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Grand basset griffon Vendeen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a French scent hound from the Vendée, bred to hunt hare and other game through the dense brambles of the region — the harsh, tousled coat is protection against exactly that.

It is the larger of the two Basset Griffon Vendéen breeds.

It stands 39 to 44 centimetres, weighs 18 to 20 kilograms and lives thirteen to fifteen years. It is long-bodied and short-legged, with a rough coat, a beard and prominent eyebrows. Temperament is cheerful, independent and extremely determined, with a loud voice used freely. It is a hound rather than a companion, and its stubbornness is well documented by everyone who owns one.

Origin
Vendée, France; a bramble-country scent hound
Size
39–44 cm; 18–20 kg
Lifespan
13–15 years
Coat
Harsh, tousled and weatherproof with beard and eyebrows
Temperament
Cheerful, independent and very determined; vocal
Health
Intervertebral disc disease, ear infections, epilepsy

Related: Basset bleu de Gascogne · Basset fauve de Bretagne · Basset hound · Brussels griffon

2 grand basset griffon vendeen photos, newest first

  • Fable, a grand basset griffon vendeen

    Fable

    Fable was promoted to archaeologist uncovering a giant spoon; unfortunately, a tower of lemons begins to collapse.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Fable, a grand basset griffon vendeen

    Fable

    Fable has decided this spot belongs to them now.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a grand basset griffon vendeen

Protect the back. A long body on short legs is prone to disc disease — discourage jumping down from furniture, use ramps for the car, and keep the dog lean.

The nose beats recall reliably. Secure fencing and long lines; a GBGV on a scent will simply leave.

The voice is loud and carrying and used at anything interesting.

The harsh coat needs hand-stripping a couple of times a year and weekly brushing; the beard needs cleaning after meals. Ears are long and need weekly attention.

They are stubborn rather than unintelligent — training works with food and humour and fails with repetition. Ask about epilepsy in the lines.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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