The name of this breed could be translated to 'small shortlegged wirehaired dog from Vendéen'. It comes from an area where the hounds must have thick, protective fur, for the vegetation here is very heavy.
The short-legged dogs are naturally slower than their long-legged cousins, which makes it easier for a hunter on foot to follow them. They are used especially for deer hunts, and today the pbgv is one of the most popular french bassets.
The petit basset griffon vendeen should appear small, powerful and elongated with wirey fur and a lively temperament. The muzzle is rather short with a straight top of muzzle, marked stop and rounded skull. The lips should have moustasches. The eyes with a lively expression and good-sized eyebrows. The eyes are set at or right below eye height, thin and carried close to the head. They should not be long enough to reach the tip of the muzzle if stretched out. The back is straight, the chest deep. The coat is of medium length with a wirey texture.