Apparent from its name, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a breed with French origins. It has incredible features that are sure to capture the attention of many dog lovers. One of its main traits is its keen sense of smell, which makes it effective in the field; along with fine hunting skills, the GBGV is a clear definition of a scenthound.
Moreover, the GBGV holds more excellent qualities than just its superior nose. It has a sweet nature, always making sure to bring a smile to its owner’s face. Overall, the GBGV is a remarkable dog to own if you are looking for an interesting family companion.
In this article, we are going to look into the origins and characteristics of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, as well as ways on how to take care of it.
Origins of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
We can trace back the origins of the Grand Basset to hundreds of years ago, wherein its Griffon ancestors underwent years of development to produce the GBGV, as well as other hounds related to it.
These dogs have distinct qualities, which makes them unique in one way or another. One thing is certain in the creation of these breeds; they are products of adapting various terrains, making them suitable in tough environments. With this said, we would already have a brief idea of the GBGV’s place of origin: the rocky region of Vendée. This place is known for its harsh environment; it is full of various elements, such as rocks and thorns. Such an environment would require not just any ordinary dog, but a breed that is equipped with elements enough to handle the rough terrain. As expected, the GBGV fits perfectly for the job.
For years, breeders and hunters admired the GBGV for its outstanding work in the rocky region. Over the years, breeders developed the breed’s characteristics to be more capable of living in the place; it became tougher and was equipped with shorter legs for easier movement. Their work led to the creation of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen that we know today.
Characteristics of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Height: 15.5 – 18 inches
Weight: 40 – 45 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 – 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized breed that could stand up to eighteen inches tall and weighs up to forty-five pounds. Along with its medium-sized body are short legs. However, don’t be deceived by its low-setting; this dog is known for its incredibly agile and sturdy body.
Covering its athletic physique is a beautiful dense coat, which serves as its protection against the harsh elements outside. Its coat is not limited to its body, but it also covers the dog’s face: mustache, beard, eyebrows, and ears. Its eyes express this breed’s affectionate and happy nature.
Moreover, its appearance pretty much showcases this breed’s adorable nature. Many dog breeders admire the GBGV for its outgoing and independent personality. Besides its efficiency on the field, this breed gains recognition for its friendliness, especially towards its family. This feature makes it suitable for working as a guard dog since it is also good at identifying threats.
Interestingly, the GBGV proves its capability on the field. Its short body does not hinder it from showcasing its greatness on the field. As mentioned earlier, it is agile and powerful, but another trait that makes this breed interesting is its tirelessness. As expected from a dog that is developed in a rough environment, the GBGV clearly defines how it is capable of working in such terrains. It is strong physically and mentally; it also has exceptional stamina. Its stamina is one of its main assets, wherein it could work for hours without tiring easily. Last but not least, the GBGV possesses an excellent trait, which makes it shine among other breeds. It is known for its keen sense of smell, allowing it to track down scents easily; this ability is useful in various jobs requiring searching for targets.
With all these features in place, we can say that the GBGV is indeed one breed that is built for greatness. It is a remarkable dog that works best in different jobs, be it hunting, guarding, herding, and so on. Furthermore, this breed is not only an outstanding worker, but it also proves to be an excellent family companion.