At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough, harsh and flat
A slightly long-bodied hound on straight legs, dressed in a harsh, flat, not overly long coat that is never silky or woolly. Bushy eyebrows and a light beard give it a cheerful, shaggy face.12
Personality what they are like
A cheerful, self-assured hound with a big voice and lots of drive. It is keen and a little independent, so it responds best to a patient, consistent owner, but it is never high-strung.2134
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. This is the fastest of the basset-type hounds and it does not tire easily, so it needs plenty of daily walks, sniffing time and secure off-lead running.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The rough coat benefits from a weekly brush to remove debris and loose hair; keep the beard and ears clean after outdoor adventures.1
Home where they are happiest
Happy in an active home with access to the outdoors; a securely fenced garden suits its love of following a scent.41
Company who they like around
Originally a pack dog, so it thrives on company, whether other dogs or lots of time with its people.2
The story where it all began
The GBGV comes from the larger Grand Griffon Vendéen. In the late 1800s the Comte d'Elva selected for straight-legged bassets, and later Paul Dezamy set the modern type at around 43 cm for hunting hare.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 33, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 14 Feb 20011
- UKC
- Recognised 1 Jan 1996, Scenthound Group3
- AKC
- Listed as an AKC breed (French scenthound)4
- Société Centrale Canine
- National breed standard (France)2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and at what times?
Feed adult dogs at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help with digestion and routine, so choose times that work for you and stick to them.5
What should a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; always avoid these.6
How often should I bathe a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. At least once every three months is a good general rule.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen need brushing?
Brush their rough coat weekly to remove debris and loose hair. This keeps their coat healthy and reduces shedding.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen need?
This breed has high energy and needs plenty of daily walks, sniffing time, and secure off-lead running. They are the fastest of the basset-type hounds and don't tire easily.34
How do I look after a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently dry the ears after outdoor adventures to prevent infections.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen live?
Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 8. For specific longevity information, ask your vet or a good breeder. Furry Diary plan
Is a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are cheerful and self-assured, and originally a pack dog, so they thrive with other dogs and lots of family time. Early socialization helps them get along well with children and other pets.2134
Can a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen be left alone?
They thrive on company and may struggle with long periods alone. If left alone, provide plenty of mental stimulation and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI-Standard N° 33 fci.beused for history, size, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen en.wikipedia.orgused for history, temperament, fun facts
- UKC Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, colours, speed
- AKC Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen akc.orgused for temperament, activity
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.