The Grand Griffon Vendeen was bred to be a pack-hunting hound for game like stag, wild boar, deer and fox. This French scenthound is very old (with ancestors from the 16th century) and is the largest of the four Griffon Vendeen breeds. This is a sociable, outgoing dog that doubles as a top-notch hunter. He requires an owner who can give him the extensive exercise he needs, as well as who understands the quirks of owning a scenthound (independent and prone to following their noses at even the most inopportune of times). While he can be a lot to handle, he can do well for an experienced owner that understand the work that needs to be put in!
The Grand Griffon is well known for his sense of smell, and he can use it to get himself into trouble by following a variety of interesting scents! Unlike the breeds utilized to work with people, the Grand Griffon is known for his “selective deafness” when he’s hot on the trail. This means he’s a much harder dog to train, especially for the novice owner who will likely end up frustrated. It is recommended to start early and make training fun, perhaps even incorporating scentwork into his training! This breed (like many breeds) does need a job to do and requires at least basic training and mental stimulation to keep him out of trouble. Dogs that are oftentimes bored can easily become diggers, chewers, problematic barkers, and/or otherwise destructive. Keep in mind that the breed is smart… but he is also willful and needs a firm owner who understands how to work with scenthounds.
Grand Griffons are a rare breed in America and not recognized by the AKC, although they are recognized by UKC and many of the registries overseas. With a magnificent appearance, affectionate nature and easygoing personality, this is somewhat of a “hidden gem” for those who have the energy to keep up! This said, they do have some downsides as mentioned above. In addition, as with many scenthounds, the Grand Griffon doesn’t always play nicely with small animals (other than dogs), due to their hunting nature. They also can be escape artists, usually due to them following their noses over or under the fence which means containment must be secure!
Grand Griffon Vendeens are normally gentle with children, great with other dogs, don’t tend to shed profusely nor need extensive grooming. With enough exercise, they are calm in the home. They can also be protective in extreme circumstances but are otherwise docile and non-aggressive. These traits, combined with their generally happy and friendly natures – even with strangers, can lead to them being a great family dog in the right setting! Right setting meaning experienced, active owners who ideally live in homes with large fenced yards.
The active Grand Griffon requires at least an hour a day of vigorous exercise. The workout is even better if it also features ways to engage the mind as well as the body, such as hunting (preferred), agility or canicross (cross country running). Overall this is an energetic and healthy breed with few health issues in general. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and patellar luxation have popped up in some lines but overall most individuals are vigorous and active for many years. The average life expectancy is 12-13 years.
The coat of the Grand Griffon Vendeen is an important physical trait. It should be medium in length, coarse and hard in texture, with a dense undercoat. There should be obvious eyebrows and moustache on the face. Colors include white/black, white/orange, black/tan, fawn with black overlay, tricolor – or what are called “traditional colors” of hare, badger, wolf or wild boar. Other features of this hound include being large and robust without being overly heavy, a deep chest, domed skull, low-set and long pendulous ears, a long muzzle, and a long tail carried in a sabre fashion.
Photo By Canarian; image editing Anka Friedrich