Grand Griffon Vendeen

Belonging to the hound variety of dog, the Basset Griffon Vendeen Grand, better known as GBGV, is a breed of dog that is extensively used for game and recreational hunting purposes even today. It is a fact that these dogs are very wild and loud in nature. They have a structurally medium sized body but can sound like a full grown, large canine. They have certain peculiar features that set them apart from other hounds; or other dogs in general. The most unique feature is its mustache and eyebrows that are very hairy.

With a life expectancy between 9-14 years, the bitches give an average litter of about four puppies. Both male and female hounds look alike and are built structurally same. Weighing around 18-20 kgs and growing an average of 39-45 inches, this breed is peculiar in a way that both the sexes have the same body measurements. This is a fact that is uncommon to most breed of dog. It is seen that this hound is a sturdy and tough one that’s has no known hereditary ailments. Most of the dogs are seen hale and hearty and live a fulfilled life. But, epilepsy seemed to be a concern amongst these dogs. But in recent years, due to selective breeding, diseases like epilepsy has reduced considerably.

Known to have originated in the western region of France, in a place called Vendee, this hound has got its long and sophisticated name owing to the place. It has been traced back to the late fifteen hundreds. The Griffon is noticed to be the bigger variety of the GBBV when com pared and contrasted with its other hound cousins. Requiring a minimum exercise of about two hours a day, the Griffon is seen as an active dog that can be jumpy in nature if not adequately trained. Ideal for a farm life or a life in a countryside, the Griffon are not stitched out for apartment living. They require space and can be quite demanding in nature. Generally great with kids and other pets, the Griffon can be a very noisy and loud dog that may require some supervision. A dog hardly ever known for exhibiting anger and aggression, this dog is a great family pet and can be easily trained. It enjoys a good game and also loves fetching. Very loyal and kind in nature, it could sometimes develop a constant need to please people around it.

Ranging from a white to yellow color, and having strips of brown and darker shades, the Griffon is an adorable playmate that is quite the attention seeker. Most of them require a regular groom with trimming. This is not applicable for dogs that participate in dog shows as one of the requirements there is a long hair variety of Griffon. The show dog category of Griffon also has other parameters that need to be fulfilled. For example, most of them look for a well balanced body with a long snout and ears so that they can be differentiated from the Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen. They also look for dogs that have the color white most predominantly. Such classifications allow people to differentiate show dogs from the ordinary four legged house pets and working dogs.