Discover Everything About Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is generally a robust breed, but it is rated with a B grade due to a few known hereditary risks. You should pay particular attention to the risk of epilepsy and eye conditions such as Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM). Since mandatory health tests exist for these conditions, you can effectively minimize the risk when buying a puppy by choosing a responsible breeder.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
39–44 cm
Weight
18–22 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Rough, medium length, dense
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Various combinations of black
- white
- orange
- sable
- tricolor
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, 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 Basset Griffon Vendeen right for you?
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a robust, stubborn, and cheerful Frenchman—a wire-haired, low-slung pack hound bred to hunt for hours, tracking game through impenetrable thorn thickets.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive scent work, tracking, or mantrailing—simple walks won't satisfy this passionate hunter.
- You spend a lot of time in nature and don't mind using a long training leash in the woods.
- You take his charming stubbornness with a sense of humor and practice consistency without harshness.
- You are looking for a sociable, pack-oriented dog who is equally happy to see other dogs and people.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to have perfect recall in the woods at all times—he was bred to independently follow a trail and bay, not to keep an eye on you.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls and noise-sensitive neighbors—he loves to express his hunting passion with a loud voice.
- You are looking for a dog that won't track dirt into the house—his rough coat is a magnet for burrs, mud, and brush.
- You have to leave him alone often and for long periods, as pack hounds are genetically wired for constant companionship.
The real vibes check
A Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is not a classic follower of commands, but an independent forest worker in a shaggy coat. When he picks up a scent in the bushes, his brain switches to autopilot and your calls become background music. You aren't getting a dog that hangs on your every word, but a humorous, enduring buddy with whom every walk becomes a little expedition.
Breed Profile
The Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en, often simply called Grand Basset, is a medium-sized dog with an elegant yet robust build. With long ears that reach almost to the tip of his nose and bushy eyebrows, he has an expressive facial expression that is often described as melancholic. His coat is rough and slightly longer than that of many other dog breeds, giving him a distinctive appearance. He belongs to FCI Group 6, Section 1.3, and is classified as Classified as a hunting dog, it was originally bred for hunting, particularly rabbit hunting. There is no distinction between performance and show lines, but it is important to note that the Grand Basset has a keen sense of smell and a natural hunting instinct.
| Height | 39 - 43 cm (Female), 40 - 44 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 20 kg (Female), 20 - 22 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Lively, confident, friendly |
| Coat | Rough, medium length, dense |
| Coat Color | Various combinations of black, white, orange, sable, sable and tricolor |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € |
History
The Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en comes from the Vend"e region in western France. He belongs to the Basset Hound family and has a long history as a hunting dog. Its roots date back to the 16th century, but the modern Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en as we know it today was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. French breeder Paul Dezamy played a crucial role in shaping the breed. He purposefully bred dogs that were larger and faster than their ancestors to better meet the needs of modern hunters. The F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en as a separate breed in 1954. It has since become popular in Europe and other parts of the world, both as a hunting dog and as a family companion dog.
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was bred to hunt rabbits and other small game, known for its endurance and rough coat.
France
1800
Character & Temperament
The Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en is an energetic and lively dog. His friendly nature and lovable personality make him a wonderful companion. But don't forget that he also has the heart of an adventurer! His history as a hunting dog has given him a strong sense of smell and a natural curiosity. He loves being outside and exploring new things. If you enjoy hiking or spending time in nature, the Grand Basset could be yours be the perfect partner. The Grand Basset is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of his family. He usually gets along well with children and is often a playful and patient playmate. He can also get along well with other dogs, especially if he is used to them from an early age. One of the things you need to take into account is their strong hunting instincts. If he smells an interesting trail, he can be very determined to follow it. This means that a securely fenced yard and leash training are particularly important. The Grand Basset is intelligent, but also a bit stubborn. He can learn to stay alone, but he prefers to be in company. He is alert and will often bark if he notices something suspicious, making him a good watchdog. However, he is not aggressive and will usually react friendly to visitors as soon as he realizes that they pose no danger. Overall, the Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en is a happy, active and loving dog. If you are willing to provide him with regular physical and mental stimulation and take his curiosity and exploration into account, you will find him a loyal and entertaining companion. It is important to understand that he is a breed with specific needs and characteristics, and when these are met, a wonderful bond can be created between you and your Grand Basset.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| 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!
The Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en is often referred to as the "happy dog" because he always seems to be in a good mood and has a happy demeanor!
What Awaits You
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a French sniffer dog. The GBGV is a somewhat active, but never cocky dog and does not tire quickly.
Housing & Care
The Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en is an active dog that requires a lot of exercise. It is more suited to life in the country or in a house with a garden than a city apartment. Small children are usually not a problem for the Grand Basset as long as they learn to treat the dog with respect. He can also get along well with other pets if he is accustomed to them from an early age, but his hunting instinct can be a challenge when it comes to small animals such as rabbits or cats.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Gets on well with children — with adult supervision. | With supervision |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
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
Grand Bassets are intelligent but also stubborn dogs. Early, consistent training is crucial. Because of their hunting dog characteristics, they can benefit from activities such as tracking and nose work. You have to be careful that the dog doesn't become a "ball junkie." as this can lead to an obsession. It is also important to teach the Grand Basset to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control, as this is particularly important in a dog with a strong prey drive. Positive reinforcement and varied training are key to success. The Grand Basset needs to be challenged mentally and physically, but it is important not to overwhelm him. The goal should be to express the dog's natural instincts in a controlled manner and make him a balanced and happy member of the family.
Nutrition & Care
The Grand Basset Griffon Vend"en needs a balanced diet to stay healthy and active. High-quality dog food tailored to the needs of different life stages should be preferred. Make sure your dog doesn't get too much food and support him with exercise to maintain a healthy weight. In terms of grooming, the Grand Basset has a rough, medium-length coat with an undercoat. He sheds hair all year round, but regular brushing, about twice a week, will help keep the coat in good condition and minimize shedding around the house. His long ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid infections. The Grand Basset copes well with the German climate, although he may require a coat during the cold winter months.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| 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 Basset Griffon Vendéen is generally a robust breed, but it is rated with a B grade due to a few known hereditary risks. You should pay particular attention to the risk of epilepsy and eye conditions such as Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM). Since mandatory health tests exist for these conditions, you can effectively minimize the risk when buying a puppy by choosing a responsible breeder.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay attention to a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise to relieve pressure on his long back, and schedule regular eye check-ups with your vet.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' eyes, hips, elbows, and knees tested and pay attention to healthy back lines as well as the exclusion of hereditary neurological disorders in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Sabine T., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2021)
Als wir unseren Rüden bekamen, dachte ich, wir holen uns einfach einen etwas größeren, gemütlicheren Basset ins Haus. Weit gefehlt! Der Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen ist ein echter Energiebolzen und absolut kein Hund für Stubenhocker. Drinnen ist er zwar ein unfassbar freundlicher und verschmuster Kerl, der die Nähe der Familie sucht und sich gerne einkuschelt, aber sobald wir die Haustür öffnen, schaltet er komplett um.
Er braucht täglich stundenlange, aktive Spaziergänge und am liebsten viel Beschäftigung für den Kopf. Wenn er draußen eine Fährte in die Nase bekommt, gerät er sofort in eine Art Tunnelblick – da ist er kaum noch ansprechbar. Ohne konsequente Erziehung und viel Erfahrung mit jagdtriebigen Hunden trifft er blitzschnell eigene Entscheidungen, die man so nicht gewollt hat. Wer sich diese Rasse zulegt, muss sich im Klaren sein, dass hier ein echter, passionierter Arbeitshund an der Leine zieht, der viel Auslastung fordert.
Jürgen W., Halter aus Bayern (Hündin, seit 2019)
Ich habe meine Hündin damals ohne jagdliche Vorprägung übernommen und wollte eigentlich nur einen sportlichen Begleiter. Als wir dann das erste Mal im Wald unterwegs waren und sie Wild witterte, ging die Post aber so richtig ab! Mit einer markerschütternden, tiefen Stimme – einem unglaublichen Geläut – war sie kaum zu bremsen. Sie jagt absolut fährtenrein und mit einer enormen Ausdauer.
Man darf den Jagdtrieb dieser Hunde wirklich nicht unterschätzen. Sie sind dafür gezüchtet, stundenlang einer Spur zu folgen, und bringen eine enorme Zähigkeit mit. Zum Glück kehrt meine Hündin nach ihren Ausflügen immer zuverlässig zu mir zurück, aber die ersten Male, als sie für eine halbe Stunde im Unterholz verschwand, haben mir ordentlich Nerven gekostet. Wer einen reinen Begleithund sucht, den man überall einfach so ableinen kann, wird mit dieser Rasse vermutlich nicht glücklich.
Susanne K., Halterin aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Hündin, 2014–2026)
Optisch ist der Grand Basset mit seinem struppigen Fell und dem charmanten Bart natürlich ein absoluter Traum und zieht beim Spazierengehen alle Blicke auf sich. Er ist extrem sozial, kommt mit anderen Hunden wunderbar aus und ist ein toller, anpassungsfähiger Familienhund, der sehr menschenbezogen ist. Allerdings sollte man sich vor dem Kauf gründlich mit der Gesundheit auseinandersetzen.
Wir mussten leider lernen, dass die Rasse mit gesundheitlichen Risiken wie idiopathischer Epilepsie, Hüftgelenksdysplasie und verschiedenen Augenanomalien zu kämpfen haben kann. Auch die langen Schlappohren sind sehr empfindlich und neigen schnell zu schmerzhaften Ohrenentzündungen, weshalb wir sie nach jedem Spaziergang gründlich kontrollieren und reinigen müssen. Man sollte den Welpen daher unbedingt nur von einem sehr verantwortungsvollen Züchter kaufen, der die Elterntiere umfassend testen lässt.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Is a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen the right dog for me?
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen live?
The average life expectancy of a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen need?
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen good for families with children?
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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