Grand Griffon Vendeen
Other name: Large Vendéen Griffon
Not to be mistaken for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (how could you?), the Grand Griffon Vendéen is nonetheless part of that shared extended family hailing from the Vendée region of France. In fact, the Grand Griffon Vendéen is the first and largest of the lot. A long and distinguished-looking mop of a dog, he’s friendly and sociable but can be a little arrogant at times. He has high exercise needs, which - along with his wilful behaviour - makes him an inappropriate choice for all but the most fitting of families.
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Life expectancy |
The Grand Griffon Vendeen has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years |
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Temperament |
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Size |
Large
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Adult size |
Female
Between 24 and 26 in
Male
Between 24 and 27 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 66 and 77 lb
Male
Between 66 and 77 lb
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Coat colour
Black with white spotting, black with tan markings, white with fawn (orange) spotting, charcoal fawn (with or without white variegation). |
Black
White
Brown
Blue
Red
Sand
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Type of coat
Bushy and harsh with a dense undercoat. |
Long
Hard
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Eye colour
Dark. |
Brown
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The ‘Grand’ in his name refers to the size of game he is suited to hunting rather than his own size. That said, among ‘Grand’ hounds this is one of the grandest.
More details about the Grand Griffon Vendeen
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Origins and history
Traced back to the Gaul’s own hunting doggo of choice, the Canis Segusius, this creature split into manifold griffon-type hunters due to selective breeding in the 16th century; but this remains the main chap, with other griffons and smaller griffon bassets from the Vendée region tracing their lineage to that venerable old man, the Grand Griffon Vendéen. It had almost completely disappeared during the Second World War but the breed was recovered today. However, it is not very widespread, especially because the large packs, in which it was used to hunt wolves, no longer exist.
FCI classification of the Grand Griffon Vendeen
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Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
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Section 1 : Scent hounds
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Characteristics
He is certainly friendly and warm.
This dog loves a challenge and intelligent interaction.
The Grand Griffon Vendéen has a strong character that should be channeled to help him be calm at home.
He is a moderately intelligent dog.
Yes, this dog is a natural hunter and will have a keen eye (and nose) for both small furry moving things and larger game such as fox.
If not well socialised, he may be fearful or even aggressive towards humans he does not know.
As with many a scenthound, this dog can be highly independent, working on his own and making decisions about his general daily life that you may not fully agree with – often on the basis of a passing smell. Nevertheless, he still needs regular human contact.
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Behaviour
He prefers company, but may be left alone if his needs have been met.
This dog is pretty clever but that just means he has his own ideas about things. Training is a challenge and requires discipline, perseverance, and kindness.
He is loud and likes to sing and bark, sometimes just because he’s happy being a dog.
He is prone to refusing to return if he catches a whiff in the park. He might also attempt to escape the garden if under-stimulated.
He may chew or dig excessively if not given something better to do.
He tends to the gluttonous end of the spectrum. This can be handy for training, but be careful not to overfeed.
Most Grand Griffon Vendéens are suspicious of strangers, and know how to emit a dissuasive bark.
Training a Grand Griffon Vendeen
This dog is pretty clever but that just means he has his own ideas about things. Training is a challenge and requires discipline, perseverance, and kindness.
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Lifestyle
He is much more of a country dog. An apartment, especially in the city, may cramp this hound’s style.
He needs at least one hour of serious exercise a day to satisfy his mental, physical, olfactory and social needs, and preferably space to stretch his legs (i.e. in a garden) when not out on a run. Compromise on these ideals, and you will have a bundle of untameable energy on your hands.
His large size does not allow him to follow his humans easily in all their travels.
Breed compatibility Grand Griffon Vendeen
Not advisable. This dog will only tolerate a cat with whom he was raised. All others (and rabbits, hamsters etc.) fall distinctly into the category of ‘prey.’
He loves other dogs and will live well with them. If he doesn’t live with other dogs, he must be socialized from an early age with plenty of other dogs, so that he can develop his canine codes.
He will play very kindly and enthusiastically with kids he knows, but it is preferable that they all grow together to ensure a harmonious cohabitation.
This dog may be a bit much to handle for anybody who will struggle to train him or, more particularly, deliver the exercise regime he requires.
This hound’s willfulness and the challenge of training him make the Grand Griffon Vendéen an unwise choice for first dog.
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Purchase price
We do not have enough data to give an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £80 to £130 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Grooming
His hair should be well cared for, because it has a tendency to tangle.
Grand Griffon Vendeen: Health
This is a pretty healthy hound with an average life expectancy of 12 years.
This dog is hardy and ready for action, but can sometimes be hurt during a hunt.
Quite well, but use common sense in a heat wave.
Very well thanks to his undercoat, and can live outdoors all year round without many problems.
This barrel of an old man may well take on a few extra pounds if under-exercised and over-fed.
- Epilepsy
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Luxating Patellas
- Ear infections
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