My friend, Niles Phineas, who is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, has written to me to say that he thinks his breed is just as interesting as the Pudelpointer, we have been talking about, and that perhaps, I should tell everyone how special he is.  I agree I may have shorted Niles when mentioning unusual breeds, and so Niles, THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU!

First off,however, here is a photo of my friend Niles, taken my his Mom, of course.  Niles and his sister Lily, live in the home of our dear friend, Bev Hollis.

                                       
Why do we love Niles?  Just look at that happy face!  He is always up for a PHOTO session and he just makes me laugh.  My Mom says he is a PB&J, but I know she is kidding.    His breed name is rather a mouthful, so he is called a PBGV, and here is what Wikipedia has to say about him!


PBGVs are extroverted, friendly, and independent hounds. Sometimes called the "happy breed," PBGVs have tirelessly wagging tails and expressive, intelligent eyes. PBGVs are typically active and lively. While good with children, other dogs and pets, they may be unsuitable for very young children because of their energy and tendency to play bite. The PBGV standard states that the dog should "give voice freely" -- as is typical of hounds, petits are outspoken dogs. If their 'pack' begins howling or singing, the dog will join in, with amusing results. PBGVs may howl alone or with a companion; they may howl to music, for fun, or in protest at being left alone. PBGV companions report that sleeping dogs have been known to awaken and howl along with favorite songs.

The PBGV is not a quiet dog. While no PBGV would ever be called "yippy," their assertive, hound-bray is uncharacteristically loud for their petite stature. The outspoken nature of a PBGV varies from dog to dog, but even the shyest Petit will greet other dogs with a bark or call.

Like other hounds, Petits are stubborn, and sometimes may not respond well to training. Because they are so extroverted, friendly, and happy, PBGVs make excellent therapy dogs.

PBGVs are excellent hunting and tracking dogs. A "Hunting Instinct Test" with associated AKC certification is currently in development as a part of optional breed credentialing. Petits who work in this manner do not hunt to kill. In the Vendee region of France, the dogs are used to flush and track rabbit in the bramble, sending rabbit out into the open where the hunter takes the rabbit with a shot. Skilled hunting dogs work well with other dogs in the pack, alerting the pack to the presence of a rabbit, or to a rabbit in motion down a trail. "Saber tails," another PBGV nickname, are typically white at the tip of the tail, so the tail is easily identified by a hunter above the bramble and brush.

As a companion animal, this occasionally pronounced hunting instinct may manifest in the home as a dog that gives chase to birds, squirrel, and cats. For some PBGVs, this instinct may be difficult to overcome with training. Most PBGVs make fine companion animals, and have suitable manners to live among cats and other animals without assuming a hunting role. Potential PBGV owners are cautioned to be aware of this instinct and, if cats are present in the home, work to acclimate the puppy or dog to recognize that the cat is part of the home "pack."

As scent hounds, most PBGVs should be kept on-leash when in open outdoor areas. Even the most obedient dog may give chase when a scent is found. Petits are natural athletes, and they can run fast and long where scent is involved. Scent will typically trump obedience in the mind of a PBGV.


So there you have it!   All about Niles.     And I can tell you ---- about the singing part?  Niles has wonderful pipes and should think about going on American Idol when they take dogs.    That should happen about the same time as I am on The Rachel Ray show with Isaboo.

Licks to my BFF, Niles
and Love,
from
Bob
Reporting from Leesburg