Overview
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a big, rough-coated scenthound from western France, descended from the old Greffier lineage. It is the oldest and largest of the Vendée griffons and was built to hunt in packs across rugged, brushy terrain.
It is a hardy, independent worker with a keen nose and a lot of stamina, and it is happiest with space and a purpose.
History
The breed traces to the Greffier, a hound line going back to the 16th century. It was the first of the Vendée griffons developed from that stock, and smaller relatives such as the Briquet and the Basset Griffons were later bred from it.
It was used to hunt hare, roe deer and wild boar in packs, and it remains mostly a hunter's hound.
Appearance
A large, rangy hound standing about 62 to 68 cm in males and 60 to 65 cm in females. The head is well domed with a moustache and eyebrows, and the coat is long, harsh and shaggy over a dense undercoat. Colours include white and orange, fawn, black and tan, and grizzle shades traditionally named for hare, wolf, boar and badger.
Temperament
Bold, friendly and independent, with the single-mindedness of a pack hound. It is usually good with people and other dogs, but it follows scent first and obedience second.
Care and exercise
Needs lots of exercise and room to run, ideally with scent work or hunting. Brush the rough coat weekly and tidy the beard and ears. A secure fence matters because it will follow a trail.
Health
Generally hardy. Like other large hounds with drop ears, it can be prone to ear infections and, as a deep-chested breed, to bloat.
