Through over 400 years of evolution, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen — affectionately known as the "GBGV" or "Grand" — is derived, like all bassets, from hounds of superior size, in this case the Grand Griffon. The rough translation of its French name is very descriptive of its appearance: "Large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendéen (a region of France)."
The tallest of the basset breeds, the Grand is built on long lines: the longest legs of the basset family, the longest body, longest ears, and a noble head. Fastest of all the scenthound bassets, tenacious, courageous, and a little stubborn, it is a rough-coated scent hound with an elongated, well-boned structure.
A Four-Hundred-Year Evolution
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was originally bred in the Vendée region of France sometime during the 16th century, one of the four Griffon Hounds developed over centuries. Its primary purpose was to help hunters track and take down game — despite their smaller stature, GBGVs were able to handle larger game, like boar and deer, in addition to smaller prey.
The first selections of the modern breed were made at the end of the 19th century by the Comte d'Elva, who was looking for subjects with "straight legs." But it was Paul Dezamy who was especially responsible for fixing the type. He understood that in order to catch a hare, dogs of a certain size were needed, and he fixed that size at about 43 cm (17 in).
For many years, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was interbred with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, and the two were considered a single breed — the Club du Basset Griffon Vendéen established the same breed standards for both. Eventually, in 1909, the club reassessed the breed standards and recognized the Grand and Petit as two distinctive breeds. Over a century later, in 2018, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was officially recognized as a member of the Hound Group by the American Kennel Club.
Today, used primarily when hunting with a gun, it is capable of hunting all furry game, from the rabbit to the wild boar, and a team of Grand Bassets won the fifth edition of the European Cup for hare.
Long, Low, and Shaggy
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a slightly elongated overall structure with straight forelegs and the structure of a basset — balanced and elegant, and must not resemble a small Briquet. While individual body parts may appear exaggerated, it is the length, width, and well-muscled qualities that afford the GBGV its free and easy gait at all paces.
Males stand 40 to 44 cm (15.5–17.5 in) at the withers and females 39 to 43 cm, weighing approximately 40 to 55 pounds. The coat is rough, scruffy, and shaggy — hard, not too long, and flat, never silky or woolly — with extra length around the eyes and chin, and a soft, thick undercoat. Colors are white with any combination of lemon, orange, sable, grizzle, or black markings, tricolor, or black-and-tan.
A Passionate Hunter, Independent Spirit
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is fast, well voiced, and a passionate hunter — courageous, loving bramble and scrub. It's a little stubborn but nevertheless well-behaved, and it is up to the master to take command. It is favored as a hunter, companion, and friend to those willing to take the time to nurture and appreciate the characteristics that make it a unique breed.
GBGVs have a happy and confident personality, which can sometimes manifest itself as disobedience. They are pack dogs, so owners should either spend a lot of time with them or get a second dog. Behind the dark eyes, an independent hunter thrives true to its natural instincts.
Exercise and Activity
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was originally bred as a working dog, so it has higher energy levels and exercise needs. Like all hounds, the GBGV loves to follow its nose, so a fenced-in backyard or large, enclosed exercise space is a must. The Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise per day, and although the GBGV is a smaller dog, they're not recommended for people who live in apartments or smaller spaces — if they aren't adequately exercised, they become bored and destructive.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for this energetic hound.
Training a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
The GBGV is stubborn and can be resistant to training efforts, especially if it's following its nose. Obedience training beginning in early puppyhood is vital. The FCI standard notes the GBGV must, from an early age, be accustomed to obeying; its training implies will and firmness, for which it will bear no grudge. With obedience training and patience, they can make great companions.
The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
The GBGV's rough, shaggy double coat needs daily brushing per the Kennel Club, though grooming needs are otherwise low-maintenance. The harsh outer coat and soft undercoat can hold dirt and debris, so regular attention keeps it tidy, plus the breed's long, drooping ears need regular cleaning.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times a week (daily during shedding season) | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a rough-coated hound.
Feeding a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
A Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As a long-backed breed, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important to avoid stress on the spine.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. A 2004 UK Kennel Club survey of Basset Griffon Vendéens (varieties combined) found an average longevity of 12.1 years, with a maximum of 17.3 years, and typical or somewhat higher than average life expectancy for breeds of similar size. Leading causes of death were cancer (33%), old age (24%), and cardiac (7%). The most common health issues noted by owners were reproductive, dermatologic, and aural — particularly ear infections, which their long, drooping ears invite.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The GBGV's sweet personality and relatively calm demeanor make it the perfect pick for an active family or owners with other dogs. As a pack dog, it thrives in households with multiple dogs. It's outgoing, sociable, and playful, good with children, and friendly with strangers — the Westminster Kennel Club rates it 5/5 for good with strangers.
However, they are notoriously noisy dogs and may bark frequently, and they need open space to run around in — a country home with a large garden is ideal. If you're weighing whether a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen means committing to a stubborn, independent, high-energy hound that loves to follow its nose, barks loudly and frequently, and needs more than two hours of exercise daily in a space where it can run. Obedience training from puppyhood is vital, and they're not suited to apartments or small spaces. If bored, they become destructive.
Yet for the right owner, the GBGV is incomparable — a noble, shaggy, passionate hunter that is equally a loyal, loving family companion.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Outgoing, sociable, and playful
- Loyal, loving, and friendly
- Ideal for active, outdoorsy families
- Great with other dogs — a true pack hound
- Low-maintenance grooming (daily brushing)
- Versatile hunter — rabbit to wild boar
Disadvantages
- Stubborn and difficult to train
- Loud, frequent barking
- High exercise requirements
- Not suited to apartments
- Long, drooping ears need regular cleaning
- Destructive when bored
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens get? Males 16–17 in; females 15–17 in; weight 40–55 lb.
How long do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens live? Typically 13 to 15 years.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens good family dogs? Yes — outgoing, sociable, and good with children.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens easy to train? Stubborn and independent — patience and firm training needed.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens good with other dogs? Excellent — they're pack dogs that thrive in multi-dog homes.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens good apartment dogs? No — they need space and plenty of exercise.
What were Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens bred to do? Hunt game from rabbit and hare to deer and wild boar.
Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens bark a lot? Yes — they are notoriously noisy and bark frequently.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens rare? Uncommon outside France and Europe.
Do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens shed much? They shed and need daily brushing.
Are Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens good with cats? With socialization, and they often do well with other pets.
What health problems do Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens have? Ear infections, dermatitis, and typical hound ailments.