Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
IndependentHappyOutgoing
France · 13–15 years
About the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) is the larger cousin of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, developed in the Vendée region of France for hunting hare over long distances. 'Grand' refers to their larger size compared to the Petit — they stand 15.5 to 18 inches, while Petits are 13 to 15 inches. GBGVs are outgoing, independent, and tireless with a rough, tousled coat that gives them a charmingly disheveled appearance. They gained international fame when a GBGV named Buddy Holly won Best in Show at the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Breed stats
- Height
- 15.5–18 in
- Weight
- 40–45 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–15 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Rough, harsh, medium length with casual appearance
- Origin
- France
Coat colors
- White with Lemon
- White with Orange
- White with Black
- Tricolor
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Ear infections
Not every Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- The Grand (GBGV) and Petit (PBGV) Basset Griffon Vendéens are distinct breeds from the same French region. The most obvious difference is size — GBGVs stand 15.5-18 inches and weigh 40-45 lbs, while PBGVs stand 13-15 inches and weigh 25-40 lbs. GBGVs have proportionally longer legs, a longer muzzle, and longer ears. GBGVs were bred for hare hunting over long distances, while PBGVs hunted rabbits in dense cover. Both share the tousled, rough coat and happy, outgoing personality. GBGVs need more exercise due to their endurance-hunting heritage.
- Yes! A Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen named Buddy Holly (registered name GCHB Soletrader Buddy Holly) won Best in Show at the prestigious 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, making history as the first GBGV ever to win the top prize. The win brought enormous attention to this relatively unknown breed. Buddy Holly charmed judges and audiences with his jaunty, confident trot and happy personality. The win significantly increased interest in the breed, though responsible breeders caution that GBGVs are independent hounds that are not suitable for every household.
- GBGVs can be good family dogs for active households that understand hound temperament. They are friendly, outgoing, and excellent with children and other dogs. Their happy, sociable nature makes them entertaining companions. However, they are independent hounds that can be challenging to train — they follow their nose rather than commands. They need significant daily exercise (60-90 minutes) and a securely fenced yard. They bay loudly and can be vocal. For active families in rural or suburban settings who enjoy the hound personality and can manage the barking, GBGVs are delightful, cheerful companions.
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