Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 10 to 12 years. A suitable diet, good veterinary follow-up, a stable weight and regular activity help to preserve its condition for longer.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
A rustic and sturdy breed, the Grand Griffon Vendéen tolerates cold and outdoor conditions well when it is properly cared for. Its overall robustness does not rule out vigilance regarding the locomotor system, particularly in very active individuals.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No specific disease is systematically associated with the breed, but particular attention is still recommended for joint disorders observed in some large dogs. Drooping ears and the coat also require regular checking after outings in nature.
Hip dysplasia: Monitoring is recommended in this large active dog, especially during growth and in heavily worked individuals.
Elbow dysplasia: As in other large dogs, this joint condition can occur and warrants serious selection of breeding stock as well as locomotor monitoring.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Grand Griffon Vendéen tolerates cold and humidity well thanks to its dense undercoat and its rustic constitution. It copes more moderately with high heat and must then benefit from adjusted exertion, shade and fresh water.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This very active dog must maintain an athletic silhouette to limit overload on the joints. Rations must be adjusted according to the season, the intensity of exercise and hunting periods in order to avoid both excess and insufficient intake.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check the ears and coat after outings in nature.
- Monitor growth and weight to protect the joints.
- Maintain regular veterinary follow-up with a locomotor examination if needed.
Vaccination
Grand Griffon Vendéen vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Grand Griffon Vendéen need? Like all dogs, Grand Griffon Vendéens should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Grand 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 Grand 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 Grand 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 Grand Griffon Vendéen
Before breeding, request the relevant evaluations (hips, elbows, eyes, heart depending on the line) and a recent clinical examination. For a companion Grand Griffon Vendéen, an annual check-up with monitoring of weight, teeth and locomotion remains essential.
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.
