Time for some doggy talk! Wouldn’t you be surprised if I told you that a dog named Vesuvio won the ‘Best in Show’ at the 100th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2011? And no, Vesuvio wasn’t a lavish, aristocratic Poodle or a burly, hulk-like Great Dane, but an adorable Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV), aptly named Jilly.
But wait. An unexpected champion is not the most fascinating part of this story. Instead, it’s the endless conversation that Jilly sparked afterwards. Visitors, breeders, dog lovers and everyone else had a burning question to ask – does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen shed a lot? After all, who would want a torrent of fur gracing their living rooms every morning?
So, as you sit with a cup of coffee in one hand and the quest for knowledge in the other, let me take you on an interesting journey to answer the big question: Does the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen shed?
The short answer is yes, but much less than you might fear. Now, let’s dive into the waggly tail details.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, often referred to as PBGV’s, are small, compact, and sturdy dogs known for their rough, shaggy, and bushy eyebrows and beard. Native to France, they were traditionally used for hunting due to their excellent ability to track scents. Regardless of their wild-turned-domestic past, these furry mates offer one of the most delightful companionships you could ask for. Their animated eyes, wagging tails, zealous energy, and an absolute disregard for their petite stature make them a joy to have around.
Let’s talk about their glorious coat, often a mix of white with shades of orange, lemon, black, sable, or grizzle. Despite their notoriously shaggy appearance, PBGV’s are considered a low-shedding breed. Their double coat compromises a dense undercoat and a harsh, rough longer coat which defends against weather adversities when they were used for hunting.
Due to this unique double coat, PBGV’s actually lock within them, a majority of their hair loss instead of shedding them into your household. Now, that’s a reliever! However, it also means that you might occasionally find small fur balls around your home or tiny tumbleweeds rolling across your floor. But understand that these instances of minor shedding are considerably less than breeds known to be prolific shedders like the German Shepherds or Labradors.
But remember that less shedding doesn’t translate into no grooming. PBGV’s require regular grooming to keep their double coat healthy, shiny and detangled. This includes weekly brushing to remove any loose hair, matting or tangles, and to stimulate oil production in their skin. In terms of professional grooming, a visit every 6 to 8 weeks is advisable to keep their coats trimmed and in good condition, and to manage those adorable yet often overgrown eyebrows and beards.
Talking about less common grooming requirements, you should also take care of their ears. Since they are droopy, they are more likely to accumulate wax and can get infected easily. Regular checks and cleaning can help avoid any potential infections.
Beside all that, feed them properly, exercise them regularly and shower them with love. By sticking to these, not only will their shedding be kept in check, but you’ll also have a happy and healthy PBGV around.
So, if you are considering adding a PBGV to your family, don’t let the fear of a furry apocalypse dissuade you. While they do shed, it’s not a graceful fur-tsunami like certain other breeds. PBGV’s offer more love and less fur. After all, their charms lie in their energetic temperament, sturdy build, and the uncontrolled tendency to make you smile – qualities that far overshadow their grooming requirements.
In conclusion, PBGV’s do shed, but it’s manageable with regular grooming and proper care. After all, they’re not just pets, but part of our family – and family takes care of each other. With informed knowledge and a routine, you’ll easily manage their shedding and live in a home as pleasing as your PBGV’s delightful company.
So, if you were hesitant about adopting a PBGV due to shedding concerns, just remember the sparky eyes and waggling tail of Jilly, and let the fear of a few loose hairs dissipate. Embrace the joy of having one of the most amazing companions of the canine world.
