You’ve probably heard of the supremely intelligent Border Collie or the agile, quick-thinking Poodle. But have you ever heard about a dog breed that charms not just with their intelligence but also with their extraordinary personality? Say hello to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, a small French hound that’s full of surprises.
Let’s start with something that’s a little offbeat. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, often noted by its abbreviated nickname, the PBGV, took a top honor at the Westminster Dog Show not once, but twice! Moreover, one of these wins was for ‘Best In Show’, which is a dog’s equivalent of taking home an Oscar. Not too shabby for a breed that you might not be familiar with!
But the question still lingers, is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen the smartest dog? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Saying a dog is ‘smart’ can mean many different things. Some dogs are quick to learn tricks, others are problem solvers, and many have an incredible instinctive intelligence. When we start applying these different styles of intelligence to the PBGV, this little French hound starts to come into its own.
The PBGV’s origins lie in hunting. The breed was initially developed in the 16th century for hunting rabbits and gamebirds. This instinctive intelligence makes them excellent at problem-solving. The PBGV is a breed that knows how to think on its feet, whether it’s working out how to get that squirrel out of your bird feeder or finding the optimal place to hide a prized chew toy.
However, this doesn’t mean they’re easy to train. In fact, many believe the PBGV is a little defiant. They’re known for their independence and can be a little stubborn when it comes to obedience and formal training. But don’t mistake that for lack of intelligence. This breed tends to gauge the value of what you’re asking them to do and weigh it against what they want to do. It’s not that they can’t learn; they just decide whether they want to.
Like the doggone diplomats they are, PBGVs have incredible social intelligence. These dogs are incredibly good at reading human emotions and tailoring their behavior to suit the mood. They’re versatile, meaning they adapt to all sorts of situations, whether it’s a noisy family gathering or neighborhood stroll.
Their endearing personality often makes us forget their high intelligence level. PBGVs are friendly and outgoing and have a heart big enough to win over anyone they meet. They excel in dog sports such as agility and rally and need plenty of mental stimulation to keep their clever minds occupied.
When it comes to advice for new (or potential) PBGV owners, it’s essential to remember that these dogs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They love being part of family activities, so make sure they have plenty of interaction and fun things to do. Training requires patience and a good sense of humor. But with a PBGV’s smarts and charm, you’ll soon build an unbreakable bond with your new canine companion.
Ultimately, whether or not a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is the smartest dog breed is subjective and really depends on how you define intelligence. If you’re looking at intelligence from a standpoint of pure trainability, they might not take the top spot. However, if you consider their knack for problem-solving, their ability to adapt to different social environments, and their superior hunting skills, we’d say they’re definitely in the running.
So, is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen the smartest dog? They’re definitely one of the cheekiest, and they could be one of the wisest, too, depending on how you look at it. But one thing’s for sure – there’s certainly never a dull moment when you’re in the company of a PBGV! They have a lot to offer and have more than enough smarts and personality to keep you on your toes, offering a mix of love, laughter, and many memorable moments.
