If you’re aware of French language, you must have already figured out that it is a French breed. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen used to be peasant’s hunting dog. This breed is a scent hound and like other breeds of same category, it uses its nose power to track and hunt its prey.
They were purposely bred for its short legs so that peasants could domesticate it at home and carry it on horse’ back while hunting.
The dog specialized in hunting deer and wolves. The magnetic personality of the dog makes it a popular dog in France but to rest of the world it is an unusual breed. The breed is affectionate and social inside home and pragmatic and tenacious at work place. The breed was taught to hunt in a pack so it is tolerant towards other canine animals.
Origin
The breed belongs to France. Grand Griffon breed originated from long-legged hound breed. The main reason for developing this breed was that hunters wanted a short-legged gun dog.
Breeders were of the opinion that in order to hunt down hare, dog needed to be approximately 43 cm.
Today the dog excels in every kind of hunting game and is capable of hunting rabbit to wild boar. The breed has also become popular because of its affectionate behavior towards humans.
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Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Facts And Characteristics
- The breed belongs to France and is a scent hound
- The lifespan of the breed is around 12 to 15 years
- Height of the breed is around 15–18 inches
- This is the fastest of all bassets
- It is alert, courageous, stubborn, lovable and vocal breed
- They weigh around 40 to 44 pounds
- They give around 7 to 12 puppies
- Its coat is available in following colors- Black & Tan Black & White ,Fawn & Black Lemon & White Orange & White and Tri-color
- The price of the puppy is $600 to $800
- They are not hypoallergenic breeds
- The unusual name of this breed comes from French language which means- grand- large, basset- lower to the ground, griffon- rough coated, and Vendeen- area of France
- They are cute and possess a happy personality that will surely make you fell in love with it.
Appearance
The breed has a rectangular proportionate body. This means it has long back and short height. Their coat is wiry and of medium size. The dog is a deep chested and has a sturdily built up body. Their tail is long and carried upward gracefully. The forelegs are straight and strong. The muzzle is long and skull is of wedged shape. Its nose is well developed for scenting purpose. Ears are flat and hang below its head. The profuse facial hair gives the dog unique as well as wise look.
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Size and Weight
Ideal height of the male breed is 40–44 cm while ideal height of female breed is 39–43 cm. Both the breed weighs around 18 to 20 kg.
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Coat and Color
The dog possess double coat. The upper coat is wiry, hard and dense in structure. The top coat shouldn’t be soft or woolly and it stands apart from the body. This enables the dog to hunt in thorny region. The undercoat is soft and velvet like. The coat is available in following colors- white with any of the mentioned color marking- lemon, orange, grizzle or black markings. Tricolored coat is also common but white should be the ground color.
Temperament
- Personality – The breed has a captivating charm and aura. As the breed was bred for hunting so it carries the stamina, courage and instincts of hunting. They are pack dogs which means owners has to devote a lot of time to this breed or buy one more dog of same category breed. They are happy breed and possess an outgoing personality. Sometimes they tend to be disobedient but that can be controlled through training. They are cheerful and playful around kids.
- Behavior – These dogs have hunting instincts deeply imbibed in their behavior. So it shouldn’t come as shocking that the dog loves to chase and run behind scents. Sometime it may act as bossy but right trainer will shoo away this trait in its personality. This breed is not suitable for faint hearted because it keeps on running and jumping and may even destroy your expensive vase kept in drawing room. Mannerism and obedience is the foremost thing to teach your dog. Under right guidance this breed proves to be the best for active owners. If you’re planning to buy this breed, brace yourself to tolerate boisterous, exuberant and often stubborn nature.
- Trainability – This breed is intelligent but controlling it can be a challenge. An experienced trainer is required to teach it basic mannerism and ‘no bark command’. Training should be filled with fun and treats.
- Activities Requirement – Despite being short in height, this breed has an endless energy. The breed never gets tired and is ready for play 24*7. Open space needs to be allotted where the dog can open up and do its own exercise. One-hour vigorous exercise is necessary for this breed. Give the dog, care and love and it will prove itself as an unrivalled companion to you.
Feeding
Provide them 1.5 – 2 cups of dry quality food a day divided into 2 equal meals. The food depends upon the age, activity level, weight and metabolism of your dog. Feed them safe, affordable, high quality dog food, predominantly meat.
It is a medium sized breed with high energy level, hence should be fed high quality commercial food formulated for adult dogs. Working breed formula diet may be the appropriate diet to meet his needs. Provide clean water all the times near the dog.
Lifespan
The lifespan of Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is up to 12 to 15 years.
Health Issues
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is not hypoallergenic in nature. They are majorly healthy breeds and like other dog breeds, they may also suffer from some health issues that may include Epilepsy, PGBV Pain Syndrome, Glaucoma and lens luxation, Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Ear infections, Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia, Septic meningitis, and persistent papillary membranes.
Grooming and Caring
Their harsh and wiry coat doesn’t require regular brushing. Twice a week brushing is enough to keep its coat healthy and mats free. The breed sheds lightly throughout the year and heavy shedding is done at the time of seasonal change.
You are required to hand strip the coat to foster growth of new and healthy hair. You need to check its ear for any signs of irritation and infection. Brushing its teeth daily will keep bad smell and dental health problem at bay.
Habitat
They can adjust in apartment providing them the daily dose of exercise. They have high prey drive and follow their nose wherever they go, hence tall secure fence is must along with leash when in yard. The breed can tolerate any climate but do well in cooler temperatures.
Pet Names
- Cheery
- Robby
- Donny
- Papua
- Karma
Things To Consider Before Buying
Pros
- The breed is quiet, docile and an excellent companions and house dogs.
- The breed can be the best companion on hunting related activities.
- They are tolerant and patient around other canine animals in fact they crave for dog specie at home.
Cons
- The breed is boisterous and destroy things while running or jumping.
- They have high prey drive and secured tall fence, leash along with consistent training is necessary from puppyhood.
- The breed is not suitable for inactive owners or first time owners of dog specie and require active owner to keep him occupied.
- It is not hypoallergenic breed.
