Large Vendeen Griffon Basset

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is the taller of the two Vendéen bassets — long-bodied, rough-coated and bred to hunt hare at a pace a walking hunter can follow.

History

It comes from the Vendée and was separated from the Petit in the middle of the twentieth century, when French breeders stopped interbreeding the two sizes. Its longer legs suit open country and larger game than the Petit's.

Temperament

The breed is known for being outgoing, willing and independent, happy in company and thoroughly committed once it has a line to follow.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and a secure garden. The harsh coat needs brushing and occasional stripping, and the long ears want routine checking. Recall requires realistic expectations.

Health

Known tendencies include ear infections and, in some lines, eye conditions and epilepsy. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.