The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen originates from hounds of superior size. In this case the breed is derived from the Grand Griffon. At the end of the 19th century the first selections were made by the Comte d'Elva who was looking for canines with straight legs. But the man who was especially responsible for fixing the type was Paul Dezamy because he understood that dogs of a certain size were needed and he fixed that size at about 43 cm. Today the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is used primarily when hunting with a gun, it is capable of hunting all furry game, from the rabbit to wild boar. It was a team of Grand Bassets that won the 5th edition of the European Cup for hare.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a medium-sized hunting dog that has a long body and small legs. They have deep chests and pointy muzzles. Their ears are long and pendant. The structure of a basset must not resemble a small Briquet. It is slightly elongated overall and it has straight forelegs. This breed of dog is very elegant. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has an average height of 40 to 44 cm (males) and 39 to 43 cm (females). Its coat is hard, medium-long and flat. It is never woolly or silky. The colour marking of the GBGV varies from white and black, black and tan, white and orange markings or tricolour.
Personality
The GBGV is a happy, confident and outgoing dog. They bond closely with humans and other animals. They were bred as pack animals and therefore enjoy spending as much time as possible with their owners or other animals. They need to be taken for daily brisk walks to stay happy and healthy. GBGVs are eager to please but can sometimes be disobedient. They need constant training and strong leadership. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a passionate hunter, fast and well voiced! It's courageous loves bramble and scrub. This breed can be a little stubborn but nevertheless well behaved.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | GBGV |
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Build Information
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a medium-sized hunting dog that has a long body and small legs. They have deep chests and pointy muzzles. Their ears are long and pendant. The structure of a basset must not resemble a small Briquet. It is slightly elongated overall and it has straight forelegs. This breed of dog is very elegant. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen has an average height of 40 to 44 cm (males) and 39 to 43 cm (females). Its coat is hard, medium-long and flat. It is never woolly or silky. The colour marking of the GBGV varies from white and black, black and tan, white and orange markings or tricolour.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The GBGV is a happy, confident and outgoing dog. They bond closely with humans and other animals. They were bred as pack animals and therefore enjoy spending as much time as possible with their owners or other animals. They need to be taken for daily brisk walks to stay happy and healthy. GBGVs are eager to please but can sometimes be disobedient. They need constant training and strong leadership. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a passionate hunter, fast and well voiced! It's courageous loves bramble and scrub. This breed can be a little stubborn but nevertheless well behaved.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Its coarse and medium-length coat needs to be brushed weekly to remove dirt and dead hair. Take the dog once or twice per year to a professional groomer. The double coat of the GBGV requires occasional hand stripping to preserve its functionality and look.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Common Health Conditions
Like any dog with an elongated back, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is prone to spinal issues. Dogs maintained at a healthy weight are less likely to experience back and joint problems at early ages.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Similar dog breeds are Beagle, Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Basset Hound and Basset Artesian Normand. The GBGV has short legs, just like all bassets. Maximum height of the GBGV is 43 cm. They are excellent hunting dogs but can be a bit stubborn. This dog is very intelligent but you must be patience; this dog takes the time to follow up your commands because things they smell on their way are always more interesting than listening to your command. It can be a risk to take these dogs off the leash because they tend to run away. They have a very deep and loud bark they use when they discover a trail; when they are in a group you can hear them from far, far away. They love to take a mud bath. These dogs are very social and don't like to be alone for a long time. This breed is not suited to live in apartments.
| Training: | Moderately Easy |