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
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.