Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Two Petit Bassets Griffon Vendéen.
Nicknames	PBGV
Country of origin	France
Traits
Classification & standards FCI Group 6 Section 1 #67 standard AKC Hound standard ANKC Group 4 (hound) standard CKC Group 2 - Hound standard KC (UK) Hound standard NZKC Hounds standard UKC Scenthounds standard

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (pronounced /pɨˌtiː bæˌseɪ grɨˌfɒn vɑndeɪˌɑn/, roughly "peh-TEE bas-SAY grih-FON von-day-ON"), or "PBGV," is a breed of dog of the scent hound type, bred to trail hares in bramble filled terrain of the Vendee district of France.

Description

Appearance

Both sexes should be of similar size, range between 12.5 and 15.5 inches (32 to 40 cm) at the withers and between 25 and 40 pounds (15 to 20 kilograms).

Like the other 3 Griffon Vendéen breeds: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; they are solid dogs that appear rough and unrefined yet casual. They have short legs, a sturdy bone structure, and a body that is only slightly longer than it is tall at the withers. The body length is not as extreme as that of a basset hound or dachshund.

The dogs have a tousled appearance, with a harsh double coat is both long and rough.The hair on the face and legs may be softer than body hair. The fur on the face resembles a beard and moustache. They usually have very long eyelashes.

The skull is domed, with drop, oval ears like many hounds share, though dogs tend to have higher domes than bitches. The ears are set low and hanging, and if stretched out should reach the tip of the nose. The tail is usually held upright, and is long and tapered to the end, similar in shape to a saber.

The coloring is primarily white with spots of orange, lemon, black, grizzle (gray-and-white hairs), or sable, sometimes with tan accents. They may be bicolor, tricolor, or have grizzling.

Temperament and Breeding

PBGVs are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the "happy breed," PBGVs have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes. PBGVs are typically active and lively. While good with children, other dogs and pets, they may be unsuitable for very young children because of their energy and tendency to play bite. The PBGV standard states that the dog should "give voice freely" -- as is typical of hounds, petits are outspoken dogs. If their 'pack' begins howling or singing, the dog will join in, with amusing results. PBGVs may howl alone or with a companion; they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. PBGV companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along with favorite songs.

The PBGV is not a quiet dog. While no PBGV would ever be called "yippy," their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature. The outspoken nature of a PBGV varies from dog to dog, but even the shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call.

Like other hounds, Petits are stubborn, and sometimes may not respond well to training.

Because they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, PBGVs make excellent therapy dogs.

PBGVs are excellent hunting and tracking dogs. A "Hunting Instinct Test" with associated AKC certification is currently in development as a part of optional breed credentialing. Petits who work in this manner do not hunt to kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or to a rabbit in motion down a trail. "Saber tails," another PBGV nickname, are typically white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above the bramble and brush.

As a companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some PBGVs, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs make fine companion animals, and have suitable manners to live among cats and other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential PBGV owners are cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home, work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the home "pack."

As scent hounds, most PBGVs should be kept on-leash when in open outdoor areas. Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where scent is involved. Scent will typically trump obedience in the mind of a PBGV.

The outspoken nature and erect tail of a PBGV can be misinterpreted by other dogs, as these manners typically express dominance to other dogs. PBGVs can inspire a misguided need to express dominance on the part of passing dogs. PBGV owners need to be alert to this potential misinterpretation, as Petits are easily outclassed in both size and aggressiveness.

Health

The UK Kennel Club conducted a health survey of Basset Griffon Vendeens (both Petit and Grand varieties combined) in 2004^[1]. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) Club of America has conducted two health surveys, one in 1994 and one in 2000^[2]. The club is currently conducting another survey^[3]. These are apparently the only completed or on-going health surveys for Basset Griffon Vendeens ^[4] (as of July 2007).

Mortality

Average longevity of PBGVs in the 2000 Club of America survey was 12.7 years (standard deviation 3.9)^[2]. Sample size was not clear, but it appeared to be 45 dogs^[5]. No longevity data were collected in the 1994 survey. There was no information on causes of death.

Average longevity of 76 deceased Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UK Kennel Club survey was 12.1 years (maximum 17.3 years)^[1]. Leading causes of death were cancer (33%), old age (24%), and cardiac (7%).

Compared to surveyed longevities of other breeds of similar size, Basset Griffon Vendeens have a typical or somewhat higher than average life expectancy^[6].

Morbidity

In the PBGV Club of America 2000 survey, the most common diseases reported by owners of 640 dogs were persistent pupillary membranes, recurrent ear infections, hypothyroidism, neck pain, and epilepsy^[2].

Among 289 live Basset Griffon Vendeens (both varieties) in the 2004 UKC survey, the most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic (dermatitis and mites), and aural (otitis externa, excessive ear wax, and ear mites)^[1].

Care

They should have daily walks to burn off excess energy. They need to be brushed regularly, but not daily, to avoid matting and tangles. To keep the coat well groomed it must be stripped. Hairs must be pulled out of the coat using either a special stripping tool or the finger and thumb. The coat is shallow rooted and is made to come out if trapped, so this grooming method causes no pain. They need regular ear cleanings to prevent yeast infections and clipping of the claws is normally needed once or twice a month.

Part of the charm of a PBGV is their tousled, unkempt appearance.

