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Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) Dogs

A lovely basset griffon vendeen grand lying down A beautiful basset griffon vendeen grand sitting down A close up  of a basset griffon vendeen's head with a lovely wet nose A fluffy basset griffon vendeen grand crossing his paws A happy Basset Griffon vendeen grand lying on the grass

History


The GBGV is a French breed that originates from breeding with the Grand Griffon. It was bred in the Vendee region of France, hence the name and was used for hunting boar, deer and hare. In their native France, the dogs are used as pack hunters, to track and corner their prey. The breed was 'designed' in the late 19th century to produce the ideal dog to track hare. GBGVs are still used for hunting but also more commonly kept as pets. They are becoming a much more popular breed outside of France.

Behaviour


GBGVs are happy and extrovert dogs that like to be around people. They were bred as pack dogs, so are best suited to a family with someone home for much of the time or to live where there are other dogs in the household, for company. They are wonderful with children and others pets and generally quite content within the home as long as they get some attention. If they become bored, they can soon become destructive and suffer anxiety problems. They like to be involved in daily life and will want to know what is going on around them. They will bark/sing when someone is at the door or if they are excited and it is a loud melodious howl that many owners find adorable. Many neighbours do not.

They were bred to work independently of human direction, so training can be tricky at times. They are a clever, intuitive breed who need firm, fair and consistent training to let them know who is boss of the 'pack'. If you show weakness they will try and take over. Repetition is pointless as they can become easily bored with it, so games and food based training works best. They are intelligent and will work out what you want from them, usually quite quickly. Their desire to track and hunt is strong and walking off lead in a non secure area should be avoided. Their recall is great in a controlled area, but they have selective deafness when out and following a scent. They like to please you but don't always want to!

GBGVs need a fair amount of daily exercise and this will help to stimulate their active minds. They make excellent hiking companions and have immense stamina when out on walks. They cope well at home and will sleep when you are busy, but need a couple of long walks a day to keep them fit and prevent obesity.

Their coat needs regular brushing to remove dead hair and their ears could do with clipping more often to prevent ear canal problems.

They are a healthy breed, but young GBGVs should be treated carefully to prevent damage to their delicate spines. Running up and down stairs, on/off furniture should be discourages when they are puppies as this can lead to back problems later in life. Epilepsy and Glaucoma are sometimes seen.

Temperament


Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens have an amiable and loyal temperament. This really is a dog for those who love long walks through the countryside. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has bag fulls of stamina and is quite happy to trot around you all day and then fall asleep by a fire at the end of the day. They are great with everyone and thrive in company (canine or otherwise) but really dislike being left alone.

Health Problems


Health problems that may affect Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), luxating patella (dislocation of the kneecap) and eye problems in later life.

Breed Details


  • Status: Common
  • Life Expectancy: 11 - 13 years
  • Weight: 18 - 20 kg
  • Rare: No
  • Coat: Long
  • Grooming Requirements: Everyday
  • Town or Country: Country
  • Minimum Home Size: Small House
  • Minimum Garden Size: Large Garden
  • Breed Type: Hound
  • Size: Medium
  • Energy Level: High
  • Exercise Required: Over 2 hours

Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) Pictures

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