50 Saber Tails Spring 2017
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
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W
hy do we care about the ancient or even more re-
cent history of hounds? We can change a standard
every five years [Editor’s note: the PBGV Club of America is
able to seek approval from the AKC to change the breed
standard no more frequently than a minimum of five years
from the last date of an approved standard change]. With-
out regard for history, the ideal can be lost for a subjec-
tive, “I like ______” (fill in the blank with whatever trend
is popular at the time) with no regard to a standard. The
breed’s history is vital because hunting is the reason to
retain traits and so on. It is important that the hound’s
traits and natural instincts: his drive, voice, nose, character
and perseverance need to be given prime considerations
if breeders are to retain traits so important to making a
hound a hound.
H
unting still thrives in France, where there is open land
and opportunity to actually hunt live game. Other
countries restrict what people can do with their animals.
We need to keep purpose alive.
This article originally appeared in the AKC Gazette and is re-
printed here with full permisison of the AKC.
AKC Gazette, “Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens -- How’s Your
History?” Kitty Steidel, May 2012 edition, pp 17-18
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