Considering bringing home a new family member? The gorgeous Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens can be a great choice for the right home!
Experience the breed with BorrowMyDoggy and borrow a pooch in your local area. Or if you’re already set on this pawsome breed and need a helping hand with dog care, find a verified and trusted borrower near you.
Let’s talk about… Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen: what are they?
- The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, also known as GBGV, is a delightful breed that originated in France.
- Their name "Griffon Vendéen" refers to their rough, wiry coat and the region of Vendée in France where they were developed.
- They were originally bred for hunting small game, particularly rabbits, in rough terrain.
- With their unique appearance and charming personality, they have gained popularity as companion dogs.
- The GBGV has a medium-sized, muscular build with long ears and a shaggy coat that comes in various colours such as tricolour, fawn, or black and tan.
- Males typically reach a height of 39 to 44 cm, while females are slightly smaller at 39 to 42 cm.
- The average weight for GBGVs ranges from 17 to 20 kg.
- These dogs have a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens like?
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens have a lively, friendly, and outgoing temperament.
- They are known for their happy disposition and love for people.
- They enjoy being part of a family and get along well with children and other pets when properly socialised.
- GBGVs have a strong scenting instinct and a natural drive to track scents, which can make them quite independent and focused when following their nose.
- They are intelligent and inquisitive dogs that require mental stimulation to keep them engaged.
- While they have a moderate energy level, they also enjoy their downtime and can be content relaxing with their family.
- Overall, GBGVs make affectionate and playful companions for those who appreciate their active nature and lively personality.
How much exercise do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens need?
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens have moderate exercise needs and typically require around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise per day.
- They are active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, and playtime in a secure, fenced area.
- Due to their hunting background, they have a strong instinct to follow scents, so it's important to keep them on a lead or in a secure area to prevent them from wandering off.
- Mental stimulation is equally important for GBGVs, so puzzle toys, obedience training, or scent work can be great ways to keep their minds occupied.
- It's important to note that individual exercise requirements may vary based on their age, health, and overall energy level.
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen puppies have specific exercise requirements to support their growth and development. As young puppies, their exercise should be limited to short and controlled play sessions to avoid overexertion.
- A very general guideline is to provide 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day.
- Puppies should not engage in intense or high-impact activities until their bones and joints have fully developed, usually around 12 to 18 months of age.
- Consult with your vetn for specific exercise recommendations tailored to your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen puppy.
Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens need a lot of grooming?
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens have a dense, rough, and shaggy double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
- They have a natural, tousled appearance that is part of their charm.
- To maintain their coat, they should be brushed at least once or twice a week to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and keep the coat looking tidy.
- Occasional hand-stripping, a process of plucking dead hairs, may be necessary to maintain the coat's texture. A professional groomer can advise.
- Bathing should be done as necessary, but not excessively, as it can strip the coat's natural oils.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens easy to train?
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are intelligent dogs, but they also have an independent and somewhat stubborn streak.
- Training them requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Early socialisation is essential to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and well-behaved adults.
- Start training and socialising your GBGV puppy from a young age, exposing them to different people, animals, and environments.
- Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and rewards, work best with this breed.
- Keep training sessions fun, engaging, and varied to prevent boredom.
- While GBGVs may present some challenges during training due to their independent nature, with the right approach and plenty of patience, they can become well-trained and obedient companions.
What do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens eat?
- Feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
- As puppies, they should be fed a high-quality puppy-specific diet that supports their growth and development.
- Puppies have specific nutritional requirements, so it's important to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer or consult with your vet for personalised recommendations. Most pups should be fed 3-4 times a day until they’re 6 months old, then twice daily.
- As they transition into adulthood, usually around 12 to 18 months of age, they can be switched to an adult dog food formulated for their size and activity level.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens healthy?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the health concerns that may affect GBGVs include:
Bones and Joints
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
- Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease - when a disc (the cushions between spinal vertebrae) slips out of place, and this can lead to spinal pain and paralysis
- Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
- Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Skin
- Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
