• Basset Griffon Vendeen
  • Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed
  • Basset Griffon Vendeens in Great Britain
  • Basset Griffon Vendeen Dog
  • Basset Griffon Vendeen Dogs
  • Basset Griffon Vendeen in Great Britain
  • Basset Griffon Vendeen in the UK
  • Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed
  • Basset Griffon Vendeens in the UK
  • Basset Griffon Vendeens
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Height: 33 - 38cm M | 33 - 38cm F
Weight: 11 - 19kg M | 11 - 19kg F
Life Expectancy: 11 - 14 Years

Looking for a Basset Griffon Vendeen?


Introduction

The Basset Griffon Vendeen or BGV dog originated from Vendee district of France. As a scent hound, the BGV is a happy, curious, and active dog that’s always looking for fun and excitement. It has a tousled appearance with its long and rough coat. It weighs 40–44 pounds, stands 32–43 centimetres and has a long body. The BGVs is an ideal watchdog because it loves to bark. The life expectancy of a BGV is fourteen to sixteen years.

Are you looking to own a Basset Griffon Vendeen? Here is a brief background of this charming watchdog.


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History

The earliest Basset Griffon Vendeen or BGV dates back to the sixteenth century when it was bred to hunt hares in the rough and rocky terrain in La Vendée district in the western coast of France. It was only recognised and adopted as a standard breed type in 1898. At that period, it was called Basset Griffon Francais.

However, by 1907, two types of the Basset Griffon Francais were being developed: the Grand and the Petit. Both can be found in the same litter until 1970 when it was outlawed to cross the two sizes. The United Kennel Club recognised the Petit Basset Griffon in 1992, whilst the Grand Basset Griffon in 1996.

Today, there are four ancient Griffon Vendeen breeds: the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, the Grand Griffon Vendeen, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, and the Briquet Griffon Vendeen.

The BGV’s name comes from French words basset (low to the ground), griffon (wiry coat), and Vendée(n) ( the district where it originated).


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Appearance and Grooming

The Basset Griffon Vendeen weighs 40–44 pounds and stands 32–43 centimetres at the withers. The BGV is medium in size with short legs and a slightly extended body. This muscular and well-balanced dog exudes the air of nobility enhanced by the way it carries its head. It has a tousled appearance with rough and wiry double coat. The fur on its face resembles a moustache and beard.

According to KC standards, accepted colours include white with combination of lemon, orange, grizzle, sable, and black markings. The dog can be bicolour, tricolour, or have grizzling. Its double coat is moderately long that lays flat to its body, and it has a nice thick and short undercoat. Since its coat is medium in length, a weekly brush and an occasional bath are all it requires to maintain its look. Look out for its moustache and beard as they tend to get messy when it eats and drinks.

The BGV needs regular ear cleaning to prevent wax build-up and infection. Clipping of nails is usually required once or twice a month to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Teeth should be also brushed regularly for oral health.


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Temperament and Intelligence

The Basset Griffon Vendeen, which belongs to the hound group, is active, happy, and vivacious. It is extroverted and alert with a tendency to excessively bark, making it an excellent watchdog. This breed is not a couch potato and is best suited to an active and experienced dog owner. If it lacks the right amount of mental and physical stimulation, the BGV may become bored and destructive.

The BGV is generally good with children. However, since it is an energetic and boisterous dog, it can accidentally knock over small children during interaction. Playtime, thus, must be supervised. With early socialisation, the GBV can get on well with other dogs. However, it does not get along well with small pets as its hunting instinct may cause it to chase or kill.

The Griffon is intelligent, independent, and strong-willed. It can be hard to train as its hunting instincts may get in the way of obedience training. As a typical scent hound, the Griffon breed will quickly chase where scent is involved. It is crucial for a Griffon puppy to be socialised and trained from a young age. It must be taught to recognise your role as an alpha in the ‘pack’ or it will start showing dominance in the household.

Despite all the predisposed temperament of a GBV, always remember that each dog is unique. Many factors can affect the way a dog may turn out. Such factors include its genetics, environment, early training, and socialisation.


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Nutrition and Feeding

When it comes to keeping a Basset Griffon Vendeen healthy, 1.5–2 cups of high-quality dry dog food a day divided into two meals are recommended. However, note that how much a dog eats will depend on its size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. If you’re not sure what to feed or how much to feed a Griffon, consult with a veterinarian and a breeder to find the best diet to increase its life expectancy.

Typical calorie needs of an adult Basset Griffon Vendeen per day:

  • Senior and less active: up to 1,020 calories daily
  • Typical adult: up to 1,100 calories daily
  • Physically active/working dog: up to 1,300 calories daily

The BGV, being a small dog, has higher energy needs, so it is important to provide it with high-quality dog food specifically formulated for small breeds. It must contain real meat like beef, lamb, or chicken. Since this breed has sensitive skin, avoid soybeans, corn, wheat, and other gluten sources. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also necessary to maintain a healthy coat.


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Health and Exercise

The Basset Griffon Vendeen, which has a lifespan of fourteen to sixteen years, is generally healthy. However, like any dog breeds, it is predisposed to certain health conditions. These include PBGV pain syndrome, epilepsy, allergies, inguinal and umbilical hernias, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, persistent pupillary membrane (PPM), and multifocal retinal dysplasia.

Since the Griffon is a highly energetic dog, it needs to be given lots of activities and enough physical exercise on a daily basis. Ideally, it will require two hours of exercise a day in a secure back garden. Always provide a safe environment as the BGV is very good at escaping.


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Cost of Ownership

A Basset Griffon Vendeen puppy costs anywhere from £500 to £800. Expect to pay more if it comes from a KC-registered breeder. On top of this, you need to shell out £200 for dog supplies and equipment, such as leashes, collars, beds, crates, and toys.

High-quality food takes a significant portion of the monthly expenses, which will set you back £50 to £60 a month. Veterinary fees, initial vaccinations, boosters, and other vet care expenses add up to about £1,000 a year. If you opt to get pet insurance, expect to pay a premium of £25 a month for basic coverage or £60 for a lifetime policy. Considering the expenses mentioned above, the estimated cost of keeping a Basset Griffon Vendeen is £80 to £130 a month.


Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed Highlights

  • The Basset Griffon Vendeen is smart but may be hard to train due to its hunting instinct.
  • It is an extremely energetic and vivacious dog.
  • This breed can be a handful, hence it's not best for first-time dog owners.
  • The breed loves to bark for even the slightest unfamiliar sound.
  • It has low grooming needs.
  • This hunting breed is active and requires lots of exercise.
Basset Griffon Vendeen

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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.