Orlovia
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen combines a whole bunch of them in its breed name. “Vendéen”, the department on the Atlantic coast in western France, stands for the scenic homeland of the dog, while “Griffon” describes the rough hair of the four-legged friend.
Characteristics Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
- FCI Standard No. 33
- Origin: France
- Height at the withers: Males: 40-44 cm | Bitches: 39-43 cm
- Colors: Black & Tan, Tri-Tone, Black & White, Lemon & White, Orange & White, Fawn & Black
- hunting instinct
- good guard dog with protective instincts
- stubborn, loud
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Once again, the French are generous when it comes to giving a dog breed a well-sounding name. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen. This collective term includes different hunting dogs and hounds. They are used when hunting rabbits, wolves, or wild boars. The short-legged variant of French hunting dog breeds with the appearance of disheveled mongrels has been described as a basset hound since the 15th century.
Further differentiated according to Petit Basset and Grand Basset – with meanwhile different FCI standards. For the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, this is shown in the standard number 33. Grand (meaning big) corresponds to a height at the withers of 40 to 44 centimeters with a bodyweight of up to 25 kilograms. Bitches remain marginally below this.
Fur
The elongated body wears a medium-length rough coat of fur with two- or three-colored hair. The basic color white and different colored markings are common to all, including brown and gray tones such as black and orange parts. Furthermore, the low-set, thin, narrow ears and the bushy fringes over the large, dark eyes are striking.
Caring for the coat is hardly a challenge for the dog owner. Regular combing and brushing are usually sufficient, sometimes trimming may be indicated. Well protected like this, even thorny hedges are no obstacle for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. Enduring and with excellent track work, the dog was and is an excellent hunting companion.
Origin
In its native country, the breed has a long, if poorly documented, history. The robust pack dogs received royal approval up to the French Revolution, after which they were on the brink of extinction. Dedicated breeders save the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen from this. In France, it is still popular today and is kept in packs as a hunting dog. He also accompanies hunters on rifle hunts. Relatively unknown and in smaller numbers, he lives in Germany as a family and companion dog.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Creature
Children, in particular, value him for his charm and never-ending ingenuity. The dog, for its part, is very family-related and seeks closeness and participation in all activities. He behaves alert and shows a moderate protective instinct. Foreigners are accepted after a thorough examination. The same applies to conspecifics and other animal roommates, a good prerequisite if the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen will live with other dogs.
The proverbial long leash, like freewheeling in fields and fields, requires solid preparation. Outgrown as a puppy and slowly introduced to longer distances, the Frenchman joins joggers and cyclists with great enthusiasm. Exercise is an absolute must for the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen to experience a happy and well-balanced dog in the home.
Walks with plenty of time for intensive sniffing work to achieve the minimum of this. Outdoors he is full of energy, showing it with his bells and sometimes appearing a bit stubborn. The tireless hare hunter lives his hunting instinct if he doesn’t keep an eye on the dog at all times.
Having a lot of understanding of the peculiarities of this breed is an important criterion for the attitude of the self-confident four-legged friend. From an early age, he demands goodness and consistency in his upbringing. Not an easy task for a novice dog, especially since the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen knows how to take advantage of human weaknesses. However, edible rewards do an excellent job of persuading and motivating the animal.