Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed: Pictures, Guide, & More!

Are you looking for a friendly, playful, active companion for your family? Do you have a lonely dog that wants a best pal? If so, then the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen might be for you. These medium-sized dogs are sweet, affectionate, and energetic. They love attention and typically thrive when they are in the company of other dogs.

Breed Overview

If your family is in the market for a fun-loving, active dog, keep reading to learn if the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is right for you.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Characteristics

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Puppies

These are not common dogs in the United States, so they can be pretty hard to find. Due to the health conditions known to appear in this breed, you should make sure you are getting your dog from a reputable breeder who checks their breeding pairs for health problems. Make sure to ask the breeder plenty of questions regarding the puppy’s health and the parents’ backgrounds. You should visit the breeding facilities before making any payment. Unfortunately, since Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens are rare, you might have trouble finding a Basset Griffon in a shelter.

These adorable dogs are very friendly and create strong bonds with their owners. They are known to be a bit stubborn, so early socialization and consistent training are essential.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Basset Griffon is an intelligent but stubborn dog. They love people and other dogs. They have a ton of energy and will need an outlet for that energy every day to remain happy and healthy. These sweet-natured and friendly dogs love to play. They are happiest when they can play with you and other dogs. They are also known to be friendly toward strangers, so you should be able to comfortably take them to the dog park for exercise and socialization.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, these are excellent family dogs. They are friendly and active. They love to be around people and get along well with respectful children. If you plan to add a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen to your family, you will need to make sure that you have the time and energy to dedicate to your dog’s care. They don’t do well when left alone for long stretches. They also won’t do well in apartments due to their tendency to bark and their need for exercise.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen will get along great with most other dogs. In fact, they love being part of a pack and thrive with canine company. They will do well with fellow Basset Griffons or any other friendly dogs. While these dogs are not known to be overly aggressive, they do have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller pets, like cats and rabbits. You should be careful to slowly introduce them to smaller pets so your dog learns that they aren’t prey.

Things to Know When Owning a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

All pets have specific requirements when it comes to diet, exercise, training, grooming, and health. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a wonderful family dog, but they do require a significant amount of attention and care. Keep reading to learn more about their specific needs and if they are an appropriate choice for your family.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Every dog’s needs will be different depending on their age and activity level. In general, as an active medium-sized dog, the Basset Griffon Vendeen will need about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of food each day. They are prone to weight gain if they are overfed or under-exercised, so you’ll need to make sure you are feeding them the appropriate amount of food for their needs.

Exercise 🐕

These dogs need plenty of vigorous exercise every day. They have plenty of energy and stamina. Long walks, hikes, and runs are perfect for the Basset Griffon. They also do best in a home with a securely fenced yard. They are known for being curious and will try to escape if they smell something interesting outside of their yard.

Training 🎾

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is known for being intelligent but stubborn. This makes them difficult to train. If you are a first-time dog owner, you may want to invest in professional training for your Basset Griffon. If training begins when they are young, you’re more likely to end up with a well-trained and obedient dog.

Grooming ✂️

The Basset Griffon Vendeen is relatively easy to groom. Their thick, wiry coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair. They also need regular tooth brushing and nail clipping. Their only other grooming need is their ears: they are prone to infections if not kept clean and free from debris. You’ll want to check their ears frequently and clean them if you notice any buildup of wax.

Health and Conditions 🏥

While many Basset Griffons can live long, healthy lives, there are serious health problems that these dogs are prone to. Not all dogs will develop these problems, but you should still be aware of them and make sure you are taking your Basset Griffon to the vet for regular check-ups.

Minor Conditions

Serious Conditions

Male vs. Female

There aren’t known differences between male and female Basset Griffons. They are typically the same size, and both possess the friendly temperament that the breed is known for.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

1. They’re escape artists!

These cunning and curious dogs are masters of escape. If you own one, you’ll need to make sure you have a securely fenced yard to keep them from letting their noses lead them away from your house! Making sure they get enough exercise will help prevent boredom and a desire to roam.

2. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen was originally bred in France.

These dogs can be traced back to the 16th century in France, where they are believed to have been owned by King Louis XII. They are named for the Vendee region in France from which they came. They didn’t appear regularly in the United States until the 1990s.

3. They are actually hounds.

Although their wiry coats don’t closely resemble other hound dogs, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a part of the hound family. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and retain many traits of their hound ancestors, including the desire to follow their nose and chase prey.

Final Thoughts

If your family is active and has plenty of time to spend with canine companions, then the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen might be a good choice for you. These sweet-natured dogs are friendly and lovable. They adore attention and thrive in the company of their people and other dogs. As long as you can give them the exercise that they need, they will reward you with their love and affection.

• You may also want to read: Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Featured Image Credit: Sue Thatcher, Shutterstock