Discover Everything About Grand Griffon Vendéen
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Grand Griffon Vendéen overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is considered a robust French hunting breed with solid overall health, although there are few mandatory breed-specific health tests. As with many large scent hounds, buyers should primarily be aware of hip dysplasia (HD) and the risk of life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Additionally, their long, floppy ears are prone to painful ear infections (otitis externa), making regular grooming and care essential.
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Height
60–68 cm
Weight
28–35 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: hard, dense, wiry, medium-length, with undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- All colors are allowed
- hard
- dense
- wiry
- medium length
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Grand Griffon Vendéen, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Grand Griffon Vendéen right for you?
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a robust, headstrong, and vocal hunter—bred as a large pack hound capable of tracking big game through rough brush for hours on end. His indomitable will and his nose are his operating system, not a desire to please you.
Perfect for you if:
- You are prepared to work intensively with your dog's nose; for this passionate seeker, mantrailing or tracking is not just a hobby, but a fundamental need.
- You live in a rural area, ideally with an escape-proof garden where a deep, far-reaching hunting bay won't drive your neighbors up the wall.
- You perhaps already have a confident first dog, as this classic pack hound greatly appreciates canine company and dislikes being left completely alone.
- You bring patience and humor to training and value your dog's independent decision-making rather than demanding absolute obedience.
Less ideal if:
- You expect to be able to easily recall him from a fresh wild boar track during a forest walk—he was selectively bred to follow that exact scent loudly and persistently.
- You live in a thin-walled city apartment and are looking for a quiet, inconspicuous companion for everyday life.
- You want a dog that shines in agility or obedience and attentively mirrors your every move.
- You have an extreme sense of cleanliness—his rough, wiry coat inevitably brings nature, dirt, and burrs into the house.
The real vibes check
A Grand Griffon Vendéen on a fresh track is like a freight train without brakes—he has a clear goal in front of his nose, and your calls become nothing more than soft background music to him. You aren't getting an attentive command-follower, but a rustic, self-confident specialist. If you respect his rough exterior and his hunting independence, you will gain an unwavering companion with real character.
Breed Profile
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is an impressive French scent hound breed that belongs to FCI Group 6, Section 1. Originally, it was bred for hunting large game such as wild boars and deer. Its appearance is characterized by a robust, muscular body, a bushy, wiry coat, and a distinctive, expressive head with long, hanging ears. The Grand Griffon Vendéen is known for its endurance, strong sense of smell, and independent character. Despite its hunting passion, it is a loyal and affectionate companion that requires consistent training and sufficient exercise. Within the breed, there are slight differences in coat texture and size, which can vary depending on the bloodline.
| Height | 60 - 65 cm (Female), 62 - 68 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 28 - 33 kg (Female), 30 - 35 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 13 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, alert, high hunting drive, independent |
| Coat | hard, dense, wiry, medium-length, with undercoat |
| Coat Color | All colors are allowed; hard, dense, wiry, medium length |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € |
History
The history of the Grand Griffon Vendéen dates back to the 16th century and originates from the Vendée region in western France. Originally, this large, robust hound breed was bred for hunting wild boar and other large game. With their keen sense of smell, endurance, and courageous nature, they were indispensable companions to French hunters. Over the centuries, the Grand Griffon Vendéen was selectively developed to perfect its abilities as a versatile hunting dog. Today, the breed is considered a living heritage of the French hunting tradition and is valued both as a hunting and family dog.
Originally bred to hunt deer and wild boar, the Grand Griffon Vendéen is known for its toughness and independent nature.
France
1500
Character & Temperament
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a large, robust, and lively hunting dog with a keen sense of smell and natural endurance. It is characterized by its friendly and balanced temperament, but at the same time very independent and self-confident. This combination makes it a reliable companion who excels both in family life and in hunting. Its high enthusiasm for work and strong hunting drive require consistent but loving training as well as sufficient physical and mental exercise. The Grand Griffon Vendéen loves to use its nose and is especially suitable for tracking, pursuing even difficult trails with great endurance. Despite its strong hunting instinct, it is generally good with other dogs and shows a family-friendly nature. Due to its size and need for movement, it requires plenty of exercise and varied activities to remain balanced. It enjoys learning but can sometimes be stubborn due to its independent nature, so patience and consistency in training are important. The Grand Griffon Vendéen is not a typical guard dog but shows natural alertness through its presence and confident demeanor. Overall, the Grand Griffon Vendéen is a loyal, lively, and intelligent dog, particularly suitable for active people who can provide both physical and mental challenges.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Grand Griffon Vendéen: The Grand Griffon Vendéen is one of the oldest French hound breeds and impresses with its shaggy coat and tireless hunting instinct. Originally bred for wild boar hunting, it combines endurance and courage – a true adventurer on four paws!
What Awaits You
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a robust and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell. It is characterized by its friendly and balanced nature but requires consistent training and sufficient exercise. This breed is especially suitable for active families and hunters looking for a reliable companion in the field.
Housing & Care
Grand Griffon Vendéen are lively and confident dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are very enduring and love to explore their surroundings with their keen nose. Due to their hunting drive, they should be well trained and consistently managed. Grand Griffon Vendéen are friendly and affectionate towards their family but also show a certain independence. They are well suited for active people or families who spend a lot of time outdoors. They are usually patient and tolerant with children, but caution is advised with small children, as the dog can unintentionally be rough due to its size and energy. They are generally compatible with other dogs but should be socialized early to ensure harmonious coexistence.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is an independent and enduring hunting dog that requires consistent and patient training. Compared to Labradors or German Shepherds, it often shows a certain independence, which is why training should start early and be clearly structured. Positive reinforcement and varied activities are important to keep its motivation high. The Grand Griffon Vendéen loves to use its nose, so search and tracking work are particularly suitable to mentally stimulate it. As with the German Shepherd, it is important to promote frustration tolerance and practice impulse control, as otherwise it can react stubbornly or willfully. Good socialization and a trusting bond with the owner are essential to channel the hunting instinct in controlled ways. In training, one should be patient and ensure calm but consistent leadership. Overstrain or too much pressure quickly lead to frustration or disinterest. The Grand Griffon Vendéen is not a dog for beginners, but with the right support, it becomes a reliable and dedicated companion who wants to be challenged both mentally and physically.
Nutrition & Care
The Grand Griffon Vendéen requires a balanced diet that supports its active and strong body. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to maintain its musculature and meet its energy needs. Be careful to avoid overweight, as this can strain the joints. The coat of the Grand Griffon Vendéen is rough and dense with a light undercoat that protects it from the weather. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, helps keep the coat clean and healthy and removes loose hair. Especially during the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, more intensive brushing is recommended to prevent matting and hair buildup. The Grand Griffon Vendéen is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and activity are important to promote its natural hunting instinct and endurance.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is considered a robust French hunting breed with solid overall health, although there are few mandatory breed-specific health tests. As with many large scent hounds, buyers should primarily be aware of hip dysplasia (HD) and the risk of life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Additionally, their long, floppy ears are prone to painful ear infections (otitis externa), making regular grooming and care essential.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check and clean his long, pendulous ears and ensure he is raised in a way that is gentle on his joints to prevent future problems.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, and eyes of the parent animals tested and study the pedigrees closely to reduce the risk of neurological conditions like epilepsy in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Grand Griffon Vendéen
Katrin S., Halterin aus NRW (Rüde Nicky, seit 2006)
Nicky ist ein echtes Fellmonster, aber die Pflege seines rauen Haarkleids treibt mich regelmäßig in den Wahnsinn. Er produziert Filzklumpen in einer Geschwindigkeit, dass man fast dabei zusehen kann – besonders schlimm ist es rund um den Kopf und am Hals. Da der Vorbesitzer beim Bürsten wohl sehr unsanft vorgegangen ist, war Nicky anfangs extrem traumatisiert und ist schon beim bloßen Anblick des Kammes drei Meter zurückgewichen.
Da er Fremden gegenüber ohnehin sehr ängstlich und misstrauisch ist, kommt ein professioneller Hundesalon für uns gar nicht infrage. Mit unendlich viel Geduld, vorsichtigem Herausschneiden der schlimmsten Verfilzungen und sanftem Bürsten habe ich es geschafft, dass er mir vertraut. Trotzdem bleibt er im Kopfbereich extrem zimperlich. Das regelmäßige Trimmen beziehungsweise Zupfen des Fells, das für diese Rasse eigentlich empfohlen wird, tut ihm leider schnell weh, weshalb wir hier einen sehr behutsamen Weg finden mussten.
Jochen M., Jäger aus der Eifel (Hündin, seit 2021)
Als leidenschaftlicher Jäger kann ich nur sagen: In seinem Element ist dieser Hund ein absoluter Traum. Meine Hündin besitzt eine außergewöhnlich feine Nase und einen wunderschönen, tiefen Spurlaut, mit dem sie im dichten Unterholz zuverlässig arbeitet. Sie ist eine waschechte französische Laufhündin, extrem robust und absolut wetterfest. Auf der Fährte ist sie ein kleiner Teufel – hochgradig fokussiert, eigenständig und manchmal auch extrem dickköpfig.
Man darf nicht vergessen, dass diese Rasse für die selbstständige Arbeit gezüchtet wurde. Sie trifft im Zweifel ihre eigenen Entscheidungen, was eine sehr konsequente und erfahrene Führung verlangt. Sobald wir aber wieder zu Hause sind, verwandelt sie sich komplett. Sie ist dann ein absolut anhänglicher, sanfter und ruhiger 'Engel', der die Nähe der Familie sucht. Ein absolut ausbruchsicher eingezäunter Garten ist bei uns allerdings Pflicht, denn jede offene Pforte wird sofort für einen Ausflug auf eigene Faust genutzt.
Sabine T., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2022)
Wir führen keinen Jagdbetrieb, weshalb die Haltung unseres Rüden eine echte Lebensaufgabe ist. Ein Grand Griffon Vendéen ist definitiv kein Hund für Stubenhocker oder eine kleine Stadtwohnung. Er hat einen enormen Bewegungsdrang und eine Ausdauer, die schier grenzenlos scheint. Da wir ihn wegen seines extrem stark ausgeprägten Jagdtriebs beim Spazierengehen so gut wie nie von der Leine lassen können, flitzt er primär in unserem großen, sicher eingezäunten Garten herum.
Um ihn geistig auszulasten und seiner exzellenten Nase gerecht zu werden, machen wir mehrmals pro Woche Mantrailing und intensive Nasenarbeit. Dabei zeigt sich seine bemerkenswerte Intelligenz, aber auch sein Eigensinn: Wenn er eine Fährte hat, schaltet er komplett auf stur und blendet alles andere aus. Wer sich diese Rasse ins Haus holt, muss bereit sein, täglich mehrere Stunden in die körperliche und geistige Beschäftigung zu investieren – sonst sucht sich der Hund ganz schnell eigene, oft zerstörerische Beschäftigungen.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Grand Griffon Vendéen
Is a Grand Griffon Vendéen the right dog for me?
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Grand Griffon Vendéen live?
The average life expectancy of a Grand Griffon Vendéen is 10-13 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Grand Griffon Vendéen need?
Grand Griffon Vendéen grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Grand Griffon Vendéen good for families with children?
The Grand Griffon Vendéen can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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