Hound group

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

A shaggy, happy French scent hound — longer-legged cousin of the PBGV.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens are rough-coated, low-slung hounds bred to hunt rabbits and hare in France. They are cheerful, sociable and energetic, with a strong nose and a loud voice.

Height
15.5–18 in39–46 cm
Weight
40–45 lb18–20 kg
Life expectancy
13–15 years
Size
Medium
Group
Hound
Origin
Vendée, France

Coat: Rough, harsh coat with a beard and moustache. Colours: White with orange, lemon, black or grizzle markings, Tricolour.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

GBGVs are friendly, outgoing and confident. They love people and other dogs and are usually good with children.

They are independent scent hounds with a tendency to follow their nose. They can be vocal and escape-prone and need secure fencing and patient training.

Living with a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Exercise

Needs 60–90 minutes of exercise daily, including scent work or long walks on a line.

Grooming

Brush weekly and hand-strip occasionally. Clean the beard and ears regularly.

Training

Independent and scent-driven; use food rewards and keep it fun.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other dogs; unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Sociable dogs that may bay or dig when bored; a companion dog helps.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen typically lives 13–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Ear infections

    Long, hairy ears need regular cleaning.

  • Hypothyroidism

    An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.

  • Eye disease

    Inherited eye conditions occur; annual eye exams are recommended.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Thyroid evaluation

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen; Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The Vendée region of western France produced several rough-coated hounds. The Grand Basset was bred from the larger Griffon Vendéen for hunting on foot in rough terrain.

The GBGV was officially separated from the Petit Basset in France in 1975. The AKC recognised it in 2018.

Did you know?

  • GBGVs were separated from the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen in 1975.
  • Their name means “large, low, rough-coated dog from the Vendée”.
  • They hunt with a distinctive, cheerful voice.

Library guides for Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

GBGV vs PBGV?
The GBGV is larger and longer-legged. Both are cheerful, rough-coated scent hounds.
Are GBGVs good family dogs?
Yes — they are friendly and good with children, with enough exercise.
Do GBGVs bark a lot?
They can be vocal, especially when bored or on a scent.