Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 13 years

Exercise

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen enjoys daily long walks and regular play sessions to stay happy and healthy.

Grooming Needs

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen requires regular brushing several times a week to prevent matting and occasional hand-stripping to maintain coat texture. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are also essential.

Country of Origin

France

Adaptability

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen adapts well to both rural and suburban environments but requires ample exercise and space to thrive. They are less suited to apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for outdoor activity.

Shedding Level

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen sheds a moderate amount year-round, requiring regular grooming to manage.

Energiness

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a lively and active breed that needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are known to be quite vocal, often barking to express themselves or alert their owners.

Trainability

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is moderately trainable, often requiring patience and consistency due to their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. Positive reinforcement and engaging activities are key to successful training.

Dietary Needs

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen needs a balanced diet rich in protein to support its active lifestyle and maintain muscle health. Regular portions of high-quality dog food, supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals, are ideal.

Weight Range

18-20 kg

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

For Whom?

The ideal home for a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is one where it has ample space and opportunities to move both indoors and outdoors. This breed greatly enjoys outdoor activities and adventures, so a detached house with a secure yard would be ideal. The yard doesn't need to be huge, but there should be enough space for running and exploring.

Since the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is social and loves company, it fits well into a family that has the time and desire to participate in the dog's active life. It does well in families with children, provided that the children are taught to treat the dog respectfully. This breed is also suitable for active adults who enjoy outdoor activities and are ready to take their dog along on daily adventures.

As the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is independent but also wants to please its owner, a home where training is emphasized and where it receives both mental and physical stimulation is important. This dog loves to learn new things and face new challenges, so you can engage in a variety of activities with it such as agility or tracking.

Overall, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen thrives in a home where it feels loved and valued, and where it can be part of the family's everyday life and special adventures.

Character

Energetic

Playful

Stubborn

Curious

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, a charming hunter from the French countryside, is a lively and determined companion. Its spirited and eager nature is reflected in everything it does, whether it's going for walks or exploring the yard. It's like an adventurer who can't wait for the next exploration trip with its owner.

This breed is intelligent and independent, but also very friendly and social. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen loves being around people and gets along well with family members and other pets. Its cheerful greeting and wagging tail are sure signs that it's always ready for shared moments.

Although this dog breed is active and energetic, it also knows how to relax and enjoy the calm company of the family. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a loyal friend that senses its owner's moods and strives to be supportive when needed. Its gentleness and patience make it an excellent pet that adapts well to various life situations.

Thanks to its hunting instinct, this breed enjoys challenges and active pastimes like scent work and agility. It is eager to learn new things, and training with it is rewarding. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen wants to please its owner and feels joy in its achievements.

This breed is an ideal companion for those who value an active lifestyle and want a dog that offers independence while enjoying shared time. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is faithful, loving, and lives its life wholeheartedly, bringing joy and energy to its owner's life every single day.

History

The history of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen traces back to the Vendée region on the west coast of France, where this unique dog breed developed centuries ago. Originally bred for hunting small game like rabbits and hares, this brave and tenacious dog is known for its strong hunting instinct and ability to work in challenging terrain.

The ancestors of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen are considered to be medieval French hunting dogs, widely used in court hunting. In the 17th century, the breed began to differentiate as hunters started selecting traits that best suited the local terrain and hunting needs. This led to the development of two different sizes and styles of dogs: the Grand Griffon Vendéen and its smaller version, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.

In the early 20th century, the breed began to gain recognition and its breeding became more regulated. In 1907, Paul Dezamy, a significant figure in the breed's history, standardized the characteristics of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, leading to a more uniform appearance and behavior in the breed.

World War II caused a disruption that led to a decline in the breed's population, but the efforts of enthusiasts and breeders helped in its recovery. They focused on preserving the breed's original hunting properties and the character traits that made it a valued hunting companion.

Today, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is not only known for its hunting abilities but also for its friendly and open nature, making it an ideal family dog. It remains a popular hunting dog in France, but has also won the hearts of dog enthusiasts in other countries.

The breed's history speaks of adaptability and excellent scent work, but also shows how breeding can affect a dog's characteristics both physically and in temperament. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has maintained its place among hunting dogs and is also a beloved companion for those who appreciate its unique qualities and historical heritage.