fellfolioScent hounds
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Long ears, a rough coat and a steady, tireless stride distinguish the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. This French scent hound was bred to hunt hare and rabbit. It suits people who enjoy substantial walks and can make time for grooming, scent games and patient training.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 39 to 44 cm
- Lifespan
- over 10 years
- Activity
- High
- Grooming
- Daily
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- Experience recommended
Sociable, inquisitive and keen to follow a trail
A Grand may slow down suddenly on a walk, lower its nose and investigate a verge at length. To a scent hound, that patch of ground contains information left by other animals. Finding and following game was its original job. Allowing time to sniff gives you a useful glimpse of the behaviour behind the breed.
The American breed club describes Grands as outgoing and sociable, with an independent streak. Training can work with both sides of that character. A small search task or a game together may be as appealing as a food reward. The breed is also known for using its voice, particularly when excited or following a scent. Meeting several adult dogs and talking to their owners helps you picture what that sounds like in everyday life.
Everyday life
Longer walks with opportunities to investigate should be part of the routine, alongside short sessions in which you work together. For a simple scent game, you can place a few pieces of food where they are easy to find. Once the dog understands the task, the hiding places can gradually become harder. The food should count towards its planned daily allowance.
Recall means returning when you use an agreed cue. Practice should begin a short distance apart in quiet surroundings, with a suitable reward as soon as the dog comes back. Outdoors, a wildlife trail can become far more absorbing than a familiar exercise. A long training line attached to a well-fitting harness allows room to move and practise while keeping the dog secured. Free running is best arranged in a reliably fenced space.
Garden gates and boundaries should be checked for gaps even when the dog has had a long walk. Indoors, it should have a quiet place to sleep. Time alone can be introduced for very short periods, increasing only as the dog becomes comfortable with it.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The rough coat should receive a brief daily check and brush. Hair can tangle behind the ears, around the legs and where a harness rests. After an outing, you should remove twigs, plant material and dirt caught in the coat. Someone familiar with this coat type can help with stubborn tangles and appropriate grooming.
The long ears should be checked on the outside and across the visible inner surface. Smell, discharge, repeated scratching or head shaking may indicate a problem that needs veterinary assessment. Feet and nails deserve attention before another substantial walk. Gradually introducing a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste also makes dental care more manageable.
Size and build
The breed comes from the Vendée in western France. The Grand has longer legs and is taller than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. Both have the characteristic rough coat, but they are separate breeds. The international standard lists males at 40 to 44 centimetres and females at 39 to 43 centimetres.
A young Grand should learn lead walking, grooming and household routines in manageable steps. Rewarding calm cooperation helps before a task becomes difficult. For an adult rescue dog, it is useful to ask whether it has lived indoors or as part of a group of dogs. That history may identify specific things to introduce after adoption, such as stairs, traffic or short periods apart from other dogs.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
A conversation with a breeder should cover the health of both parents and their relatives. Available examination results should be shown and explained to you. The Royal Kennel Club highlights genetic diversity for this breed. This includes considering how closely related prospective parents are when making breeding decisions.
Ongoing care can be planned with your vet, including vaccinations, parasite protection, teeth and weight. Limping after exercise, a painful ear or a change in appetite should be assessed. Brief dated notes about when a change began, how it developed and what seemed to trigger it help at the appointment. Earlier findings should also remain available if you change practices.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- A Grand suits an active home with substantial outings, regular grooming and time to train together.
- If you have a cat, you should ask about the individual dog’s previous encounters. Rabbits and other small pets should remain reliably separated from it.
- Children should learn to leave the dog undisturbed while it sleeps or eats. Adults should supervise interactions and games.
What to consider
- Despite its short legs, the Grand has considerable stamina. You should be able to spend plenty of time outdoors together.
- Hunting interest and a conspicuous voice should be considered when planning exercise, garden security and the home environment.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
Herding dog
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Beneath the Polish Lowland Sheepdog’s long coat is a compact, agile herding dog. Its Polish name, Polski Owczarek Nizinny, is usually shortened to PON. People who enjoy shared outings and make grooming a regular commitment may find an attentive companion in this breed. Clear, consistent teaching matters, even when the shaggy coat gives the dog a relaxed appearance.
Terrier
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Irish Wheaten Terrier often greets people with enthusiasm and follows interesting scents outside. Its soft coat sheds little but needs regular combing down to the skin.
Powerful American terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a compact, muscular dog that enjoys shared activity and close contact with its people. Its strength, often energetic play and possible difficulties with other dogs require thoughtful handling. Legal requirements where you live should also be checked before bringing one home.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- About Grands
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Everyday life, Size and build, Could this breed fit your life?
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed standard
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Could this breed fit your life?
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Used in this profile for: Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
- Healthcare for your dog
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care, Health
- Dental disease in dogs
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care
- How to give your pet a health check at home
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care, Health
- Caring for your puppy
Used in this profile for: Size and build
- Train your dog to come when called
Used in this profile for: Everyday life, Size and build, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Side view · Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen in Tallinn 6.JPG · Томасина · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Edited
Coat and features · LargeVendeen1.jpg · Canarian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
Side view · Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen in Tallinn.JPG · Томасина · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Edited
Side view · G Basset Griffon Vendeen 600.jpg · Sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Edited
