Grand Griffon Vendéen
The largest of the rough-coated Vendéen hounds: tall, bearded and sociable, made to hunt in packs.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 62–68 cm · Females 60–65 cm
- Weight
- Males 30–35 kg · Females 28–32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Wire-haired, medium
- Colours
- White, Orange, Black, Fawn, Tricolour
- Bred for
- Hunting by scent
- Country of origin
- France
- FCI
- Group 6, no. 282 · Scent hounds
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 5/5 – Very high |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 4/5 – High |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a sociable, large hound
- have another dog
- enjoy long walks in all weather
Think twice if you …
- want a tidy, quiet dog
- keep cats or small pets
- need dependable off-lead recall
Care
Temperament
Friendly, outgoing and sociable with people and dogs. Independent and enthusiastic when it catches a scent.
Exercise
Needs long daily walks and runs; scent work, hiking and tracking suit it well.
Grooming
Brush the rough coat a few times a week, hand-strip it occasionally, and keep beard and ears clean.
Training
Clever but independent; keep sessions fun and reward-based, and be patient with recall.
Health
Generally robust; hip dysplasia and ear infections are among the issues seen. Ask the breeder for results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Grand Griffon Vendéen comes from the Vendée in western France, where it was used in packs to hunt deer, boar and other large game through thorny scrub. Its harsh, shaggy coat protected it in that country. It is the tallest of the Vendéen griffon breeds and the ancestor of its smaller relatives.
It is sociable, cheerful and usually very good with other dogs, reflecting its pack background. It is also independent, vocal and driven by scent. As a pet it needs a lot of exercise, secure fencing and an owner who enjoys a big, scruffy, characterful hound.
Did you know?
It is the largest of the four Vendéen griffon breeds recognised by the FCI.