Grand Griffon Vendéen

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is the largest of the four rough-coated hounds of the Vendée, and the one the other three were bred down from.

History

It hunted wolf and boar in the marshes and scrub of western France, where the harsh coat protected it in cover that would strip a smooth hound. As wolves disappeared French hunters wanted smaller dogs for smaller game, and the Briquet, the Grand Basset and the Petit Basset were each derived from it — which makes this the parent of a family the catalogue already held without its head.

Temperament

The breed is known for being independent, determined and enthusiastic, sociable in a pack and strong-willed with a handler — a serious hunting hound rather than a companion.

Care and training

It needs a very great deal of exercise and secure ground, because the nose overrules everything. The harsh coat needs brushing and occasional stripping.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with ear infections and bloat given the deep chest among the known concerns. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.