Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen: temperament, size, care and health

About the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a low-set but longer-legged hound than most bassets, with a rough, tousled coat, a long head, a bushy beard and eyebrows, and long ears covered in hair. It stands about fifteen to seventeen inches tall and is built for working in thick, thorny brush. The coat is harsh and medium in length, white with patches of orange, lemon, black or tricolor. The name translates as large low rough-coated hound from the Vendée.

It was bred to hunt hare and also larger game such as deer and boar in the tough cover of western France. Compared with its smaller cousin the Petit, the Grand has more speed and a longer stride, with the same strong nose and deep voice. It is a rare breed outside France, kept by owners who like its goofy, kindly look and its relaxed nature.

Temperament and family life

The Grand Basset is friendly, amiable and curious. It likes people, usually greeting strangers without suspicion, and bonds closely to its family. It has an independent streak and can seem to be thinking about something else when asked to do a task. It is not a guard dog, though it will bay loudly at anything it finds interesting.

The breed is usually good with children, being sturdy, patient and playful. It gets along with most other dogs, being a pack hound. Small animals outdoors are likely to be pursued, but a hound raised with a cat often accepts it. It is a calmer dog than the Petit, especially indoors, but still needs company and should not be left alone for long periods, as separation can lead to howling and destruction.

Exercise and training

A Grand Basset needs a good daily walk and a chance to sniff and explore, preferably a longer weekend hike. It has more stamina than a Basset Hound and enjoys tracking, scent games and rally. Because it follows its nose, it needs a fenced yard or a leash, and recall should not be trusted. A bored dog digs and bays.

Training requires patience and rewards. The dog is smart but easily distracted, and it learns best from short, upbeat sessions. Harsh methods make it stubborn or sullen. House training can take some time, and a crate helps. Early socialization and manners are important, and a quiet cue is worth teaching, since the voice is a major part of the breed.

Grooming and shedding

The rough coat needs regular attention. Brush and comb two or three times a week, reaching down to the skin, with special care for the beard, ear hair and legs. Many owners have the coat hand-stripped or tidied by a groomer a few times a year to keep its texture and shape, and avoid clipping it very short. Shedding is light.

The long, hairy ears trap moisture and wax and should be cleaned often, with excess hair inside the ear checked by a vet or groomer. The beard picks up food and water. Nails need regular trimming.

Health

The Grand Basset is a relatively healthy breed, though its population is small. Concerns include ear infections, hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as glaucoma, hypothyroidism, bloat and, owing to the longer back, spinal disc problems. Weight control helps protect the back and joints. Breeders commonly screen hips, eyes and thyroid function. This is general information about the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the Vendée region of western France, where hunters bred rough-coated hounds for centuries. The Grand Basset was selected from the large Griffon Vendéen at the end of the nineteenth century, and the breeder Paul Dézamy did the most to fix its type. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 2018.

Is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen right for you?

A Grand Basset suits a relaxed but active family with a fenced yard, a taste for scent walks and a tolerance for bay, beard and shaggy coat. It is a poor match for those wanting a quiet, tidy or obedient dog.

The smaller Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is the closest relative. The smooth-coated Basset Hound has a lower build and slower pace, while the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a smaller French rough-coated cousin.