Description: Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Basset Griffon Vendeen, often known as the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV), is a small to medium-sized scent hound originally from France. This breed was developed for hunting small game such as rabbits; its name translates to 'low, rough-coated, Vendeen hound,' referencing its unique appearance and the region it comes from. Known for their cheerful and outgoing personalities, Basset Griffon Vendeens are friendly, affectionate, and social dogs that make excellent family companions. Despite their adorable, rough-coated appearance, they are energetic and tenacious hunters, and require regular exercise to stay fit and happy. They tend to be vocal and curious, making them good watchdogs, but their independent streak can sometimes be challenging for first-time dog owners. With proper training and regular grooming, the Basset Griffon Vendeen can be a loyal, playful, and loving addition to any home.
Basset Griffon Vendeen ratings
Properties
The Basset Griffon Vendeen, often affectionately called the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) depending on size, is a French breed of scent hound known for its lively spirit, distinct appearance, and keen nose. The breed originated in the Vendée region of France, where it was developed to hunt small game such as hares and rabbits through dense brush and rough terrain. With its elongated body, short legs, rough double coat, and expressive, large dark eyes, the Basset Griffon Vendeen is both charming and highly functional for its historical hunting purpose.
Physically, these dogs stand out due to their wiry, weather-resistant coats, which come in combinations of white with lemon, black, or grizzle patches. The rough texture of the coat provides protection in the undergrowth during hunts. Characteristic features include a pronounced beard, mustache, and bushy eyebrows, contributing to a somewhat comical yet dignified appearance. Their long, low-set ears and robust yet athletic build make them ideally suited for trailing scents over long distances.
Basset Griffon Vendeens are celebrated for their friendly, outgoing temperament. They are social dogs that thrive on companionship, both with humans and with other dogs. Being pack animals, they do not do well when left alone for extended periods, as loneliness can lead to anxiety or destructive behaviors. Their dynamic personalities make them excellent family pets, especially in households that can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. Despite their stubborn streak—a trait common in hounds—they are known to be affectionate and generally good with children.
In terms of intelligence and trainability, the breed is clever but sometimes strong-willed, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. Basset Griffon Vendeens have high energy levels for their size and need regular exercise to remain fit and happy. A bored Basset Griffon Vendeen may resort to digging and barking. Their keen sense of smell drives their natural instinct to follow scents, so a secure, fenced yard is necessary.
Health-wise, Basset Griffon Vendeens are generally robust, with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Owners should be mindful of potential health issues such as ear infections, which can result from their pendulous ears, as well as joint problems and obesity. Routine veterinary care and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining good health.
In summary, the Basset Griffon Vendeen is a lively, affectionate, and sociable breed that combines a rugged, functional exterior with a loving and playful personality. They excel as companions for active families or individuals who appreciate their hunting heritage and boisterous joie de vivre.
Appearance
The Basset Griffon Vendéen is a unique and charming breed known for its distinctively rustic and compact appearance. Originating from the Vendée region in France, this hound comes in two primary varieties: the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, both sharing many similar features but differing mainly in size.
The breed has a sturdy, well-proportioned body, slightly longer than it is tall, which contributes to its agility and endurance in the field. The legs of the Basset Griffon Vendéen are relatively short and strong, giving the dog its characteristic low-to-the-ground profile and facilitating its ability to navigate through dense underbrush during hunts. Despite their short legs, these dogs are remarkably nimble and athletic.
One of the most striking features of the Basset Griffon Vendéen is its rough, harsh double coat. The outer coat is coarse and wiry, designed to protect the dog from thorny vegetation, while the undercoat is dense and soft, providing insulation in various weather conditions. The coat tends to be of medium length, neither too curly nor too flat, and often looks somewhat unkempt, adding to the breed’s rustic, endearing charm.
The breed’s facial appearance is particularly expressive. It sports pronounced, bushy eyebrows, a distinctive beard, and mustache, all of which contribute to a wise and thoughtful look. The dark, large, oval eyes convey an alert and intelligent expression, while the long, supple ears are set low, framing the face and hanging gracefully. The ears have a slight inward roll, emphasizing the breed’s sweet and gentle demeanor.
Basset Griffon Vendéens come in a variety of color combinations, usually featuring a base of white fur with patches of lemon, orange, tricolor (black, white, and tan), sable, or grizzle. Their tails are set high and carried gaily, often with a little curve and a thick brush of hair.
Overall, the Basset Griffon Vendéen embodies a look of robust elegance, blending traditional hunting dog features with a certain playful ruggedness. This unique blend of physical traits makes the breed both visually distinctive and highly capable in its historical role as a scent hound.
History
The Basset Griffon Vendéen, also known as the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen depending on size, is a breed that originates from the Vendée region of western France. Its history dates back several centuries and is closely tied to the unique hunting traditions and landscapes of the region. The name itself breaks down into 'Basset' for 'low-set' or 'dwarf', 'Griffon' denoting its rough-coated appearance, and 'Vendéen' indicating its geographic origin.
These dogs were bred to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares, and sometimes larger game like deer and boar, due to their exceptional scenting abilities, tenacity, and stamina. The breed's lineage can be traced to ancient French hounds, especially the large Griffon Vendéen hounds, from which smaller, more agile variations were developed specifically to navigate the dense brush and rugged terrain of the Vendée. The selection for shorter legs and wiry coats made them particularly well-suited for working in undergrowth and brambles where larger dogs would struggle.
The Basset Griffon Vendéen became popular among local hunters, valued for their endurance, independent thinking, and vocal nature—traits that made them highly effective in a pack. The breed’s development spanned the 16th through 19th centuries, with breeders focusing on creating dogs with not only scenting prowess but also sociable temperaments and resilience. Over time, breeders separated the dogs based on size: the larger Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the smaller Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, each suited to different types of game.
The French Kennel Club officially recognized the breed toward the end of the 19th century, and the distinction between the Grand and Petit types became more formalized in the 20th century. Eventually, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and other international kennel clubs also recognized both variants. Today, the Basset Griffon Vendéen is known worldwide, cherished both as a skilled hunting dog and a companion animal, admired for its cheerful personality, intelligence, and distinctive rustic appearance. Despite its international popularity, it still carries the rustic charm and spirit of the French countryside from which it originates.