Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen 2025 Guide: Temperament & Care 🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) is a cheerful and determined French scent hound with a rough coat and a big personality. Originally bred to hunt small game like hare and rabbit, this breed is still active and social, thriving in homes that appreciate hound charm. In this 2025 expert guide, we explore how to care for, train, and enjoy life with a GBGV. 🐾

📜 Breed Origins

Originating from the Vendée region of France, GBGVs were bred by refining the larger Grand Griffon to create a lower-set, lighter-boned hound suitable for hunting on foot. The breed was standardized in the late 1800s and gained AKC recognition in 2018. 🇫🇷

🧠 Temperament & Personality

This breed is outgoing, independent, and driven by scent. Traits include:

• Friendly: Typically sociable with people and dogs
• Stubborn: Has a mind of its own when on a scent trail
• Playful: Retains a puppy-like attitude into adulthood
• Vocal: May bay or bark when excited or left alone

🏡 Ideal Home Environment

GBGVs thrive with room to explore and people to interact with:

• Homes with securely fenced yards
• Families who enjoy long walks or outdoor activities
• Multi-dog households—they're pack animals

Not ideal for off-leash areas unless well-trained, due to scent drive. 🏡

✂️ Coat Type & Grooming

This breed has a harsh, rough outer coat with a dense undercoat:

• Brushing: 2–3 times weekly to remove dead hair and prevent mats
• Hand-stripping: Occasionally needed to maintain coat texture
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks or when dirty
• Ear/Nail Care: Clean ears weekly; trim nails every 3–4 weeks

🏃♂️ Exercise & Enrichment

GBGVs are energetic scent hounds that love to explore:

• 60–90 minutes of activity daily (walks, games, scent work)
• Long sniff walks or tracking activities for enrichment
• Puzzle toys and rotating games to prevent boredom

Without stimulation, they may become vocal or escape-prone. 🧠

🍗 Nutrition & Feeding

Feed a balanced, medium-breed formula that supports energy and coat health:

• Meat-based proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon)
• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
• Digestive support with fiber and probiotics

Split into two meals daily. Build a custom diet with Ask A Vet. 🍽️

🩺 Common Health Concerns

This breed is fairly healthy but may face:

• Ear Infections: Their long ears trap moisture—clean regularly
• Obesity: Active by nature, but can overeat if sedentary
• Hip Dysplasia: Screen for joint issues in later life

Stay proactive with wellness monitoring at Ask A Vet. 🩺

🎓 Training & Socialization

Early, positive reinforcement is key for this independent thinker:

• Start leash training early—may pull when scenting
• Use rewards-based training and short, fun sessions
• Expose to people, environments, and sounds from puppyhood

🧘♂️ Emotional Needs

As a pack breed, GBGVs need companionship and consistency:

• Don’t leave them alone for long stretches
• Provide structured play and predictable routines
• Offer calming toys when unsupervised

Behavioral questions? Ask a pro through Ask A Vet. 🧠

🏁 Final Thoughts: Is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Right for You?

If you’re seeking a cheerful, low-slung hound with big personality, moderate grooming needs, and a love for scent work, the GBGV may be a perfect match. With training and affection, they become fun-loving and devoted companions. ❤️

Need help building your GBGV’s care plan? Start a consult today at Ask A Vet!