By Pat Gellerman

A fast moving Petit whizzed into the ring, said “Gidday Mate” to his competitors and won the 2008 Nationals. This dog, an import from Melbourne, Australia, Ch. Rokeena Carte Blanche, has been in the U.S. since July and is owned by Jose, Yvonne and Christina Herrera and Russell & Robyn Wallis. The breeder is Mrs. R.J. Wallis. The handler was Jane Alston-Myers.

Best of Winners was Charlen’s Afterglow Surina bred by Helen Ingher and Michael J. Gadsby and owned by the breeders. Best of Opposite was Ch. Polygor’s A Webe Divine-Diva bred and owned by Barbara and Gary Oxholm.

The Regional, held two days prior to the Nationals was won by Ch. Gebeba Texas True Grit, bred by Jerry Bartlett and owned by Donna Moore. He was handled by Janice Hayes.

Being a versatile French hunting breed, these happy dogs had plenty to do over the weekend. They competed in agility, obedience, rally, sweepstakes and regular conformation classes. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America put on a presentation and held a fun match. There was also a Champion of the Heart Parade and a seminar by John Ven Vertegen, DVM, sponsored by the PBGV Health and Rescue Foundation. The Club also sponsored a DNA blood drawing and an eye clinic.

This breed has no problem with temperament. They are happy dogs, outgoing, bold and vivacious in character, compact, tough and robust in construction. He is alert, lively and should have a good voice in the field.

He must have rough, unrefined outlines with a tousled appearance. His coat must be harsh to the touch, long with a thick, short undercoat. Remember, he hunts in all kinds of weather and this coat is extremely important. He should have long eyebrows, ears covered by hair and a beard and moustache. Excessive grooming, sculpting, and clipping should be penalized and excused from the ring. This is a problem in the breed and we have Petits trimmed around the head to resemble Dandies, Bedlingtons, Westies, etc. This is not type. Judges should not award any Petit with this trim.

The body is somewhat longer than tall. We are seeing too many long bodies resembling Bassets. They should be compact. Basset means low, not long. Since he is a scent hound, a long neck is necessary. We are seeing too many short necks.

I was also disturbed by some toplines which were not level.

The breed has one DQ and that is dogs more than one year old in both sexes over 15 inches and under 13 inches. I did not see any who were close to being measured. When judging Petits judges must realize that these hunters go all day and must have reach and drive which makes them capable of a full day’s work.

This is a very pleasant breed to have as a pet but one must remember they are fast moving, very alert dogs which will keep the family on the go. Don’t let the word Basset fool you – Bassets are quite different in temperament – the Basset being much more laid back at home. In the fields, the Basset is a very active, fast moving hunter. However, both breeds are willing to please, make wonderful companions and have great hunting instinct.