Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
grahn bas-SAY GRIF-un von-DAY-un
France· Vendee, western France
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a low-set, wire-haired French scenthound, the larger of two basset-type Vendeen breeds, developed for hunting hare 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
Either, with garden access
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Vendeen hunters wanted a short-legged version of their wire-coated hounds that could work close to foot hunters through the region's dense briar and scrub without outpacing them. The larger of the two basset Vendeen types, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, kept enough leg length and drive to cover ground steadily while staying manageable on foot. Its rough coat continued to protect it in thick cover just as in its taller relatives. The breed remains popular with French hare hunters today.
- Region
- Vendee, western France
- Climate it was bred for
- Coastal marshland and rough scrubland of western France
- Original job
- Hunting hare on foot over rough, thick cover
The long read
About the breed
Its short legs and rough coat suited close work through dense Vendeen scrub, giving hunters a hound that could trail steadily without outrunning them.
It is a cheerful, energetic and independent dog that makes a good companion for active owners, though its strong nose and hunting drive mean it can be prone to wandering if off-lead in unsecured areas.
The breed is now popular as both a hunting dog and companion in France, the UK and North America, with a small but established following worldwide.
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 Grand Basset 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 Grand Basset 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 Grand Basset 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
Basset Vendeen origins
Short-legged individuals from Griffon Vendeen stock were selectively bred for foot hunting.
1907
Separated from Petit type
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was distinguished as the larger of the two basset Vendeen sizes.
1970s
Formal separate standard
The Grand and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen were confirmed as distinct breeds.
1991
AKC recognition
The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club, boosting its popularity as a companion dog.
2010s
Growing companion popularity
Increasing numbers have been kept as family pets alongside their traditional hunting role.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long, deep chest, strong loin, low to ground but not exaggerated.
- coat
- Harsh, long and untidy with a dense undercoat.
- ears
- Fine, set low, reaching towards the nose.
- eyes
- Dark, alert and expressive.
- head
- Fairly long with bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard.
- size
- 38-42cm at the withers
- colour
- Fawn, white and orange, white and black, or tricolour.
- temperament
- Cheerful, independent and energetic, with a strong nose.
- general appearance
- A low-set, robust hound with a rough, weatherproof coat and a 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
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Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Grand Basset 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
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Mug
Ceramic mug with the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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