A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a French scent hound with a rough coat, long ears, and an active working outlook. Weekly combing and dependable scent-focused outings suit the practical needs behind the shaggy outline.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen questions
How do you pronounce Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and what does it mean?
It is said roughly "Grand Bah-SAY Gree-FOHN VON-day-uhn." The name translates loosely as the large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendée, the region of France where the breed was developed. GBGV and Grand are the usual short forms.
What is the difference between a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?
Mostly size and proportion. The Grand stands 15.5 to 18 inches and weighs 40 to 45 pounds, and the Petit stands 13 to 15 inches and weighs 25 to 40 pounds. The two were interbred until the 1970s and puppies were sorted by size as they grew, but they are now separate breeds, and the Grand was recognized as a breed in the United States in 2018.
How big does a full-grown Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen get?
Adults usually stand 15.5 to 18 inches tall and weigh 40 to 45 pounds. They are medium-sized hounds that are longer than they are tall, with straight legs and a deep chest.
How long do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens live?
Life expectancy is usually 13 to 15 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens bark a lot?
They are talkative hounds. A Grand uses its voice freely on the trail, and barking is frequent at home too. If you do not enjoy a dog that talks to you, this may not be your breed.
Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens shed?
Moderately. The rough, harsh coat has an undercoat and needs a weekly brush and comb plus the occasional bath. Keeping the coat maintained is not optional.
How much exercise does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen need?
A lot. These hounds have very high energy and stay active well into their later years, and a Grand with no outlet will find its own entertainment. A securely fenced area is a must, because a Grand will follow its nose and chase.
What were Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens bred for?
Hunting rabbit and hare through the thorny, rocky country of the Vendée. The shorter legs let hunters on foot keep up with the pack. Grands are still worked in France today on hare, roe deer and wild boar.
