along well; some Otterhounds live happily with parrots, horses and pigs. These hounds are quite willing to include most two and four legged members of the household in their notion of their "pack". Otterhounds can be good with kids, but a young Otterhound is big and likely to be klutzy and may not be the best companion for a wobbly toddler or a frail elderly person.Otterhounds benefit from a lot of socialization, especially when they're puppies, but continuing throughout their lives. So if you bring an Otterhound into your home, include it in your life!

What were they bred to do?

The Otterhound is an old British breed, with references dating back to the 12th century. They were used in large packs to hunt river otter. King John of England hunted otter with large, shaggy hounds, as did Queen Elizabeth I. The modern Otterhound has Bloodhound in his background, and is in turn one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier. The first Otterhounds were brought to the US very early in the 20th century, with official AKC recognition in 1907. There are fewer than 1000 Otterhounds world wide, with the largest numbers in the UK and US, and smaller populations in Scandinavia, the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, Canada, and Australia.

How big do they get?

The Otterhound is a large, strong breed (with a considerable size range within the breed). Males are generally in the 95 to 115 pound range and 26-28 inches at the shoulder, with females 65 to 90 pounds and 24-26 inches at the shoulder.

How long do they typically live?

Otterhounds have a relatively long life span of 10 to 13 years with some living to 15 or older. Like most large breeds, they are subject to hip dysplasia and bloat. There have been a few records ofOtterhounds with bleeding disorders. This breed is usually quite slow to mature, both physically and mentally.

What family situation or lifestyle is most suited for this breed?

They need activity. They need both physical and mental stimulation. They are not needy. They are very independent. They need the ability to run in the yard, so the owner needs a fenced in yard. A otterhound is not for someone who is obsessed with their house. They can be messy. We keep barn towels by the door to clean them up before they come back inside. Otterhounds look like an unmade bed and that's when they are well-groomed.

Otterhounds make great pets, if --
-- you have a sense of humor (and a fair amount of patience).
-- you aren't obsessed with keeping your house/clothes spotless.
-- you have a fenced yard.
-- you just love that hound voice (and so do your neighbors!).
-- you are looking for a pet and watchdog - but NOT a guard dog.

Any other quirks and interesting facts about Otterhounds?

So what is the special attraction of Otterhounds? For many, it's the great personality. You need a sense of humor to live with an Otterhound, but you'll be living with a dog that has a pronounced sense of humor of its own. Otterhound owners comment on the amount of laughter in their homes, most of it due to the resident shaggy-coated hound. These dogs can look noble, even mournful, but along the lines of the "class clown" trying very hard to be good. The standard says an Otterhound head shows great dignity; it doesn't point out that looks can be wildly deceiving! Think of the teacher or grandparent who you loved, very dignified in appearance, who had the heart of a joyful child, and you've glimpsed the Otterhound personality. To assess whether you could live happily with an Otterhound, ask yourself if you can love and perhaps admire an independent dog who will love you, but will NOT worship the ground you walk on. Most Otterhounds will greet you happily when you come home, but then are content to return to napping in the most comfortable spot in the house.

[basenjislave]

I have to disagree when you said that 2-3 basenji''s in the same household will not fight among themselves. YES, they do!! I have 2 males (one is 8yrs old, and 3yrs. old) and then I have a 6yr old female which happens to be the niece to my 8yr old. All are neutered, and spayed. The 2 males have gotten into some knock down drag out fights. If my son had not been at home at the time, I never would have been able to break the fight up. Now at the first sign of a curl lip, or a snark, I slap some basket muzzles on them. After a few minutes, I can take the muzzles off, and they are fine. My basenji''s are very well socialized. They do get along well for the most part with other dogs. As to date, I have never had any problems with them at a large park we go to. They are mostly alloof with strangers, but not mine. Mine have even been known to jump into a stranger''s car in the parking lot at the dog park.

Basenji''s are also know to get Fanconi (sugar spills into the urine). If caught early enough, it is easy for the basenji to live to a ripe old age. But its a lifetime commentment and treatment.

As they person above state: "a tired basenji, is a good basenji" is right on the mark. Mine are totally wiped out from the dog park, and just hits the sack when they get home.

They are NOT for everybody. Allot of work and patience. But you get allot of love in return. You can''t have just one.

[basenjislave]

I have to disagree when you said that 2-3 basenji''s in the same household will not fight among themselves. YES, they do!! I have 2 males (one is 8yrs old, and 3yrs. old) and then I have a 6yr old female which happens to be the niece to my 8yr old. They 2 males have gotten into some knock down drag out fights. If my son had not been at home at the time, I never would have been able to break the fight up. Now at the first sign of a curl lip, or a snark, I slap some basket muzzles on them. After a few minutes, I can take the muzzles off, and they are fine. My basenji''s are very well socialized. They do get along well for the most part with other dogs. As to date, I have never had any problems with them at a large park we go to. They are mostly alloof with strangers, but not mine. Mine have even been known to jump into a stranger''s car in the parking lot at the dog park.

Basenji''s are also know to get Fanconi (sugar spills into the urine). If caught early enough, it is easy for the basenji to live to a ripe old age. But its a lifetime commentment and treatment.

As they person above state: "a tired basenji, is a good basenji" is right on the mark. Mine are totally wiped out from the dog park, and just hits the sack when they get home.

They are NOT for everybody. Allot of work and patience. But you get allot of love in return. You can''t have just one.

[timnshi]

We would like to add to the above comment. We have two Basenji''s one is from a pet store and one is actually from BRAT (http://www.basenjirescue.org ). Sammy and Liam are their names. They''re distinct difference between the two. Liam (pet store) is 1 1/2 year, he is a very smart dog, very active dog. He can not be trusted off of his leash. Where as Sammy (BRAT rescue) 9 1/2 years can be.
They are definetly not for everybody. You really need to have patients. You should do your research.
We have experienced the Basenji 500 and the counter surfing. Liam has the inablitly to not eat things. He will eat anything and I mean anything...
They can be stubborn to train but with a cookie or some ice they are putty in your hand. Liam can salute, bow and Hi-Five. Sammy, well he talks (makes his funny noises).
And yes itcan woof of sorts.

[felicen]

Good place to interact with other basenji owners and learn more about the breed: http://www.basenjiforums.com

[freckster]

Visit http://www.basenjirescue.org if you are considering a basenji. As rewarding a pet as they are, they are very challenging. It''s a very smart breed, smarter than most dog owners in general, including me. If you want a dog that will blindly and unequivocally obey your every command (often mistaken for intelligence in a dog) - you will have a difficult time finding a basenji to fit that bill.

Ask a lot of questions - they are not for everyone. They CANNOT be trusted off leash, many have a tendency to bolt through open doors & gates - and as mentioned, they are very good climbers so standard backyard fences are not always a solution.

Most are prolific counter surfers. Anything within reach on a table or counter is fair game. They can be very destructive if not exercised regularly. Some, like mine, are just paper shredders (even paper money); some like to unstuff toys as well as furniture.

Basenjis are at high risk for certain dieases. Be prepared to monitor their health regularly, act upon any ailments, and provide a lifetime of treatment in some cases.

A well cared-for, exercised basenji is a real joy and will return your love 10-fold. They are just not for anybody.

A tired basenji is a good basenji.