Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
About the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 15-18" |
| Weight | 40-45 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,300/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
The story behind the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Western France, and the Vendee in particular, gave rise to a family of rough-jacketed hounds suited to thick, thorny cover, from which four related griffon vendeen breeds were eventually distinguished by size. The basset varieties were selected for shorter legs so that hunters could follow on foot, and the grand basset was fixed as the larger, straighter-legged of the two, dedicated chiefly to hare. Separation of the grand and petit bassets into distinct breeds was formalised in the twentieth century, with French breeders such as Paul Dezamy influential in defining type and forbidding interbreeding between them. The breed is worked in packs and singly in France, has a following in Britain and Scandinavia, and gained full American Kennel Club recognition only in recent years. It remains uncommon as a household dog.
Originally bred for: Hare hunting, Pack scenthound, Small game hunter. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Portion carefully, because a long-backed hound that puts on weight strains its own frame. Something complete and suited to a busy medium-sized dog is usually right, served twice daily, with treats deducted from the total and body condition checked by hand under the coat.
Watch for: No intolerance is specifically documented in this breed. Hounds of the type are enthusiastic scavengers, so dietary upsets often trace to what was found outdoors rather than what was served. Consult a vet before restricting ingredients or changing the diet substantially.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.