Briquet Griffon Vendeen
bree-KAY GRIF-un von-DAY-un
France· Vendee, western France
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a medium-sized French wire-haired scenthound, one of four Vendeen breeds, developed for hunting hare and fox on foot.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush plus occasional hand-stripping
Coat length
Wire
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
13-15 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen
As hunters in the Vendee sought a hound smaller than the Grand Griffon but still tough enough for rough coastal scrub, the Briquet Griffon Vendeen was developed to trail hare and fox at a more moderate size. Its wiry coat continued to offer protection in thick cover, while its lighter build suited hunters on foot. The type occupies a middle ground among the four Vendeen breeds in both size and role. It remains a working hound closely tied to French hunting tradition.
- Region
- Vendee, western France
- Climate it was bred for
- Coastal marshland and rough scrubland of western France
- Original job
- Hunting hare, fox and small game in a pack
The long read
About the breed
Its moderate size and rough coat suited hunters working close cover in the Vendee, giving a hound that combined stamina with manageability compared to its larger relative.
It is a lively, affectionate dog that does well in an active household, though it retains strong hunting instincts and needs regular exercise and secure boundaries.
The breed remains uncommon outside France but is maintained by hunters and enthusiasts who value its working ability.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Briquet Griffon Vendeen greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Briquet Griffon Vendeen is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Mid-sized Vendeen type
Hunters selected a mid-sized wire-haired hound from Vendeen stock for hare and fox hunting.
1920s
Standard defined
The Briquet type was formally distinguished from the Grand and Petit Griffon Vendeen breeds.
1950s
Steady working use
The breed continued to be used by French hunting packs for foot hunting of small game.
1990s
Modern breed clubs
Dedicated clubs have since worked to maintain and promote the breed.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Well-proportioned, muscular body with a deep chest.
- coat
- Harsh, medium-length, untidy in appearance.
- ears
- Fine, set low, covered with hair.
- eyes
- Dark, lively expression.
- head
- Strong, with bushy eyebrows and a slight beard.
- size
- Dogs and bitches 48-56cm
- colour
- Fawn, white and orange, or tricolour.
- temperament
- Lively, affectionate and tenacious.
- general appearance
- A rustic, medium-sized hound with a wiry coat and lively, confident bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Briquet Griffon Vendeens added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Briquet Griffon Vendeen
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Briquet Griffon Vendeen illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Briquet Griffon Vendeen Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Briquet Griffon Vendeen illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Briquet Griffon Vendeen Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Briquet Griffon Vendeen illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Briquet Griffon Vendeen Mug
Ceramic mug with the Briquet Griffon Vendeen illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Adjustable Harness (S/M/L)
Fully adjustable chest and girth straps — no fixed sizing.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Briquet Griffon Vendeen video
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