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The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or GBGV is a medium-sized dog breed from France. It’s a Scenthound breed which means they are great at tracking. They have a lot of energy which keeps them on the trail of it’s elusive prey!
The name translates to “Large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendée” in English. This dog is quick and agile as it dashes through ground cover to chase prey.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen History
French breeders created theGrand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) during the French Revolution. This breed is longer than tall with short legs to easy maneuver in ground cover. This breed is more commonly kept as a domestic pet like most dogs now. This dog breed is positive and confident.
Where did the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Come From?
As the name suggests Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or GBGV originated in the Vendée region of France. It took over 400 years of breeding to create The Griffon Vendéen hounds. The Vendeé region had difficult terrain to track in due to brambles and other vegetation. Because of this it’s short legs made it a favored dog.
The lower class at the time in Vendeé did not own a horse and liked the slower short legged hound because it was easily to keep up with while hunting.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen had become part of the basset breeds of France by the end of the 19th century. The Club du Griffon Vendéen that was founded in 1907. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen were formally accepted.
The Grand was separated into its own standard in the 1950’s.
What Were They Bred For?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are scent hounds to track smaller game by using their nose. into its own standard. They were used to hunt wolves and deer until they were bred to hunt smaller game from rabbits to wild boar. These dogs were great at running through brambles for smaller game. This breed is now a great companion dog!
This dog is a focused hunter and pursues it’s prey while alerting it’s fellow hunter while on the trail!
Are They a Pure Breed?
Yes
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens at a Glance
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Physical Traits
This dog is a medium size breed with straight legs, and a large chest.
It has shorter legs with feathered fur.
It’s longer than tall. This dog has a longer muzzle covered by a long wise beard and mustache with long eyebrows. It’s ears and tail are long. long tail. It’s neck is long. This dog’s face appears to have a long wise beard and mustache with long eyebrows.
Breed Standard
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Size
- Male: 15 – 18 inches
- Female: 15 – 17 inches
Height measurements are always from the ground to the highest point of a dog’s shoulder blades. The highest point on a dogs shoulder-blades are known as the withers.
Weight
- 40 – 45 pounds
Grooming
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is fairly easy to groom. They have a longer wavy coat. Occassional brushing will keep these dogs looking good. During shedding season they need more brushing. Especially with this dog they shed once during the year especially when transitioning to warm weather. Also brush or bath when dirty. Giving them an occassional bath will keep them clean.
Nails
Check their nails to make sure they are not split or cracked and trim as needed.
Ears:
Check their ears to make sure they are not full of debris or wax and clean as needed.
Do They Drool?
Yes
Best Climate for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
This breed prefers minimal to warm weather conditions.
Temperament
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is very easy to get along with. It’s happy and friendly. This breed is a little bit stubborn. It still loves to please and can be very attentive. This dog can be energetic but relaxed when you are feeling like taking a break.
How Easy are They to Train?
Consistent training from puppyhood is required to keep this behavior in check. This dog breed is very vocal and loves alerting. In general these dogs will be as vocal as they are allowed to be.
Do They Tolerate Other Pets?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a high level of prey drive but they are cat friendly dog and can also get along with other dogs.
Are They Good for Families?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are a perfect family dog. They will form a strong bond with their owner. This breed is playful and love children. They always enjoy quality time playing with their human families and this breed are also considered as a great therapy. They can easily adjust to any changes of their living environment.
Do They Have a Strong Prey Drive?
Like most hounds they love the chase prey which gives them a high natural prey drive. Training helps curb this behavior. Keeping them on a leash while out in public helps keep them from chasing.
Are They Social With Other People?
These dogs are friendly by nature. They are friendly with people they know. They alert whenever anyone approaches.
Is The Grand Basset Griffon VendéenGood for New Owners?
These dogs can be great for new owners that can provide their dog a lot of exercise weather it be hunting, frequent walks or playtime, or time running around in nature. They are very attentive to owners and can also be docile.
Health
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are generally healthy dog but this breed was developed to be a hunting dog. Some hunting dogs are prone to certain health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia due to their work.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Lifespan
13 – 15 years
Health Issues
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a healthy breed, but might experience some issues like allergies, deafness, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism. Some recommended tests are Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip final clearance and current Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) registration of the eyes as clear or the equivalent of Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) clearances.
These dogs can also exhibit the following:
- epilepsy
- lion’s jaw disorder (excessive abnormal growth on the skull and lower jaw usually seen in dogs 3-8-months old
Exercise
These dogs have a tremendous amount of energy. They cannot be docile for long and need consistent exercise. They carry these traits later in life so be ready for staying active with your dog for a long time!
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Rescues
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