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Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen a French scenthound, somewhat active and never high-strung, yet a busy dog that does not tire easily.
The name roughly means large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendée and the dog itself is a sweet-faced, long-eared fellow with a mustache, beard and thick eyebrows.
Temperament
Beneath the Old World charm is a rugged, sturdily built bruiser that is deceptively quick and light-footed. The Grand's is quiet, docile demeanor excellent for companions and house dogs.
It will not thrive as a couch potato: owners should be ready to give a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen lots of exercise.
Lifespan
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen lives 13 to 15 years. Some dogs face health challenges, as in any breed, though the majority are healthy and good breeders use genetic testing on breeding dogs.
Care
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen needs only a weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb, an occasional bath and regular nail trimming with a clipper or grinder.
A securely fenced exercise area is a must, since these hunting dogs cannot resist the urge to chase. They are sturdy and do not slow down with age quickly.
History
The Griffon Vendéen hounds went through over 400 years of evolution to produce today's griffon-coated French hounds: the Grand Griffon Vendéen, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. French hounds took shape to fit the needs of their regions.
The dense, thorny, rocky Vendée demanded a hardy dog with stamina and a coat that resisted brambles and hunters who owned no horses needed a slower hound they could keep up with on foot.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 4 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |