Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Other names: Basset Griffon Vendéen (Grand), GBGV
This chirpy but business-like bearded lady is a rarity on British soil, but that could easily change since her appeal is clear to see. Her unique coat, friendly expression, and a passion for being with other living creatures make the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen an interesting choice for a family. Bred to be a hunter (particularly of hares, for which her size was carefully engineered), she is more athletic and with greater stamina than you might think to look at her. She is generally healthy and will fit as neatly into an apartment setting as she does into the countryside.
Key facts about the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
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Origins and history
This bearded lady was first cultivated to catch hares in the Vendée region of France in the 16th century, and she became known as the Basset Griffon Francais. The Griffon divided into four distinct breeds over the years, of which the Vendeen is one.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Adult size
Female : Between 15 and 17 in
Male : Between 16 and 17 in
Weight
Female : Between 40 and 44 lb
Male : Between 40 and 44 lb
Coat colour
There are many options: Black and white; black and tan; fawn and white; fawn with black and white; fawn and black. These colours may be arranged as spotting or overlay, and colour names associated with this handsome Basset’s many looks include hare, wolf, badger, and wild boar colour.
Type of coat
Hard, flat, with some fringes.
Eye colour
Dark.
Description
This noble little tyke resembles several other types of dog while carving out her own unique look on the scene. Shortish, compared to her body that goes on and on, her fur has an effortlessly woolly look. Great flappy ears echo her hairy chops, a leitmotif that finds its expression also in her eyebrows. But despite these affectations, she has the strength and stamina of an athlete, as you can see from the taut tones of her trunk and legs. Never let her soulful eyes and geriatric facial hair convince you that she is frail or weak.
Good to know
This dog can and has been trained to track humans such as missing persons and escaped convicts.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
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Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen to adopt

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Compatibility
Price
Between £400 for Non KC Registered Dogs, and £1000 for KC Registered Dogs. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £80 to £130 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
Weekly brushing and the occasional bath should keep that legendary coat looking top-notch.
Nutrition of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
This dog has high energy needs and the appropriate levels of food should be provided. Be aware, though, that she does not gladly stop eating, so don’t overfeed her – particularly if she is missing out on exercise for some reason (age or injury).
Health of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Life expectancy
This dog has been noted to suffer from a number of genetic conditions, but still has an average life expectancy of 13 years.
Strong / robust
A firm and resilient dog.
Withstand heat
Quite well, but be cautious during heat waves.
Withstand cold
Quite well, but she should sleep indoors in winter.
Tendency to put on weight
Higher than average.
Common illnesses
- PBGV Pain Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Inguinal and Umbilical Hernias
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM)
- Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia