Hound Group
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Champion Pedigree
Cheerful
Shaggy
Scent Hound
Developed in France’s Vendée region to hunt hare over rough, thorny terrain, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a long-legged, shaggy-coated scent hound larger than its short-legged Petit Basset cousin. Cheerful and pack-oriented, it retains a strong, independent hunting drive.
Lifespan
13–15 years.
Did You Know?
"Grand" and "Petit" Basset Griffon Vendéens are related but distinct breeds, separated primarily by leg length and overall size rather than being simply different sizes of the same dog.
Breed Traits
Size
15.5–17.5 in. tall, 40–44 lbs.
Energy Level
High — needs substantial daily exercise, ideally with scent work.
Coat & Grooming
Rough, shaggy double coat; low shedding but requires regular hand-stripping.
Good With Families
Cheerful and sociable, generally good with children and other dogs.
Registry Record
Also Known As
GBGV
Origin
The Vendée region of France.
Typical Litter Size
4 to 8 puppies.
Club Recognitions
AKC, FCI, KC (UK)
Disposition
Cheerful, independent, and pack-oriented; a strong scent drive means recall off-leash is unreliable once a trail is picked up.
Coat Colors
White with orange, black and tan, or tricolor markings.
Working Roles
Historically a hare-hunting scent hound in rugged French terrain; today primarily a companion and field-trial competitor.
Health & Wellness
Generally healthy, though ear infections and hip dysplasia are worth screening for given its build and long ears.
Notable Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens
French Hunting Heritage
Bred specifically to track hare through the thorny scrubland of the Vendée region.
Registry Newcomer
A relatively recent, still rare addition to major kennel club registries outside France.
Distinct From the Petit
Often confused with its shorter-legged Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen cousin, though the two are separate, standardized breeds.
Related Reading
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Gifts
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