Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. Regular activity, an appropriate diet and veterinary follow-up help preserve its condition over the years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is considered hardy and robust, with good overall resistance. Its solid build and protective coat help it to move about on difficult terrain and in bad weather.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Certain conditions deserve special attention and justify veterinary monitoring, especially in an active dog regularly exposed to natural terrain.
Hip dysplasia: A malformation of the coxofemoral joint that can cause pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Deafness: A reduction or absence of hearing that may be congenital or acquired and requires an appropriate evaluation.
Epilepsy: Recurrent neurological seizures that require a veterinary diagnosis and, if necessary, long-term treatment.
Hypothyroidism: A hormonal deficiency that may manifest as fatigue, weight gain, and coat changes.
Allergies: Occasional skin or digestive reactions requiring identification of the triggering factor.
Otitis: Drooping, hairy ears must be monitored, especially after outings in the forest or in the countryside.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its thick undercoat and long coat offer it fairly good protection against cold and bad weather. Its tolerance to heat is average: in hot weather, exertion should be shifted to cooler hours and access to shade and water must be permanent.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
His tendency to gain weight is rather low when he maintains sufficient activity. The ration must nevertheless be adjusted to his age, his size and his level of exercise, with regular monitoring of body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips checked according to veterinary recommendations.
- Inspect the ears after outings in the forest or in the countryside.
- Regularly examine the eyes and the skin.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Consult in case of lameness, a seizure, decreased hearing, or unusual fatigue.
Vaccination
Briquet Griffon Vendéen vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Briquet Griffon Vendéen need? Like all dogs, Briquet Griffon Vendéens should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Briquet Griffon Vendéen vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Briquet Griffon Vendéen booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Briquet Griffon Vendéen need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Briquet Griffon Vendéen
A hip screening is recommended in order to look for dysplasia. Veterinary follow-up may also include a check of hearing, the ears and thyroid function depending on the history and the signs observed.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
