50 Saber Tails Spring 2017

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

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Conformation, Agility, Obedience, Hunt, Seminars, Top 20, and all the Social Stuff in Between

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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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