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Breed Characteristics
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Grand Griffon Vendeen
| Other Names | Large Vendéen Griffon |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Weight | 66 - 77 lbs. (30 - 35 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 24.5 - 27 in. (62 - 68 cm) Females: 23.5 - 25.5 in. (60 - 65 cm) |
| Coat | Double coat with long, possibly bushy and harsh outercoat with dense undercoat. |
| Colour | Black and white, black and tan, black with light tan markings, white and orange, tricolour |
| Litter Size | 6–10 puppies; average 7 |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | It existed as early as the 16th Century, and was the first of the Vendée griffons to be bred. It is a descendant of the Canis Segusius used by the Gauls, through the so-called King's whites and the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, which is also an ancestor of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. |
| Personality | The Grand is a passionate hunter with stamina and fortitude. It should be able to pick up a cold trail as well as a hot one. Like its close relations the other vendeen hounds, the Grand relishes its time outdoors with its family. While they are not high-strung, they are lively and enthusiastic dogs. Bred to work in packs as well as on their own, they get along well with other dogs and are not overly possessive about anything. They are fine companion for children. Griffons do not particularly take to being told what to do. They do not mind being cajoled, bribed, or played with- and if these things lead them to do something their owner likes, then everyone is happy |
Care Requirements
| Health | Generally a quite hardy breed, the Grand Griffon Vendeen has a few special medical conditions to be aware of: •Collie Eye Anomaly: can cause blindness, but is not a progressive disease •Epilepsy: a neurological seizure disorder. There is no test for this. •Deafness: Congenital Deafness can be a problem. •Hypothyroidism: dietary imbalances may contribute to this problem •Food and skin Allergies: these dogs are fairly light in weight and attention to their Diet is required |
| Grooming | The tousled appearance of the Griffon comes naturally, and any trimming is highly discouraged. Its double coat must be brushed and combed. The burrs and mud it picks up in its travels need to be brushed off its legs and belly. Its long ears can harbor infection and should be cleaned regularly. |
| Exercise | All the Griffons are keen hunters with strong instincts. They thrive on being able to follow their noses at least once a day. Provided with a large, safe area in which to sniff and explore to its heart's content, a Grand will be a very happy dog- even if it is just once a week. Short of hunting opportunities, Griffons must have time outdoors. Long walks are most appreciated- bred as hunting dogs, they do not tire easily. |
| Other Considerations | The Grand Griffon Vendeen adapts to city life very easily and will fit into an urban environment at a very early age. These dogs make good apartment dogs and fare well in small houses or households. They do not need to be chained up all day, as they require a steady amount of exercise to stay healthy, alert, and attentive. They enjoy staying in a kennel but will require some freedom to roam on occasion. These dogs can become particularly destructive if they are housebound for extended periods of time. They are compact, vivacious, and bold and constantly seeking adventure. As a result, they can become depressed or listless if they are not given an appropriate amount of attention. |
