The Dog Scene > Dog Breeds > Basset Griffon Vendeen > Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)

Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)

Photo: Courtesy of Elaine King

Looking for a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) puppy or advice? Contact one of the Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) breeders or breed clubs listed below. All dog breeders advertising with us agree to abide by our Code of Ethics.

Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) Books

Group: Hound || Breed Standard

History

There are two sizes of Basset Griffon Vendeen in the UK — Petit and Grand, the little and large of the French hounds. At one time the two sizes were bred together, with the resulting litters being a mixture of both sizes, and it was not until 1976 that the worlds authority on the breed, Desamy, persuaded the French to divide the breed and ban inter-breeding. They are thought to have originated in Germany around 1250, when there existed a shaggy, short-legged swimming hound bred to hunt beaver. The French bred these with their own hounds, and added Harrier, Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, Dachshund and possibly the Dandie Dinmont. The result was a keen hunter with exceptional scenting capabilities who will work in water, individually or in a pack, usually of six.

Description

Height: dogs 40-44 cms (15 -17 ins); bitches 39-43 cms (15 -17ins)

The Basset Griffon Vendeen is a short-legged, compact hound that is strong and active. He has an alert outlook and lively bearing. He has long oval ears that reach the end of his nose. His legs are thick and well boned. His medium length tail is set high, with a strong base and tapering regularly, well furnished with hair, he carries it proudly like the blade of a sabre. His cost is rough and harsh to the touch and has thick undercoat. His colour is white with any combination of lemon, orange, tricolour or grizzle markings.

Character/Temperament

Active, curious, busy, happy, alert, independent and intelligent, they are willing to please, affectionate and demand attention. Although stronger than the Petit, Grands are probably more laid back than their busier, livelier, smaller cousins. As scenthounds, they are pack animals so happy with others of their own kind. The breed standard says "with a good voice freely used". However most Basset Griffon Vendeens only bark if they have a reason to. They do not just bark for nothing. A bored or lonely BGV will make his own entertainment. Giving your dog a variety of safe toys and things to chew on, a safe environment and lessening the opportunity for him to be destructive will prevent problems. A crate is useful and becomes your BGV?s special place where he feels safe for a short period of time. Basset Griffon Vendeens generally love everyone and have a natural affinity with children. Some children compete in Young Kennel Club handling competitions with them at shows. But, as with any dog, you should never leave a young child and your pet together unattended and do not allow teasing as this will provoke an undesirable reaction.

Breed Health

Any breed can be subject to genetic and/or birth defects. A few conditions have been reported in BGVs such as Neck Pain Syndrome, Epilepsy, Heart Murmurs and some Eye Conditions. The BGV Club committee monitors all these conditions extremely carefully, works closely with several prominent vets and takes action where there is an identified problem. Before you buy, talk to the breeder if you have any concerns about health issues and, when you buy, make sure that you obtain some form of certification of good health. Ask your vet to examine your puppy to confirm that it is in good health and has no heart, eye, ear or other abnormalities. You should expect an average life span of 14 years or more.

Breed Care

His coat should be thick, harsh and somewhat casual looking. A weekly brushing will remove loose and dead hair. A pin brush, comb and possibly a mat breaker, which will help remove any little knots, are the only necessary tools. Bathe him as necessary. Trim long hair under the feet and check between the pads for unwanted material or mats. And, if you show your dog, or want to keep him looking characteristic of the breed, there is a lot more to it! At a minimum, keeping that unrefined, rustic look means - making sure there is no excess hair covering the eyes, removing long hair from the ends of the ears and keeping the feet tidy. You can achieve this by plucking hair out with finger and thumb or using a stripping knife. The breeder will be pleased to show you how to do this. Nails need clipping regularly and ear canals kept free of excess hair and wax. Teeth need regular care to be kept clean and free of tarter.

Exercise

They love exercise, but with a powerful hunting ability they need to be kept under control while walking in the country, especially around sheep. They do not hunt sheep but, like most dogs, will worry them. Many think you can't let a Basset Griffon Vendeen off the lead. It depends on the nature of the particular dog, also on training from an early age. If you decide to let yours run free, do it in an area well away from roads and preferably one that is enclosed. Encourage it to return from short distances, offering a treat as a reward. Remember that the hunting instinct is very strong and their noses do tend to take over from their brains. One small scent and your hunter will be off on the chase. If you stand your ground, he will eventually return — but how long are you prepared to wait? Flexi-leads are a good alternative!

Training

With understanding and time this breed is not hard to train, although the Grand does need firm handling, the bonus is that they have a desire to please. The level of learning depends on the amount of time you can devote. But remember that these are scenthounds, if they get on the trail of something they will become deaf to your calls and only return when ready. House-training and basic obedience to learn good manners come first. Today Basset Griffon Vendeens are not only show dogs, with extra training many abroad compete successfully in other events such as obedience, tracking and agility trials. A few are used in Search and Rescue and as Therapy dogs. Here in the UK many are achieving high standards in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. See our books on training

Our thanks go to Elaine King for helping to compile this profile. For further information, please contact one of the breed clubs of breeders listed below.