Grand Griffon Vendeen
About the Grand Griffon Vendeen
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-27" |
| Weight | 66-77 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High (90+ min/day)
90 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $800-$1,600 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,400/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 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
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Grand Griffon Vendeen
The story behind the Grand Griffon Vendeen
Rough-coated hounds have been used in the Vendee and neighbouring parts of western France for centuries, valued because a harsh, protective jacket allowed them to work in the gorse and briar of that landscape. The grand griffon is generally regarded as the senior member of the vendeen group and the source from which the briquet and the two basset varieties were later derived by selection for size. Old French hound types including the Chien Blanc du Roi and southern griffons are cited among its ancestors, though early lineage is traditional rather than documented. The breed nearly disappeared around the mid twentieth century and was rebuilt by a small number of French hunting kennels. It is recognised in France and internationally, worked mainly in packs on large game, and remains rare everywhere.
Originally bred for: Pack scenthound, Wild boar hunter, Large game hunter. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Grand Griffon Vendeen
Season-matched feeding suits a hound like this. Provide a substantial complete diet during hunting months, then reduce richness when the pack rests, keeping ribs findable. Two meals a day, spaced away from heavy exertion, suit the deep chest and large frame.
Watch for: No breed-associated intolerance has been recorded for these hounds. Working dogs pick up whatever they find in cover, which accounts for many upsets, and abrupt ration changes cause others. A veterinarian should oversee any lasting dietary alteration or suspected reaction.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Grand 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 chew toys built for strong jaws 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.