Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts.
Breed guide overview
About Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) is a delightful and energetic breed that originated in France. Their name reflects their heritage, with "Griffon" referring to their rough, wiry coat and "Vendéen" representing the region in France where they were first developed. These dogs were originally bred to hunt small game, such as rabbits, in rugged terrain, showcasing their tenacity and stamina.
Over time, the GBGV has gained popularity as a companion dog, thanks to their unique appearance and charming, friendly personality. They are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build, long, floppy ears, and a shaggy coat that adds to their rustic charm. Their coats come in a variety of colours, including tricolour, fawn, and black and tan.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Males typically stand 39 to 44 cm tall, while females are slightly smaller at 39 to 42 cm. Their average weight ranges from 17 to 20 kg, giving them a solid yet agile frame that complements their active lifestyle. With proper care, GBGVs have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, making them a loyal and energetic companion for years to come.
Known for their affectionate and outgoing nature, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a wonderful choice for families or active individuals who can meet their exercise and grooming needs.
What is the temperament of a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen like?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens (GBGVs) are known for their lively, friendly, and outgoing temperament, making them delightful companions for the right household. These dogs have a happy and social nature, thriving in family settings and forming strong bonds with their people. They generally get along well with children and other pets, especially when properly socialised from an early age.
GBGVs are intelligent and inquisitive, with a strong scenting instinct inherited from their hunting heritage. This can make them highly focused and independent when tracking a scent, so they may require consistent training to ensure they respond reliably when distracted. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or scent-based games, is essential to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
While they have a moderate energy level, GBGVs enjoy regular exercise and outdoor activities but are equally happy to relax with their family during downtime. Their adaptable personality makes them playful and energetic when needed but also content to settle down after a busy day.
Overall, GBGVs are affectionate and playful companions who thrive in active homes that can meet their physical and mental stimulation needs. They are perfect for families or individuals who appreciate their lively and friendly nature.
Our Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Community
"Stanley is a medium sized, chilled out, friendly, lovable boy who enjoys a nice walk in the woods, on the moors, anywhere really!! His tail is always wagging and he's sociable with other dogs and he travels well in the car and just LOVES the beach!!"
Stanley's owner, Lise from Sheffield
"Dougal is very sociable and loves attention from people and other dogs. Dougal loves his walks and is playful when outside but tends to sleep when indoors."
Dougal's owner, Morgan from Sidmouth
How much exercise does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen need?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens (GBGVs) have moderate exercise needs, requiring about 1 to 1.5 hours of daily activity to stay healthy and happy. As active and energetic dogs, they thrive on outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, and playtime in a secure, fenced area. Their strong scenting instincts, a trait from their hunting heritage, mean they are prone to following their nose. To prevent wandering, it’s essential to keep them on a lead or ensure they are in a safe, enclosed environment.
Exercise Tips for Adults:
- Combine physical activities like walking and running with mental stimulation, such as scent work, puzzle toys, or obedience training.
- Regular outings that engage their scenting instincts can provide the mental engagement they crave while also keeping them physically fit.
- Tailor their exercise routine based on their age, health, and energy levels, as these factors can influence their specific needs.
Exercise for Puppies:
GBGV puppies have unique exercise requirements to support their growth and development. Their growing bones and joints are more vulnerable to injury, so exercise should be controlled and gentle.
- A general guideline is to provide 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice daily. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would benefit from 20 minutes of activity per session.
- Focus on short play sessions, gentle walks, and free play in a safe environment.
- Avoid intense or high-impact activities, such as jumping or running on hard surfaces, until they are fully developed (typically around 12 to 18 months).
General Advice:
- Always monitor your dog for signs of overexertion, such as excessive panting or reluctance to continue exercising.
- Consult your vet to create a personalised exercise plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs, especially for puppies or older GBGVs.
With the right balance of physical and mental stimulation, GBGVs can maintain their health, energy, and cheerful disposition, making them a joy to have as companions.
Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens need a lot of grooming?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens (GBGVs) have a dense, rough, and shaggy double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and looking its best. Their coat’s natural, tousled appearance is a hallmark of the breed’s charm, but it does need consistent maintenance.
