Grand Griffon Vendeen
grahn GRIF-un von-DAY-un
France· Vendee, western France
The Grand Griffon Vendeen is the largest of the four Vendeen hound breeds, developed for pack hunting large game such as wolf, wild boar and deer.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Large
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush plus occasional hand-stripping
Coat length
Wire
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
12-13 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large
Where it comes from
Origins of the Grand Griffon Vendeen
The rough, briar-covered terrain of the Vendee region demanded a large, wire-coated hound tough enough to push through thick cover while trailing wolf, boar or deer for hours. Its rustic wiry coat and powerful build reflect generations of selection for endurance over speed. As the largest of the Griffon Vendeen breeds, it formed the foundation from which the smaller Vendeen types were later developed. It remains the archetypal large French pack hound.
- Region
- Vendee, western France
- Climate it was bred for
- Coastal marshland and rough scrubland of western France
- Original job
- Pack hunting wolf, wild boar and deer over rough terrain
The long read
About the breed
Its work through dense, briar-covered terrain shaped a powerful, wire-coated hound with great stamina and the courage to face dangerous quarry as part of a pack.
It is a boisterous, sociable dog that needs an experienced, active owner and a great deal of space and exercise, being unsuited to quiet or urban households.
Today it is used mainly for boar and deer hunting in France, with very small numbers kept elsewhere as pack hounds.
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 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 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 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
1300s
Ancient Vendeen hounds
Rough-coated hounds were kept in western France for hunting wolves through dense cover.
1800s
Foundation of Vendeen types
The Grand Griffon Vendeen formed the basis from which smaller Vendeen breeds were later developed.
1920s
Standard fixed
A formal breed standard was established distinguishing the four Vendeen sizes.
1990s
Boar hunting popularity
The breed found renewed use as wild boar populations in France grew, increasing demand for capable pack hounds.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long, deep-chested, powerfully muscled.
- coat
- Harsh, long and untidy with a dense undercoat.
- ears
- Fine, set low, covered with hair, twisted at the tip.
- eyes
- Dark, confident expression.
- head
- Strong with bushy eyebrows, moustache and beard.
- size
- Dogs and bitches 60-65cm
- colour
- Fawn, white and orange, or tricolour.
- temperament
- Bold, independent and full of energy, with strong pack instincts.
- general appearance
- A large, rustic, powerfully built hound with a shaggy coat and bold, energetic 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
Grand Griffon Vendeens added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Grand Griffon Vendeen
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Grand 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 Griffon Vendeen Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Grand Griffon Vendeen illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Grand Griffon Vendeen Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Grand Griffon Vendeen illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Grand Griffon Vendeen Mug
Ceramic mug with the Grand Griffon Vendeen illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Waste Bag Dispenser
Clips to the lead, holds one standard roll.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Grand Griffon Vendeen video
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