Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen: Breed Overview and Care Guide

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a versatile and energetic breed that originated in France.

This breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a rough, wiry coat and a friendly, outgoing personality.

They are a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds.

Originally bred for hunting, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a skilled tracker with a strong prey drive.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great companion for active families or hunters.

With proper care and attention, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen can thrive as a loyal and loving pet.

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The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a charming, muscular dog with a lot of character. They have moderately long muzzles, soulful eyes, and distinctive facial hair.

Their coat is rough and medium-length, providing protection against brambles and harsh weather conditions. The double coat is also aesthetically pleasing, making the breed a joy to look at.

Here are the standard colors and markings of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen:

In terms of size, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen typically stands between 15.5 and 18 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs between 40 and 45 pounds.

When it comes to the physical stature of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, they're generally a compact bunch. They typically stand between 15.5 and 18 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their weight is usually proportional to their height, with adult GBGVs generally weighing from 40 to 45 pounds.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a charming, muscular dog with a lot of character. They have moderately long muzzles, soulful eyes, mustaches, and beards, and long, protective eyebrows.

Their coat is rough and of medium length, providing a ruggedness that's unmistakable. The double coat is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, offering protection against brambles and harsh weather conditions.

Mature Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens typically stand between 15.5 and 18 inches tall at the shoulder. Adult GBGVs generally weigh from 40 to 45 pounds.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a well-balanced, strongly made, rough-coated scented hound with a medium size and straight legs. Their neck is medium long and strong, with a great head, mustache, and beard.

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Their tail is thick at the base, tapering as it extends towards the tip, and is carried proudly, often with a slight curve. The tail is covered with rough hair similar to that on the rest of the body.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a straight, short coat that is harsh to the touch and without much fringe. They can be tri-colored (white with any other colors), bi-colored (white with any other color), or black and tan.

Here are the standard colors of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen:

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a slightly domed skull, well-defined stop, and medium-sized oval eyes. Their ears are set low, just below the eye line, and are adorned with longer hair that gives them a slightly wavy appearance.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a happy-go-lucky breed that thrives on activity and loves to be active. They're made for country life and are in their element when running wild and free after a rogue hare or rabbit.

These hounds are intelligent and always exploring, with a keen sense of loyalty that means they'll never stray from their owner for too long. They crave human attention and shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time.

The breed's friendly nature makes them a great choice for young families, and they generally get along well with children. However, their strong hunting instincts mean they may not be suited for homes with non-canine pets.

With proper training and socialization, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen can be a well-rounded family pet. Their independent streak can be a challenge, but patience and tolerance can help them become a loving companion.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's personality is a unique blend of charm, liveliness, and independence. They're happy-go-lucky dogs that love to be active and explore their surroundings.

Their friendly demeanor makes them suitable for families and individuals alike, and they generally get along well with children. However, novice owners should be prepared to handle their sometimes stubborn and independent streak.

The breed's sociable nature often translates well to multi-dog households, but early socialization is always beneficial. They're usually amiable towards other dogs, but their strong hunting instincts mean they may not be suitable for homes with non-canine pets.

A Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is typically calm, happy, and outgoing when off-duty, but they can have an independent streak and may not be the best fit for owners who want a dog that's always by their side.

They're moderately reactive, but they can form strong bonds with their human companions while also enjoying moments of solitude. Their keen sense of loyalty means they'll never stray from their owner for too long, but they do crave human attention.

Here are some key personality traits of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen:

Overall, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's personality is a unique combination of traits that make them a delightful companion for the right owner.

While some people may think of them as water dogs, the reality is that Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens aren't classified as traditional water dogs.

Their primary purpose historically has been as a scenthound, tracking game on land rather than retrieving in water.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a rich history that spans over 400 years, with its origins dating back to the 16th century in the Vendée region of France.

Originally bred to help hunters track and take down game, the breed was able to handle larger game like boar and deer despite its smaller stature. They were bred to have a keen sense of smell and were used to hunt wild boar, deer, and smaller prey like rabbits and hares.

In the 16th century, the breed was developed from the white Southern Hound and rough-coated dogs from Italy. The breed was later divided into two varieties, the Grand and the Petit, which were initially considered a single breed.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was officially recognized as a separate breed in 2018 by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and it has since become a beloved companion animal due to its affable nature and distinctive looks.

