Let's talk Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs
The most complicated thing about Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs is probably their long name. Their temperaments, in contrast, are straightforwardly amiable and docile¬—although they do have an independent streak. These wiry-haired dogs hail from western France and were originally bred as hunters’ companions, prized for their super-scenting abilities and their energy and stamina. Nowadays their good nature and delightfully unkempt appearance make them a perfect companion for humans—providing they get enough exercise. Those legs might be little, but they still need plenty of chances to run.
Official name: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Origins: France
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Warm weather? | 
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Suited to apartment living? |
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| Energy level (high, low, moderate) *: | Moderate | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets: | 
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Can stay alone? * | 
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* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
41 - 44 cm
Height
18 - 20 kg
Weight
Female
38 - 43 cm
Height
18 - 20 kg
Weight
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
All you need to know about the breed
Short of leg but big of heart, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs, with their artfully unkempt wiry hair and busy, bustling air, are a charming breed. Originally bred for hunting in western France, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs are known for their endurance and energy but not excessive speed—in the early days of the breed, their low-slung, short-legged build ensured human companions could keep up on foot. Nowadays these dogs make ideal companions for anyone with enough time and energy to ensure they get plenty of exercise.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs are affectionate and playful with their humans, and once trained get on well with children. Like other breeds, they should not be left alone with them, however. As former pack members they should also do well with other dogs.
Just one word of warning: Their instinctive prey drive is strong. That, combined with powerful noses and impressive stamina, means that if they are let off the lead it needs to be in a safely enclosed space. And they do really need chances to be off the lead: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs are hardy, outdoorsy hounds – the wiry double-layer coat is for repelling brambles – and to be content they will need not just long walks but also chances to run and play.
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2 facts about Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs
1. Mantrailing hound
This breed may have been developed to help their human companions hunt animals, but in recent years the tables have turned, with Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs being trained for “mantrailing”, an activity in which dogs use their scenting powers to track humans. Of course, this canine skill has long been put to use by police and search and rescue teams but is now growing in popularity as a leisure activity combining fresh air, exercise and canine quality time.
2. GBGV for short
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed’s somewhat long-winded name (we could call them GBGVs for short) is a crash-course in canine terminology. Grand means big, so far so simple; Basset refers to short-legged low slung breeds; Griffon is a term (originally from the Greek and dating back to ancient times) applied to medium- or large-sized hounds or pointing dogs with coarse or wiry coats and finally Vendéen refers to the blustery and rugged Vendée department in western France, home to the GBGV and three other related, –and almost as complicatedly named – Griffon breeds.
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History of the breed
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs are one of four breeds from the Vendée in France that form one branch of an ancient hunting dog dynasty. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed, as well as the Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Briquet Griffon Vendéen – not to mention other Griffon breeds from other parts of France – all developed over the centuries to be perfectly adapted to their respective home territory and their purpose.
In 1907, the Club du Griffon Vendéen was formed, initially recognising a large and a small version of the same Basset Griffon Vendéen breed. But the breeds went their separate ways. In 1977 breeding between the small and large versions was banned and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2018.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs
1. Coat
Rough shaggy coat in shades of white, black, tan, fawn.
2. Body
Low, short-legged build with tapered tail carried high.
3. Ears
Large, supple low-hanging ears, bushy eyebrows.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
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Caring for your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs have a pleasingly scruffy air about them, thanks to their coarse coats, which originally kept them warm and dry in the elements and protected them from thick and spiky undergrowth such as brambles. They’ll need a brush once or twice a week to keep them in good order (and the occasional bath) and it’s also a good idea to check their coats for seeds and other debris after walks. Their nails, which grow quickly, need regular trimming and their teeth should be brushed frequently (daily if possible) too, to maintain good oral hygiene.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed may have a (well-deserved) reputation for being calm and docile at home, but that’s provided they get enough exercise. They’ll need a combination of long walks, chances to run off the lead (in a securely enclosed space—their prey drive is strong) and games to play.
While Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs are intelligent – good news for training – they can also be stubborn and independent-minded. You’ll need to start early and be consistent and patient. Food rewards (taken out of their daily rations of course) should help smooth the way.
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All about Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen dogs
Not as much as you might think, given their eye-catchingly shaggy coats. When it comes to grooming, they will just need a brush once or twice a week and a bath from time to time to keep them in good condition.
Bigger than a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen hound is one answer. More helpfully, male GBGVs usually weigh 18-20 kg (40-44 lb) and stand around 41-44 cm (16-17 in) high, with females slightly smaller.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/