Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

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The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (right, Holmchappel April Fool) as he is often referred to, only arrived in the UK in 1989, since when he has generated a great deal of interest. In France he is one of the most popular hound breeds.  For a Basset he is reasonably tall - between 39-43cm but at 18-20kg he is no heavyweight like his British cousin.  The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (or GBGV) is believed to have originated in the Vendee in Western France in the 16thC, where he was bred to hunt, either singly or in packs, hare and rabbit, and sometimes larger game such as boar and deer.  He has the traditional drawbacks of the scenthound in that once he is on the scent he will be deaf to his owners calls.  So, obviously a well-fenced garden is essential.  

Those that live with the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen describe him as having a sense of humour and indeed the Breed Standard calls for a happy, outgoing attitude.  Whilst he has a strongly independent streak he also has a desire to please; firm handling from the outset is very important so that he is clear about his place in the family pecking order.

He is, overall a very sound, unexaggerated dog.  His coat is rough and lies flat with a dense undercoat  with abundant beard and moustache and upstanding eyebrows.  The coat only requires tidying, and if he is to be shown then not trimmed.  He is an unfussy, cheerful member of the household who takes most things comfortably in his stride.  In common with other scenthounds he can be rather vocal; he has plenty of energy but ought always to be exercised away from roads and livestock.

An immensely attractive looking hound, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (GBGV) is free from hereditary faults, and has much to recommend him; however, he is a hard work dog and will only live up to your expectations of him if you can give him the time and attention he needs.  For the KC Breed Standard click here.

Linda Skerritt has written two books on the Bassett breeds which are available through the Meet the Basset Breeds website.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Breed Club

BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN BREED CLUB   Mrs Linda Skerritt 01753 817987 

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Rescue and Rehoming

Contact the Breed Club. They should all be able to give you information about hounds requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own hound, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for him.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Breeders

Plainville Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

A small hobby kennel in the Lake District near Cumbria.  The hounds are very much part of the family, the puppies being reared in the home with children and the cat. 

Left is Holmchappel Picoter; click on the image to enlarge or here to visit the Plainville website.

Gill and Paul Clark are KC Accredited Breeders and Gill has an HNC in Canine Beaviour and Training.  They can be contacted by phone on 01539 824 574, 07971 315515 or email

• Holmchappell 
• Debucher 

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