See also

• Basset Hound
• Basset Bleu de Gascogne
• Basset Fauve de Bretagne
• Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
• Coat (dog)

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America
• Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of Great Britain - Breed club for the Petit and Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens

Otterhound
Otterhound
Country of origin	Great Britain - England
Traits
Classification & standards FCI Group 6 Section 2 #294 standard AKC Hound standard ANKC Group 4 (Hounds) standard CKC Group 2 - Hounds standard KC (UK) Hound standard NZKC Hounds standard UKC Scenthound standard

The Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.

Appearance

The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head. Originally bred for hunting, it has great strength and a strong body with long striding steps. This makes it able to perform prolonged hard work. Otterhounds generally weigh between 80 and 120 pounds (36 to 54 kg). They have extremely sensitive noses which make them inquisitive and perseverant in investigating scents. Consequently, they need particular supervision. They are friendly dogs with a unique bass voice which they use frequently.

Hunting

The Otterhound hunts its quarry both on land and in water and it has a combination of characteristics unique among hounds; most notably an oily, rough, double coat and substantial webbed feet.^[1]

The use of otterhounds to hunt otters by scent ceased in the Britain in 1978 when it became illegal to kill otters, at which point otter hunts switched to hunting mink or coypu.

Health

The breed lives to between 10 and 13 years old, although some have reportedly lived to be 15 or older.

The Otterhound requires considerable exercise. They can be good family dogs but need to be kept in a secure property since they can jump fences up to 5 feet high.

An endangered breed

There are only an estimated 1,000 or so Otterhounds in the world and somewhere between 350 and 400 in the US. Even in the early 20th century, when otter hunting was most popular as a sport, Otterhounds were not numerous. They are now considered the most endangered dog breed in Britain since only 51 were born there in 2006. They are on the list of Vulnerable Native Breeds as identified by the UK Kennel Club, and as much as possible is being done to save the breed. ^[2][3] Indeed, experts now view otterhounds as more endangered than the Giant Panda.^[2]

References

1. ^ "Otterhound", Kennels.co.uk
2. ^ ^{a b} "The puppies rarer than giant pandas", The Daily Telegraph, 5 March 2007, page 9
3. ^ "Yesterday's Dogs?, Daily Mail

External links

• Otterhound Club of America
• www.otterhounds.de

Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian Lundehund
Other names	Norsk Lundehund Norwegian Puffin Dog Lundehund
Country of origin	Norway
Traits
Classification & standards FCI Group 5 Section 2 #269 standard AKC Miscellaneous Class standard CKC Group 2 - Hounds standard UKC Northern Breeds standard

The Norwegian Lundehund (Norsk Lundehund) is a small breed of dog of Spitz type, originating in Norway. Lunde means puffin and and hund means dog; the dogs were originally used for hunting puffins.

Appearance

The Lundehund has six toes.

The Norwegian Lundehund (The Mostad Dog) is a small, rectangular Spitz type dog. The Lundehund has a great range of motion in its joints, allowing it to fit into narrow passages. The head can be bent backwards along the dog's own spine, and the forelegs can turn to the side at a 90-degree angle to its body, much like human arms. Its pricked, upright ears can be sealed nearly shut by folding them forward or backward.The Norwegian Lundehund is polydactyl: instead of the normal four toes a foot, the Lundehund has six toes, all fully formed, jointed and muscled. The outercoat is dense and rough with a soft undercoat. The Lundehund is adapted to climb narrow cliff paths in Rost where it natively would have hunted puffins.

History

The breed has a long history. As far back as 1600 it was used for hunting puffins along the Norwegian coast. Its flexibility and extra toes were ideal for hunting the birds in their inaccessible nesting locations on cliffs and in caves. Interest for the breed declined when new methods for hunting puffins were invented and a dog tax was created. Around 1900, they were only found in the isolated village of Mostad (spelled Måstad in Norwegian), Lofoten. The breed was nearly extinct around World War II when canine distemper struck Værøy and the surrounding islands. In 1963, the population was further decimated by distemper again. This time, only 6 dogs survived (1 on Værøy & 5 in southern Norway Hamar (these 5 were from the same mother)), creating a population bottleneck. Due to careful breeding with strict guidelines, there are now an estimated 1500-2000 dogs in the world, with around 1100 of the population in Norway and ~350 in the United States.

Lundehund Gastroenteropathy

Lundehund gastroenteropathy is a set of digestive disorders that can lead to an overgrowth of digestive bacteria, and a loss of ability to absorb nutrients from food. ^[1] In extreme cases the dog can starve due to its inability to derive nutrients and protein from food, regardless of food intake. All Lundehunds have the genetics to have this illness, though not every Lundehund is severely afflicted and some are symptom free. There is no cure, though the disease can be managed. ^[2]

American Kennel Club

The Norwegian Lundehund was approved to move to the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club on November 13, 2007 by a unanimous vote of the AKC Board of Directors, effective date to be July 1, 2008.^[3] After an evaluation period in Miscellaneous Class (reviewed in 1-year increments), the breed is slated to progress into the Non-sporting Group. The Lundehund made its AKC conformation debut at the Roaring Fork Kennel Club show in Eagle, Colorado on July 12, 2008. ^[4]

References

4. ISBN 0-7513-0856-0

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Norwegian Lundehund

• Norwegian Lundehund Association of America, Inc. - Recognized by the AKC as the Breed Parent Club for the USA
• The Norwegian Lundehund Club of America
• The International Web Page of the Norwegian Lundehund
• Norsk lundehund klubb (Norwegian-language site)
• lundehund.hallwass.net - The international Community (German-language site)
• LuvLundies - a new message forum dedicated to all things Lundehund

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