Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens are a hunting breed from the French countryside. With their wiry coats, floppy ears, and loving expressions, it’s hard to imagine that they could hunt anything. But don’t be deceived by their soft appearance. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens are serious hunting dogs that continue to be used to hunt hares and other small mammals, as well as larger game such as boar and deer.
Illustration courtesy of the Swedish Kennel Club
About this Breed
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are a hunting breed from the French countryside. With their wiry coats, floppy ears, and loving expressions, it’s hard to imagine that they could hunt anything. But don’t be deceived by their soft appearance. Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are serious hunting dogs that continue to be used to hunt hares and other small mammals, as well as larger game such as boar and deer.
Uncommon outside of their native France, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are technically hound dogs, a classification evidenced only by their pendulous ears. They were popular in the 1800s in France where they were prized for their exceptional hunting abilities, notably their wiry hair that protected them from the elements. Today, they are more commonly kept as pets. Because they lived and hunted in packs, they don’t particularly like spending time alone. They would do best in a home with other pets or with an owner who can dedicate enough time with them during the day.
They are very intelligent and confident dogs, which can actually make them a little tricky to train. They assume they know best, and it might take a lot of cajoling and treats to get them to obey. However, they love children and will make a great family.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens can do well in apartments provided they are given enough exercise. Ideally, though, they are suburban or country dogs, as they love to spend time outdoors and thrive when given space to run. They would do very well in all sorts of canine sports, and owners are encouraged to give them plenty to do.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are not particularly popular in the United States, and they won’t be as easy to find. In fact, they are rarely seen at all outside of their native France. Reputable breeders are dedicated to keeping the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen breed healthy. If prospective owners are willing to put in the work and potentially wait for a litter to be born, they surely won’t be disappointed. Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens make exceptional pets and are attractive and intelligent dogs.
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Mortz
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