Briquet Griffon VendéenCharacteristics, history, training and care

It is the only breed to have kept the name “briquet”, which in French means “medium-sized dog”. Its selection began before the First World War, led by Count d’Elva, who scaled down the Grand Griffon Vendéen in harmonious proportions.

The breed was decimated several times by war. The Briquet type reappeared in 1946 at Fontenay-le-Comte, in Vendée, and Wikipedia notes that the dog show judge Hubert Dezamy played an important part in rebuilding it.

How the breed developed

• Before 1914 – Count d’Elva creates the breed from the Grand Griffon Vendéen.
• The world wars – The breed is decimated several times.
• 1946 – The Briquet type reappears at Fontenay-le-Comte.
• 2 October 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1995 – A pack of Briquets wins the Trophée de France for roe deer hunting.
• 9 January 1999 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard and on the description of its temperament in Wikipedia.

It is a medium-sized griffon, fairly thickset and well proportioned, alert and very determined. The neck is long and elegant, and the back short and solid.

General appearance

The large, lively eyes are dark, and the well-marked eyebrows do not hide them. The supple ears, covered in long hair, are set low. The fairly short tail is carried like a sabre.

Many colours are accepted: white and black, black and tan, white and orange, tricolour and fawn with black shading. The traditional names are “hare”, “wolf”, “badger” or “wild boar” colour. Solid black or solid white is not accepted.

The standard says it is a passionate hunter with plenty of initiative, and the owner must be able to make it obey. Wikipedia adds that griffons do not like being given orders.

On the other hand, they respond well to encouragement, play and rewards. If these get them to do what the owner wants, everyone is happy.

Tips for effective training

• Use play and rewards. It prefers them to curt commands.
• Be patient. It has a strong personality and plenty of initiative.
• Practise the recall. On a trail, it is very determined.
• Work with its nose. It has a fine sense of smell and follows both old and fresh trails.

It was bred to hunt big game, usually in a small pack. It is fast, agile on rough ground and not afraid of brambles.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it on a lead outside safe areas.
• It is lively and enthusiastic, but not restless.
• It suits active families or hunters.

Coat and skin care

The harsh coat should be brushed once a week to remove dead hair, burrs and thorns. The belly and inner thighs should be covered with hair, not bare.

Common health problems

There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. The long-haired ears should be checked often, especially after hunting.

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Check the harsh coat for ticks and thorns.
• Trim the nails regularly.

An active hound needs more energy during the hunting season. Weigh it regularly, as the standard gives no weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Increase the portion on days of hard exercise.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The only “Briquet”. It is the only breed to have kept the word “briquet”, meaning “medium-sized dog”, in its name.
• Not afraid of brambles. The standard says it goes through thorny bushes without hesitation.
• Roe deer champion. In 1995, a pack of Briquets won the Trophée de France for roe deer hunting.
• Colours named after animals. The traditional colours are called “hare”, “wolf”, “badger” and “wild boar”.
• It hunts with its nose in the wind. The standard says it hunts with its nose in the wind rather than to the ground.

What does “briquet” mean?

In French it means “medium-sized dog”.

How big does it get?

Males measure 50–55 cm and females 48–53 cm at the withers.

Does it get on with children?

Yes. Wikipedia says it is a good companion for children and gets on well with other dogs.

Is it easy to train?

Not very. It does not like orders, but responds well to play and rewards.