Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) – Hound
Image: Michel Cramer
Basset No. 3… the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Not as big as it sounds, but still more work than a small dog.
On he trail of something!
Image: Ian Dyball/Shutterstock.com
Quick Overview
Name: The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size: No more than 17 inches tall
Weight: Around 15kg
Grooming: Hard coat, rough fur, once a week
Training: A former gun dog, training is medium effort
Exercise: About 2 hours a day
Temperament: High prey drive, will lick you to death
Origins: France, derived from the Grand Griffon
Lifespan: between 7 and 12 years
Breed Type: The HOUND
Where did the Basset Griffon Vendéen (Grand) Come from?
The history of the Basset Griffon Vendéen Grand goes back around four hundred years when its parent was first used to breed smaller hunting dogs. The Grand Griffon went on to parent several other breeds, most of which were used for hunting in the French countryside. The dog gets the title of “Grand” to distinguish it from its cousin the Petite version. Both types of dog are recognised by the Club de Griffon Vendéen which was first created in 1907… which gives you some idea of how old this breed is.
The Griffon came from the Vendee area of France, which is filled with rocks, dense brush, and undergrowth in tangles. This area led to the breeding of this Basset Griffon Vendéen since they needed a hardy dog that could keep up with the hunters over the miles. Multiple efforts have been made over the course of the years to breed them with shorter legs, which eventually led to the Petite. The French breeders would have done this to slow the dog somewhat, as well as making them more adaptive to the ups and downs of a mountainous region.
In the 1950s the breed standard was set by the UK Kennel Club. Around 1977 the interbreeding between the big and small breeds of Basset Griffon Vendéen was frowned upon. Later, the dog would find its way into America to be recognised by the AKC. You can now join the Basset Griffon Vendéen Club, too, if you feel so inclined.
This breed is the result of hundreds of years of evolution, leg length alterations, and hunting. We love how they are a happy breed, equally suited to do work or to be pampered in the home and happy doing either. Their scruffy little coats are adorable, and they can fetch you duck for dinner… what’s not to love?
Interesting Things You Should Know About the Large Model of Basset
Image: Sanne vd Berg Fotografie/Shutterstock.com
With so much history under its belt, what has the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen got going for it? We put together our favourite fun facts about the big friendly fur-face for you, right here.
- Not so much fun as it is vital, but scientific organisations are running health surveys on these dogs for information purposes and, if you have one, you ought to take part. It helps the kennel clubs put together more accurate data.
- The AKC didn’t officially recognise this breed until 2018… once again, America was late to the party.
- The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen actually has a hound designation but were once a gun dog. They have a history of hunting best when in a pack!
- Litters would be kept until a year of age in the old days. This would help breeders determine if they were Grand or Petite.
So there you have it. While we humans are all trying to find ways to be thinner, the dog breeders were trying to make them bigger.
Can They Be Easily Trained?
You will need obedience training for this breed. Early socialisation is also essential for most dogs from a young age. The Basset Griffon Vendéen is full of energy and fairly smart, so you will want to tame that fight-or-flight phase they have, early on. Obedience training will let you do this without too much hassle. You should be able to train them to be great hunting dogs, but they will be just as happy at home, by your side.
How Much Grooming will my Basset Griffon Vendéen Take?
This dog has a hard, tough coat. It’s not silky soft like you think it may be. It has coarse fur, making it less of a pleasure to pet but much more water-resistant when out in the fields of France, working. Their hair is often mid-length as opposed to long or short. They will require daily brushing, weekly teeth brushing, and a monthly check of those claws.
What About Exercise?
The Basset Griffon Vendéen has boundless energy from puppy life upwards. They will need to be walked at the start and the end of the day, as well as a good play in between. It might be worth your while investing in some puppy puzzles or hiding treats for them to find. They need stimulation to stay mentally happy when they have all of that energy and are confined to a house. Don’t forget, you can always hire a puppy sitter or dog walker through the day if you’re not home. You can even substitute one of those walks with a long play, or puppy play dates with friends, to let them burn off steam.
Do They Have Health Problems?
Since this breed has been around for some four hundred years now, we shouldn’t be surprised if they have multiple health concerns. Although breeders do their best to avoid such problems, it can’t always be the case. Cancer and heart conditions are known to affect this dog breed. The Basset Griffon Vendéen is also known for reproductive problems, skin issues, allergies, and excessive ear wax… a common problem with medium-to-long haired dogs. They are a medium-sized breed and shouldn’t really weigh more than 15 kg. Excessive weight is a common problem too since they are bred for being out all day.
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