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The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a rich history dating back to the 16th century in the Vendée region of France.

Originally bred from the white Southern Hound and rough-coated dogs from Italy, these hounds were developed to possess the stamina and determination required to hunt game over the challenging terrain of their native region.

For over 400 years, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen evolved alongside other griffon-coated French hounds, eventually branching off into its own distinct breed.

The breed was initially recognized as a single breed with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, but by the 1950s, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen had established its own standard and was considered a separate breed.

The Club du Griffon Vendéen was formed in 1907, initially recognizing two varieties of the Basset Griffon Vendéen, but by 1977, breeding between the Grand and Petit was banned to preserve the breed's distinct characteristics.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's adaptability and charming nature made it a popular choice as a loyal companion, and by the 21st century, the breed had gained international recognition, being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2018.

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The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They require regular brushing, ideally a couple of times a week, to remove loose hairs and keep their coat free of tangles.

Their short, straight coat is easy to maintain, but they do need occasional baths, especially after exploring the outdoors. They also require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to stay healthy.

These dogs are naturally energetic and need consistent daily activity, with a minimum of 2 hours of exercise per day. This can include long walks, playtime in a secured yard, and mental stimulation through games and activities.

Training can be a challenge, especially if you don't start early and often. They're stubborn and resistant to training efforts, but using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Here are some essential grooming tasks to keep your GBGV looking and feeling their best:

By following these care and grooming guidelines, you can help your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen live a happy, healthy life as a beloved member of your family.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a robust and healthy breed, inheriting the resilience of its hunting ancestors. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet play a crucial role in maintaining its health and well-being.

The average lifespan of a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is around 13 to 15 years, but some individuals can live beyond these years with proper care and attention. Epilepsy has been known to occur in the breed, although selective breeding has reduced the occurrence.

To maintain your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's health, it's essential to monitor its weight and adjust feeding amounts as necessary. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can bring about a slew of health issues.

Here are some recommended health tests for the breed:

A well-thought-out approach to feeding is crucial for maintaining your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's health, energy, and optimal weight. The breed's active nature requires a diet that fuels its energy needs, and puppies typically require more frequent meals to support their rapid growth and high energy levels.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

Hip dysplasia is a common ailment in many dog breeds, including the GBGV, and can lead to arthritis or potential lameness if not addressed.

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment of any illness, and can significantly contribute to a dog's overall well-being.

Some GBGVs can experience ear infections due to their long, floppy ears, and regular cleaning can help to prevent problems from becoming chronic.

Eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts can also affect some GBGVs, and a veterinary ophthalmologist can easily diagnose a suspected problem.

Epilepsy is a potential health risk for GBGVs, but treatment options vary and veterinary care should always be sought following an episode.

Here are some recommended health tests from the National Breed Club to reduce the likelihood of disease in GBGVs:

The lifespan of a healthy GBGV is between 12-14 years, but some individuals can live up to 15 years with proper care and attention.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can also occur in GBGVs, and it's a good idea to get your puppy hip and elbow scored if you're thinking of breeding later on.

With regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper care, your GBGV can live a long, happy, and healthy life.

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The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a robust and healthy breed, inheriting the resilience of its hunting ancestors.

Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet play a crucial role in maintaining its health and well-being. This breed generally lives for 13 to 15 years, but with proper care, some individuals can live beyond these years.

A high-quality dog food suited to the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's age, activity level, and size is essential. This breed needs a diet that fuels its energy needs, especially considering its active nature and robust constitution.

Canine obesity can affect dogs of all ages and breeds, including the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. It's vital to feed this breed a healthy, balanced diet and limit treats to prevent obesity.

The amount of food given to a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen will vary based on its age, weight, activity level, and the specific brand of food. On average, an adult GBGV might consume between 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily.

It's crucial to monitor the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's weight and adjust feeding amounts as necessary to prevent obesity. Underfeeding or providing a diet lacking in essential nutrients can result in an undernourished and lethargic dog.

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When you're considering bringing a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen into your home, one thing to keep in mind is their shedding. They shed, but not excessively.

Their rough and medium-length coat will shed periodically throughout the year. Seasonal changes in the spring and fall months bring about more shedding.

Regular grooming can help to manage and reduce the amount of hair that’s shed.

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