Grooming Routine:
- Brushing: Brush their coat once or twice a week to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and keep it tidy. A slicker brush or comb works well for their coarse coat.
- Hand-Stripping: Occasional hand-stripping (removing dead hairs by hand) may be needed to maintain the coat's texture and prevent it from becoming too soft or fluffy. This is particularly important for show dogs. A professional groomer can advise or perform this if needed.
- Bathing: Bathe GBGVs only as necessary—usually every couple of months or when they become particularly dirty. Over-bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils, which help protect the skin and maintain the coat’s texture.
Additional Grooming Needs:
- Ears: Check and clean their long, floppy ears regularly to prevent ear infections. Their ear shape can trap dirt and moisture, so keeping them dry and clean is essential.
- Dental Care: Brush their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste at least a few times a week (ideally daily) to prevent plaque buildup and promote good oral health.
- Nails: Trim their nails regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or impact their gait.
With regular grooming, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens can maintain their rugged yet charming appearance while staying healthy and comfortable. Their grooming needs are moderate but essential for their overall well-being.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens easy to train?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens (GBGVs) are intelligent dogs, but their independent and sometimes stubborn streak can make training a bit of a challenge. While they are capable learners, they were bred as scent hounds with a strong instinct to follow their noses, which means they can become distracted easily. Training them requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach.
Training Tips for GBGVs:
- Start Early: Begin training and socialisation as soon as possible. Expose your GBGV puppy to different people, environments, and other animals to help them grow into a confident, well-rounded adult.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: This breed responds best to rewards-based training methods. Use treats, praise, and toys to motivate and reward good behaviour.
- Be Consistent: GBGVs need clear and consistent rules to understand what is expected of them. Inconsistent training can lead to confusion and slower progress.
- Make It Fun and Engaging: To keep their interest, incorporate variety in training sessions with activities like obedience games, scent work, and puzzles. Short, engaging sessions work best to prevent boredom.
- Focus on Recall: Their strong scenting instinct can lead them to wander off when off-lead. Teaching a reliable recall is especially important for this breed.
While GBGVs can sometimes test boundaries, their friendly and eager-to-please nature makes them rewarding companions when trained with patience and understanding. With the right approach, they can become well-behaved and obedient family members.
What Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens Eat?
Feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Their diet should be tailored to their age, size, and activity level, with a focus on high-quality commercial dog food designed for their life stage.
Feeding Puppies:
- GBGV puppies require a specially formulated puppy-specific diet to support their rapid growth and development.
- Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and consult your veterinarian for personalised advice based on your puppy's weight, age, and activity level.
- Puppies should be fed 3–4 meals per day until they are around 6 months old, after which you can transition to twice daily feedings.
Feeding Adults:
- As GBGVs mature (usually around 12–18 months of age), transition them to an adult dog food that meets their nutritional needs.
- Look for foods formulated for medium-sized, active breeds, as GBGVs are energetic dogs that benefit from a diet supporting their stamina and muscle health.
- Monitor their weight and adjust portions as needed to prevent overfeeding, as this breed can be prone to joint issues exacerbated by excess weight.
General Tips:
- Treats should account for no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
- Always provide fresh, clean water to keep them hydrated.
- Consult with your vet for dietary recommendations tailored to your dog's specific needs or health concerns.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens Healthy?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are generally considered a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Understanding these potential issues and ensuring regular vet check-ups are key to maintaining their health.
Common Health Concerns in GBGVs:
Bones and Joints:
- Hip Dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, causing discomfort and potentially leading to arthritis.
- Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease: This occurs when spinal discs slip out of place, leading to pain or, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position, causing lameness or discomfort.
Eyes:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, which can impair vision and, in severe cases, cause blindness.
Skin:
- Atopy: An overreaction of the immune system to allergens, leading to skin irritation, redness, and itching.
Vet top tip
To support your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's joint health, especially given their risk for conditions like hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease, maintain a healthy weight and provide joint-friendly nutrition. Look for dog foods containing glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular but controlled exercise, such as moderate walks or play, will strengthen their muscles without overloading their joints. Always consult your vet if you notice signs of discomfort, such as limping or stiffness, to address potential issues early.
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