Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)

This medium-sized, strong scent hound is slightly longer than he is tall. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen 's weather-resistant coat is rough and comes in white with lemon, orange, black, sable, tricolour or grizzle. They are known for their characteristic hair over the eyebrows, beard and moustache. Adult male GBGVs are about 40-44cm in height, and females 39-43cm.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Enjoys active walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Medium dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming every other day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Very vocal dog
Not a guard dog
May require training to live with other pets
Great family dog

Personality

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a happy-go-lucky dog who loves to be kept active. They are not ideally suited to living in towns; the country life is for them. They can be vocal, stubborn, independent and bold, but they are always willing to please. A secure garden is essential, as they will be off if they get the scent of small game.

History and Origins

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen dog breed can be traced back to the 16th century. These dogs originate from Vendee in the countryside of western France. There are two varieties of the basset type of Griffon Vendeen, the Grand and the Petit. These two originally occurred in the same litters, and it wasn't until the 1970s that the cross breeding of these two varieties was forbidden. Today these dogs are still used, as individuals or in packs, to hunt wild boar and deer and to scent rabbit and hare.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen requires plenty of exercise – two hours a day or more – and lots of time outside. They are full of life and love hunting and other outdoor activities. They never seem able to sit still for long and so are ideally suited for active homes with access to the countryside.

Other Information

Health and common issues

Eye problems are not widely recognised in the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen but eye testing is recommended as there are inherited eye conditions recognised in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Epilepsy is also known to occur in both Grands and Petits.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.