Is the Border Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen better for families with children?

Both the Border Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Border Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

The Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Border Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

The Border Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Border Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen bigger?

Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Border Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Border Terrier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Border Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

For apartment or flat living, Border Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Border Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: Quieter?

Border Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: full comparison

Trait	Border Terrier	Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	High
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Very High	High
Typical lifespan	15 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has noticeably higher barking than the Border Terrier.

Size and living space

The Border Terrier is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in a flat and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in a flat and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Border Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Border Terrier needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Border Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Border Terrier is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Border Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Border Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Border Terrier if you prefer a quieter dog, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Border Terrier on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Border Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen better for families with children?: Both the Border Terrier and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Border Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: The Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Border Terrier or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: The Border Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Border Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen bigger?: Border Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Border Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Border Terrier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Border Terrier or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?: For apartment or flat living, Border Terrier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Border Terrier vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen