The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is truly a happy-go-lucky dog, believing whole heartedly that they are adored by all humans. Whilst still at heart a working dog, the Grand Basset is typically a very tactile dog who adores physical contact – in particular, they are known for the ‘Grand Hug’ putting their forelegs into a person’s lap and then flopping all their weight into that person. This forces the person to wrap their arms around the hound rather than let it slide to the floor! As the Grand Basset can carry a lot of water and slobber in their beard and face, this can be an unpleasant experience for some and a true delight for others!

Country of Origin: France The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen can be traced back to 16th century France. Their French name translates to ‘large, low, hairy, from the Vendee region’ and this accurately describes the breed and differentiates it from the various French hunting hounds. Developed first by the Comte d’Elva at the end of the 19th Century and refined further by Paul Dézamy who required a shorter dog for hunting hare, originally the Grand and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen would occur in the same litters and crossbreeding between the two occurred regularly. In the 1970s’, this was stopped and efforts were made to ensure the breeds remained separate. Due to the influence of longer-legged hounds in the development of the Grand Basset (Grand Griffon Vendeen and Briquet Griffon Vendeen), there are still occasionally long-legged pups in Grand Basset litters. In the UK today the Grand Basset is gaining popularity as a pet and show dog, in France they are still used for their original purpose, hunting wild boar, deer, rabbit and hare through rough terrain and harsh undergrowth.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.

An hour of exercise per day, ideally much more, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is still a working hound designed to cover a lot of rough ground and heavy undergrowth. Make sure to spend time playing scent-based games to keep the hound mind (and nose) active and fulfilled. A variety of walking routes with interesting scents will keep your hound happy.

Health and common concerns

Generally a robust and healthy dog, this is a breed with a long back and relatively short legs; so care must be taken with young, growing puppies, and elderly dogs.

Space requirements

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen does not demand a huge or lavish home, however a secure garden is vital, as these robust hounds are bred to force their way through heavy undergrowth, and they will find a way out to follow a scent if they possibly can. Better suited to the rural suburbs or truly countryside home, as they require long rural walks and safe, secure places for off lead play and running.

Training basset griffon vendeens

Using positive reinforcement and motivating the GBGV with food and the opportunity to follow scents or find hidden scented items, they will work all day long for you, with a happy and willing attitude. Training a recall is vital, as they will easily follow a scent trail for miles, oblivious to the fact you are no longer behind them. Even with a well-trained recall, off lead exercise needs to be in safe secure areas as the joy of following a scent will mean that even the best recall training can easily be forgotten! The Grand Basset should never be trained with a heavy hand or aversive methods. They are a tough, independent thinker, bred to take on game such as wild boar. Attempts to use punishment-based methods will result in an unhappy hound, and they will not tolerate intimidation or bullying tactics.

Best family dog breeds

Better suited to families who are either home most of the time or can take their dog with them, the Grand Basset does not like to be left out of things or left alone. As they can be rather hefty, and also quite bouncy, they may be better suited to homes with older children who are resistant to being flattened or knocked over! While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Did you know?

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was developed for hunting wild boar, but also for hunting hare, on foot rather than from horseback. These low-slung hounds could follow a hare (who tend to run in large circles) until the hare gave up and tried to hide by squatting in the undergrowth. Persistence and scenting ability were therefore much more important than speed so despite the reputation hares have for being extremely fast, the GBGV was in fact ideal for this job.