Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Description
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, or GBGV, is a sturdy hunting dog from France’s Vendée region. It’s the largest of the Griffon Vendeen family, with a long body and short legs built for tracking hare across rough ground. Their wiry, medium-length coat gives them a shaggy, rugged look, complete with bushy eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache. They weigh between 40 and 45 pounds, carrying their weight with surprising agility. GBGVs are friendly and easygoing with people and other pets. They have a sharp nose and a strong hunting drive, which can make them stubborn at times. Training takes patience and consistency. They like to follow scents and explore, so they need plenty of mental and physical work to stay happy and focused.
Grooming
The GBGV’s coat is wiry and double-layered, medium in length, and sheds very little. Dead hair tends to stick in the coat, so weekly carding is a must to keep it tidy and prevent mats. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid damaging the wiry texture. Every 8 to 12 weeks, handstripping is best to maintain the coat’s rough feel and vibrant colors, which range from black & tan to white & lemon and several other combos. Keep an eye on their beard and eyebrows for dirt buildup, especially after outdoor adventures. Their coat doesn’t change much with the seasons, so regular upkeep stays steady year-round. - Card coat weekly to remove dead hair - Use slicker brush lightly and carefully - Handstrip every 8–12 weeks to keep texture - Check beard and eyebrows for debris Pro tip: Handstripping yourself can save money and keeps the coat looking sharp, but if you’re new, ask a pro to show you the ropes first.
Learn the Wiry routine:
→ Complete Wiry Grooming Guide
Walking
GBGVs need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. They’re scent hounds, so walks should include time to sniff and explore. A simple stroll won’t cut it; they want to track and investigate. Start with a 40-minute morning walk that includes some off-leash time in a secure area for scent work and running. In the evening, take a 45-minute walk on leash through different terrain to keep their nose busy and muscles working. Example routine: - Morning: 40 minutes off-leash in a fenced trail for tracking - Evening: 45 minutes leash walk around varied neighborhood paths Keep the pace steady but allow pauses for sniffing. This breed thrives on mental stimulation as much as physical exercise.
Boarding
For boarding, a 36 to 42-inch crate fits the GBGV comfortably. They’re active but not hyper, so they benefit from two play sessions daily that include scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Staff should encourage interactive play and allow supervised sniffing breaks. They enjoy social time but can be independent, so handlers should watch for signs of boredom or frustration. Toys that challenge their tracking instincts work best. Quiet time in the crate helps them settle after activity. Staff notes: Be patient with their scent-driven focus. They may bark to alert or express curiosity, so consistent routines and plenty of enrichment keep them calm and happy during their stay.