Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
fast facts

About Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Height
15-17 inches
Weight
40-45 lb
Lifespan
10-14 years
Group
Hound Group
Best Suited For
experienced dog owners, active singles, active families, house with a yard
Temperament
independent, energetic, eager to please, friendly
Comparable Breeds
Grand Griffon Vendeen, Griffon Nivernais
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Basics


A long-bodied, short-legged hunting breed, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a sight to behold. This dog may be small at just 40 to 45 pounds, but his hunting abilities are such that he can bring down even large game like boar and deer. Though he was originally developed for this purpose, today the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is more of a family pet. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly, pet-friendly dog breed that responds well to training, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen may be a breed to consider.


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a kid-friendly, pet-friendly dog breed.


Origin


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen shares its history with other Bassets, being derived from the Grand Griffon breed. At the end of the 19th century, breeders began selecting for dogs with straight legs and eventually they came to be fixed in the hound type. For years, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was interbred with the Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen and the puppies were simply separated by size. It wasn’t until the 1970s that they became two separate breeds and it wasn’t until 2004 that the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen entered the Foundation Stock Service for registration with the AKC. In 2018, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was officially entered into the AKC under the Hound Group.


Pedigree

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French breed derived from the Grand Griffon. The ancestors of the breed first appeared in dog shows in France during the 1860s.


Food/Diet


As a medium-sized breed, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen should be fed a high-quality commercial dog food diet formulated adult dogs. Because this breed is a high-energy hunting breed, however, an active or working breed formula may be more appropriate to meet his needs. Just be mindful of overfeeding so the dog doesn’t become obese.


Like most hound breeds, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has an air of independence.


Training


Like most hound breeds, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has an air of independence. He may not be the most obedient dog in the world, but he generally responds well to firm and consistent training. Early training and socialization is recommended for this breed, especially if you plan to train him for hunting. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has a natural desire to please, so positive reinforcement training methods are generally successful. Just be mindful that these dogs are highly active and may have trouble paying attention during extended training sessions – keep your sessions short and sweet, no longer than 10 or 15 minutes for the best results.


Weight


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a medium-sized breed that typically stands 15 to 17 inches tall and weighs 40 to 45 pounds at maturity. Females of the breed are slightly smaller than males.


Temperament/Behavior

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is an energetic and active breed. Originally bred for hunting, this breed is now most commonly kept as a companion pet. Though he is now more of a pet than a hunter, he still retains some of his hound-like traits such as being high-energy and independent. This breed is by no means aggressive or aloof – they get along just as well with family as they do with strangers and they tend to be good with children, other dogs, and household pets. This breed can adapt to smaller living spaces as long as his exercise requirements are met and will also be okay if you have to leave him alone for most of the day.


Common Health Problems


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is known for being healthy and hardy, largely unaffected by hereditary and congenital health problems. Even so, all dogs are prone to certain health problems. Some of the conditions that might affect this breed include field injuries, ear infections, and skin problems.


Life Expectancy


The average lifespan for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen breed is 10 to 14 years.


Exercise Requirements


As a hound breed, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has moderately high exercise requirements. These dogs need at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, though more will always be appreciated. They also enjoy having a fenced yard in which to run and play.


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is an energetic and active breed.


AKC


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is now part of the Hound group for the American Kennel Club but was first added to the Foundation Stock Service in 2004. In the United Kingdom, he is recognized by The Kennel Club in the Hound Group and, internationally, in the Scenthound group by the FCI.


Coat


The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is one of his defining characteristics. He has a shaggy coat with a wiry texture that sets him apart from other hound breeds. It comes in several colors including white with yellow, orange, or black – it also comes in tricolor and grizzle. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double with a thick, weather-resistant undercoat and a rough, harsh topcoat. In addition to regular brushing, this breed’s coat needs to be hand-stripped once a year.


Puppies


The average litter size for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is 7 to 10 puppies. Because these dogs are fairly small, puppies generally reach their full size within one year. If you plan to train your Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen for hunting, it is important to start training your puppy early – early socialization is also a good idea, especially if you plan to keep him in a household with other pets.


Photo credit: Michel Cramer/Shutterstock; Sanne vd Berg Fotografie/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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