Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
French scent hounds, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are independent, cheerful dogs. Though they can be docile and excellent home companions, they're incredibly active and don't tire quickly. As such, this breed needs a lot of exercise to remain happy and healthy.
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Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Traits
General Appearance
Medium-sized, solidly built dogs, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens have straight legs, deep chests, and long tails. These dogs are longer than they are tall.
Coat and Coloring
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a straight, short coat that is harsh to the touch and without much fringe. These dogs can be tri-colored (white with any other colors), bi-colored (white with any other color), or black and tan.
Distinctive Physical Traits
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are charming, muscular dogs. They have a lot of character thanks to moderately long muzzles, soulful eyes, mustaches and beards, and long, protective eyebrows.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Temperament
Don't let this breed's shorter stature fool you. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is sturdy, quick, and active. But with enough exercise, the breed can be a docile companion and friendly family pet.
Though these noble pack hounds are serious about their work, they're typically calm, happy, and outgoing when off-duty. And Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens tend to fare just fine when left alone—rather than suffer from separation anxiety, as some breeds do. However, like most hounds, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen can have an independent streak.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen History
For 400 years, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens evolved alongside other griffon-coated French hounds. They originally started off in the region of Vendée, France (thus, the breed name). But now, you'll find these dogs hunting animals of all sizes—from rabbits to boars—throughout Europe.
In 1907, the Club du Griffon Vendéen formed. The club initially recognized two different varieties of the Basset Griffon Vendéen. But by the 1950s, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen had branched off. And in 1977, breeding between it and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was banned. The American Kennel Club recognized the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen in 2018.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Care
Nutrition
Grand Basset Griffin Vendéens need a high-quality dog food suited to their particular age, activity level, and size—as well as any additional health concerns. You should monitor how much your Grand Basset Griffin Vendéen eats, and reduce portions if they gain excess weight. Your veterinarian can also help determine appropriate nutrition and feeding guidelines.
Grooming
The Grand Basset Griffin Vendéen's short, straight coat is relatively easy to maintain. Weekly brushing with a grooming mitt or comb should ensure your pup stays looking sharp. An occasional bath will also help keep their fur in top shape—especially since this breed loves to explore outside.
Trimming nails, cleaning ears, and brushing teeth should also be part of every dog's grooming routine, regardless of breed.
Exercise
Grand Basset Griffin Vendéens may be docile and calm at home. But remember: they have roots as hunters. As such, this breed requires higher-than-average activity to stay healthy and happy.
Because of their strong hunting instincts, Grand Basset Griffin Vendéens must always be leashed or kept in a secure area when outside. Otherwise, they're likely to chase whatever catches their eye.
Grand Basset Griffin Vendéens usually don't slow down as they age. So, it's important to provide regular, strenuous exercise throughout their lives.
Training
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen can be stubborn and independent, which could make training tricky. Patience is key, and reward-based techniques (using favorite treats and toys as motivational tools) tend to work best.
Breed Group
Hound
The most common ancestral trait of this group is being used for hunting. Some use acute powers of scent to follow a trail while others demonstrate the gift of stamina as they run down a quarry. Beyond these two common traits, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by as the group is comprised of a very diverse lot of breeds.
