Grand Basset Griffon VendéenCharacteristics, history, training and care
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. · Томасина / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) is a French basset from Vendée, with a slightly elongated body, straight legs and a harsh coat with a moustache, beard and eyebrows. The AKC translates the name roughly as “the large, low, rough-coated dog from Vendée”. It is a fast, passionate hunter, a little stubborn, but gentle and friendly at home.
Quick facts
| Common name | Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France (Vendée) |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 17 January 1967 (group 6, scent hounds, with working trial; standard no. 33); also recognised by the AKC |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 40–44 cm at the withers (±1 cm) |
| Size (females) | 39–43 cm at the withers (±1 cm) |
| Weight | about 18–20 kg (AKC) |
| Coat type | Harsh, not too long, flat; pronounced eyebrows, moustache and beard |
| Common colours | White and black, white and orange, tricolour, black and tan, fawn |
| Energy level | Very high |
| Suited to an apartment? | Can adapt, with a great deal of exercise |
| Temperament | Passionate, brave, a little stubborn, gentle at home |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen descends, like all bassets, from a larger hound, in its case the Grand Griffon Vendéen. The first selections were made at the end of the 19th century by the Comte d'Elva, who was looking for dogs with straight legs.
The man who fixed the type was Paul Dézamy. He understood that, to catch hares, the dogs needed a certain size, and he set it at about 43 cm. Today it is used mainly for hunting with a gun and can hunt any furred game, from hare to wild boar.
How the breed developed
- End of the 19th century – The Comte d'Elva makes the first selections.
- 20th century – Paul Dézamy fixes the type and a size of about 43 cm.
- 17 January 1967 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 9 January 1999 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★★ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as slightly elongated, with straight front legs and a basset build, balanced and elegant. It must not look like a small Briquet.
General appearance
The AKC describes it as having a sweet face, long ears and a tousled coat, with an abundant moustache, beard and eyebrows. The large, dark, oval eyes convey an intelligent, warm and friendly character. The fine ears end in an oval and fold inwards.
| Feature | Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium, basset build |
| Height at the withers | males: 40–44 cm; females: 39–43 cm |
| Weight | about 18–20 kg |
| Coat | Harsh, not too long |
| Head | With a moustache, beard and eyebrows |
| Legs | Straight |
The standard accepts black with white patches, black and tan, fawn with white patches (white and orange), tricolour and fawn with a black overlay, with or without white.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as fast, with a good voice, a passionate, brave hunter that loves brambles and undergrowth. It is a little stubborn but well-behaved; the owner must take the lead.
The AKC says its calm, docile nature makes it an excellent companion and a good house dog. But it cannot resist the urge to chase game, so it must be kept in a well-fenced area.
Tips for effective training
- Take the lead. The standard says it is a little stubborn.
- Keep it in a fenced area. The AKC says it cannot resist the temptation to chase.
- Use rewards. It responds well to motivation.
- Work on the barking. It has a powerful voice.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC says it needs plenty of exercise and is not content to sit on the sofa. It is robust and does not slow down with age, so it must stay active all its life.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in nature | daily | Very high energy |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Play in a fenced yard | daily | Uses up energy |
Tips for a balanced life
- The yard must be well fenced.
- Check the coat for burrs after outings.
- It suits an active family.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC says it needs only a weekly brush with a slicker brush and a comb, and an occasional bath. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly.
Common health problems
The AKC says most dogs are healthy. There are no known breed-specific diseases. It is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Ear infections | Infections of the long ears | Scratching, bad smell, tilted head |
Other care
- Check the ears after every outing.
- Clean the beard after meals.
- Trim the nails regularly.
Diet and nutrition
An active basset needs good-quality food for medium-sized breeds. Adjust the portion to its workload so that it does not gain 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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 19 kg | 1,020 kcal | 1,150 kcal | 260–330 g |
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Training treats count towards the daily portion.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat 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.
Reproduction and development
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.
Interesting facts
- A long name. The AKC translates it roughly as “the large, low, rough-coated dog from Vendée”.
- A size chosen for hares. Paul Dézamy set the size at about 43 cm.
- European champion. A GBGV team won the fifth European Cup on hare.
- It does not slow down. The AKC says it stays active even in old age.
- It loves brambles. The standard says it is not afraid of undergrowth.
Frequently asked questions
What does the breed's name mean?
The AKC translates it roughly as “the large, low, rough-coated dog from Vendée”.
How big does it get?
Males measure 40–44 cm and females 39–43 cm; they weigh about 18–20 kg.
Is it a family dog?
Yes, the AKC says it is an excellent companion, but it needs plenty of exercise.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 13–15 years.
