The Grand Griffon Vendéen: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The origins of the Grand Griffon Vendéen are ancient. This breed descends from the Grand Vendéen, itself derived from the old French hunting dogs, with contributions from the Gris de Saint-Louis and the Griffon de Bresse. It was selected for big game hunting, in a pack as well as in more individual work thanks to its fineness of nose and its endurance.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a large-sized scenthound, elegant, robust and well proportioned without heaviness. Its body is solid and harmonious, with a chest let down to the elbows, a straight back, a rather long head and supple ears set low. Its coat is long without excess, harsh, sometimes bushy, with a dense undercoat and pronounced eyebrows. The coat colour can notably be sable with black overlay, fawn and white, black and tan or black mottled with white.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is an enthusiastic, diligent and courageous dog, above all focused on hunting. Pleasant on a daily basis with its family, it nevertheless retains the temperament of a scenthound, independent at times and highly motivated by scents and pursuit.

This dog needs long, frequent outings and a spacious living environment to thrive. It enjoys family life, but remains more comfortable in a house with a large fenced yard, ideally in the countryside. Its hunting instinct drives it to explore, follow trails and cover long distances.

The training of the Grand Griffon Vendéen must be early, consistent and firm without brutality. Recall must be worked on very early, because its sense of smell and its chasing instinct can easily take over outdoors. Serious socialization and regular exercises promote a balanced and cooperative dog.

The purchase price of the Grand Griffon Vendéen generally remains moderate given its size and specialization. The overall budget should above all include routine maintenance, food, veterinary follow-up and expenses related to an active life.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is overall a robust dog, well equipped for life outdoors and bad weather thanks to its thick coat. Like many large active dogs, it deserves careful joint monitoring throughout its growth and adult life.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen needs a balanced, good-quality diet adapted to its size, age and activity level. During periods of sustained effort, its energy needs may increase and the ration must be adjusted accordingly.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a breed whose history and standard deserve to be known before acquisition, in order to choose a breeding kennel consistent with the intended use.