Overview
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is the full-sized ancestor of the better known basset griffons. It stands tall and long, with a harsh, tousled coat in white with orange, grey or tricolour patches, a bearded face and ears that hang in loose folds. In France it hunts wild boar and deer in packs, going into cover that would stop most dogs.
This is a confident, outgoing hound with no shyness in it. It greets people warmly, treats other dogs as pack mates and sees most walls and hedges as challenges rather than boundaries. It is rare in Britain and usually arrives through enthusiasts of French hounds.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day for a fit adult, with as much cover and rough ground as you can find. The breed was built to work hard through difficult terrain and will be restless on short pavement walks.
A secure field for proper running, a tracking line for woodland, and a steady lead walk home is a good pattern. Variety keeps a dog this clever from inventing its own entertainment.
On the walk
- Recall: Independent hunting breeding means the dog decides when it is done. Do not rely on recall in open country.
- Fences: A strong, agile dog that will jump or push through hedges after scent. Check field boundaries before unclipping.
- Other dogs: Friendly and physical. It plays hard and may bowl over smaller or quieter dogs in a group.
- Coat: The wiry coat protects against thorns but gathers burrs and mud. Allow time to brush it out.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a sturdy harness with a long line; the dog is strong and quick to lunge on scent.
- Prefer rough, wooded routes over parks; they suit the dog and tire it properly.
- Check for thorns in pads and ticks in the coat after walks through cover.
- Pair with robust, playful dogs on group walks rather than delicate ones.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog escaped from a garden or field before, and how high can it jump?
- How does it behave with livestock and deer, and which areas are off limits?
- What does the owner use for recall, and does the dog ever respond when on a trail?