Basset Griffon Vendeen

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN France

MOST SUITED AS Hound (pack hound for hunting wild game) and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder-height of the smaller or Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is 34 - 38cm (13½ - 15in) and 39 - 44cm (15 - 16in) for the larger or Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.

COAT
The rough-haired coat is hard, long without exaggeration and harsh to the touch, giving an unkempt look. They are either two-coloured, or three-coloured. The two colours are white with any combination of lemon, orange, black, sable or grizzle; and the combi¬nation of white with any two of the other colours provides easy visibility in the field

CARE REQUIRED
The coat requires regular grooming with brush and comb. Keep the ears, and especially the ear passages, clean. File claws that become too long and clip any hair that becomes too long between the pads of the feet to prevent tangles between the toes which could trap thorns or such like. Tidy up around the edges of the feet with a stripping knife. Also check for knots that appear under armpits and on the stomach area. This needs doing regularly, every two or three months at least If you wish to show the dog, the neck should be emphasized by removing more hair from this area.

If you wish to show your dog, look at the breed standard and see what areas of the dog can be enhanced by removal of excess hair. For example the breed standard requires the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendéen to have ears that reach just to the end of the nose and not beyond and a medium length tail. The appearance of both ears and tail can be improved by removal of excess hair from around the edges and tip. DO NOT USE SCISSORS but either hand strip or use a stripping knife.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

CHARACTER
These are high-spirited, lively, sociable, loving and sensitive dogs, that are clever, with an independent nature bit of a mind of their own.

TRAINING
As these are scenthounds bred to hunt game there is little point cherishing the idea of turning one into the perfect dog. With the right approach, and with patience it is possible to train to an extent, in fact some people do agility and obedience quite successfully with them.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Dogs, pets, children, and visitors are all accep¬ted without problem as if the dog's motto were "the more the merrier."

EXERCISE
Because these hounds need substantial amounts of exercise, it is necessary to take them for long walks regularly. In France they are hunted in packs. The larger Grand Bassett Griffon Vendéen is used to hunt for hares and roe deer, while the smaller Petit is used for rabbit hunts. They usually adapt well to becoming family pets.

Image of Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and re-written breed infomration greatfully received from