All About the Grand Griffon Vendéen Dog Breed

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a rare and ancient dog breed that originated in France. They are a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build and a rough, wiry coat that's a mix of black and tan.

These dogs are known for their intelligence and independence, which can make them a bit challenging to train. They're also naturally wary of strangers, so socialization is key.

One thing to note is that the Grand Griffon Vendéen is a relatively low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

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The Grand Griffon Vendéen is built on long lines, making it the tallest of the Basset breeds.

Its rough coat gives it a rustic appearance, just as it was bred to have.

This breed was originally used for hunting hare and rabbit.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, or GBGV for short, is a tall breed within the Basset family, with the longest legs, body, ears, and noble head among its relatives.

This breed was originally used for hunting, specifically targeting hares and rabbits.

Its rough coat is a key characteristic, giving it a rustic appearance that's hard to miss.

The GBGV's athletic build and hunting background make it a capable companion for outdoor activities, but it's also happy to adapt to a more relaxed lifestyle.

The Kennel Club has rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered.

These rules and regulations are outlined in the club's general and breed-specific breeding restrictions.

Currently, there are no breed-specific restrictions in place for this breed.

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The Grand Griffon Vendéen has a rich history that dates back to 16th century France. The breed's ancestors were griffon-type dogs used by the Gauls, known as the Canis Segusius.

These early ancestors were crossed with other French canids, including the Griffon Nivernais, Petite Basset Griffon Vendéen, Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, and Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. This mix of breeding helped create the distinctive characteristics of the Grand Griffon Vendéen.

On a similar theme: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

The Grand Griffon Vendéen was developed as a working dog to track and hunt larger game, such as wild boar, deer, and foxes. This was a departure from the typical prey of other breeds, which focused on rabbits, hares, and squirrels.

In the 16th century, the Grand Vendeen existed as a short-coated Vendeen bred down from 'the King's white hounds'. This breed was later crossed with other griffon breeds to create the Grand Griffon Vendeen.

The Grand Griffon Vendeen was used in packs to hunt large game, showcasing its impressive tracking abilities. Its long shaggy coat and keen sense of smell made it an ideal breed for this task.

It wasn't until 1907 that a technical distinction was made between the Grand 'large' Griffon Vendéen and the Petite 'small' Basset Griffon Vendéen. This separation was made to discourage inter-breeding between the two breeds.

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The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a sturdy fellow, longer than he is tall, with a deep chest and short but straight legs.

His tail is long and straight, perfect for spotting him as he tracks through long grass. It's set high and carried in saber fashion, but never curled over the back.

The breed has a hound-like longish muzzle, ideal for sniffing and scent detection. His face has a certain charm, with honest eyes that reflect his noble character.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen's coat is long and wiry, with characterful touches like long eyebrows, a moustache, and beard. It comes in a variety of colours, including black, fawn, tan, or white, or a combination thereof.

Males stand between 24.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the withers, while females reach 23.5 to 25.5 inches.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen's body is a sturdy one, with a deep chest that's perfect for those all-important lungs. This allows them to take in plenty of air while tracking through long grass.

The chest is deep to the elbow but not too wide, which is an ideal proportion for this breed. The ribs are long and moderately rounded, giving the dog a strong and athletic build.

The back is solid and straight or slightly sloping, which provides the dog with a stable foundation for its movements. The loin is well muscled, which helps with agility and flexibility.

The croup is flat, which is an important feature for this breed. The flank is slightly tucked up, which adds to the dog's overall athletic appearance.

The forequarters are a notable feature of the animal, with powerful shoulders that slope in a distinctive way.

Their long, lean shoulders make them a striking sight.

The sloping shoulders are a key characteristic of the forequarters, giving them a unique appearance.

This shape allows for a wide range of motion, making them well-suited for certain activities.

The height of this breed is quite impressive.

Males typically stand at 24.5 to 27.5 inches at the withers.

For females, the height range is slightly lower, at 23.5 to 25.5 inches.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen has a strong will of its own, making it a dog that needs experienced owners who can keep them in check.

This breed has a mind of its own and isn't afraid to use it, which can sometimes lead to frustration for owners as they try to keep up with their dog's antics.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a reliable dog around children, but it's essential to supervise interactions to ensure everyone's safety.

Despite their independent streak, Grand Griffon Vendéens are good-natured and willing to make friends, making them a great addition to families.

They have a strong hunting instinct, which can sometimes get the best of them, and they need to be kept well in hand to prevent any unwanted behavior.

Their good nature and friendliness make them a great choice for families who are willing to put in the time and effort to train and care for them.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a breed that values independence, which can make training a bit of a challenge. Early socialization is key to building the dog's self-confidence and helping them develop good habits.

To start, socialization should begin as soon as you bring your Grand Griffon Vendéen home, allowing them to explore various sights, sounds, people, and animals. This will help them learn how to react in different situations.

Reward-based training methods are essential for building a strong bond between you and your dog. By using positive motivation, you can encourage your Grand Griffon Vendéen to cooperate and learn to trust you.

Providing plenty of mental stimulation is crucial to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior like chewing and digging. A bored Grand Griffon Vendéen will make his own entertainment, and it's unlikely to be something you'll approve of.

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