Grand Griffon Vendéen

The four varieties of Griffon Vendéen are derived from a variety of Vendéen with short hair descending from the Griffier also called the King's white dogs. The Fawn Griffon of Brittany, the Gray of Saint-Louis and the Griffon of Bresse were used in the selection of the breed. It could also have some Italian Pointer blood. It was used in packs for wolf hunting. On the verge of extinction after World War II, the breed was saved thanks to the efforts of a few breeders who used French-type hounds and the Billy. It remains however rare.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is described by the FCI standard as docile, willing and passionate. It is an energetic and passionate dog about hunting that needs space and plenty of physical exercise: it is strongly discouraged to keep it living in the city. The character is balanced, however, education must be carried out from its youngest age because it is considered difficult due to its very strong character: recall must be acquired very early.

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a large-sized hound with strong bone structure and well-proportioned and distinguished appearance. Thick at birth, the rather long tail gradually tapers. It is attached high and is carried in a saber-like blade. The elongated head is furnished with flexible, narrow and fine ears that are attached low. The eyes are large and lively, dark-colored and surmounted by well-pronounced eyebrows but which do not cover the eye. The hair, long without excess, must be thick and hard, even shaggy, with abundant undercoat. The coat is generally white and orange but many other colors are accepted: white and black, black and fawn, black and sand, tricolor, fawn grizzled, white and sand grizzled and sand grizzled.

The coat of the Grand Griffon Vendéen requires daily attention as it can easily become tangled.