Canis lupus familiaris
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Featured photogrand-basset-griffon-vendeen.jpgThe Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized, rough-coated French scent hound originating from the Vendée region of western France. Developed as the larger of two basset-type hounds from the same regional stock — the other being the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen — the Grand was bred to hunt hare, roe deer, and boar in the dense scrubland and marshes of the Vendée. Its long, low body, rough wire coat, large voice, and exceptional nose made it ideal for working through heavy cover at a pace that foot hunters could follow. The AKC admitted the breed in 2018.
Quick facts
- AKC group
- Hound
- Origin country
- France
- Origin period
- 16th century
- Coat type
- Wirehaired
- Coat colors
- White with Orange Markings, White with Lemon Markings, White with Black Markings, Tricolor
- Average lifespan
- 13-15 years
- Recognition
- AKC 2018 · FCI 1954 · UKC 1996 · Group 6 — Scent Hounds and Related Breeds (Section 1.2: Medium-sized Hounds)
Origin
The Griffon Vendéen family of hounds traces to the rough-coated hunting dogs of the Vendée, a coastal department of western France known for its dense bocage (hedgerow-divided farmland), marshes, and rocky terrain. Long-legged Griffon Vendéen hounds were selectively shortened in leg to produce 'basset' (low-to-ground) variants better suited to working through impenetrable cover where a taller hound would be hindered. The resulting Basset Griffon Vendéen type was split into Grand and Petit size varieties, formally separated in 1950 by the Club du Griffon Vendéen.
Recognition
The FCI (FCI No. 68) recognised the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen as a breed in 1954, under the patronage of France. The Club du Griffon Vendéen formally separated the Grand from the Petit in 1950 by prohibiting interbreeding between the two sizes. The AKC entered the GBGV in the Miscellaneous Class in 2015 and granted full Hound Group recognition in 2018.
Standard
The FCI and AKC standards describe a well-built, elongated hound with a long head, prominent brow ridges, and large, dark eyes with a friendly, animated expression. The rough, tousled outer coat — neither silky nor woolly — is white with orange, lemon, black, sable, or grizzle markings, with tricolor patterns also acceptable. Long, low-set, supple ears reach at least to the end of the muzzle. Males and females stand 38–44 cm at the withers and weigh 18–20 kg.
Sources & further reading (3)
- kennel-club-registry — accessed 2026-05-07
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
- fci-standard — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
What AKC group does the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen belong to?
The AKC places the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen in the Hound Group as a scent hound — a dog that tracks game by nose. Within the Hound Group the GBGV is a pack-working trailing hound historically used for hunting hare, roe deer, and boar in the dense scrubland and marshes of the Vendée region of western France.
How does the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen differ from the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?
The primary difference is size: the Grand stands 38–44 cm and weighs 18–20 kg, while the Petit stands 33–38 cm and weighs 14–18 kg. Both share the same rough wire coat, long ears, and Griffon Vendéen regional ancestry. The two breeds were formally separated by the Club du Griffon Vendéen in 1950, and crossbreeding between them is no longer permitted under FCI rules.
When was the GBGV recognised by the AKC?
The AKC granted full recognition to the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen in 2018, placing it in the Hound Group. The breed entered the Miscellaneous Class in 2015. The FCI had recognised it since 1954 (FCI No. 68), and the formal separation from the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen was established by the Club du Griffon Vendéen in 1950.
