Pet Wiki

Briquet Griffon Vendéen

Also called Medium Vendéen Griffon

Lively, keen and full of stamina, with a strong mind of its own.

SizeMedium
Height48 to 55 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 55 cm, females 48 to 53 cm123
CoatRough, double
OriginFrance, from the Vendée in the west of the country.12
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
enthusiastic and cheerful
great stamina
sociable with other dogs
123

Personality what they are like

Lively, keen and full of stamina, with a strong mind of its own. It works happily in a pack, gets on well with other dogs and responds much better to encouragement and play than to strict orders.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough, double

A harsh, slightly shaggy outer coat over a thick undercoat, with bushy eyebrows and a moustache that give it a friendly scruffy face.13

Coloursblack and whitewhite and orangeblack and tantricolourfawn with black overlayfawn and white13

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Briquet Griffon Vendéen. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to follow scent for long days in small packs, so it needs generous daily exercise and enjoys tracking games.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The rough coat benefits from a regular brush to keep the undercoat tidy and the beard clean.3

Company who they like around

A pack hound at heart that likes canine company and a busy household.2

The story where it all began

Before the First World War the Comte d'Elva bred the Grand Griffon Vendéen down into a handier, medium-sized hound. The wars nearly wiped it out, and good examples were found again in the Vendée in 1946, with judge Hubert Dezamy helping to restore it.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Briquet' is an old French word for a medium-sized hound, and this is the only breed that still carries it in that sense.3

  2. 2

    It can follow both old, cold trails and fresh ones.1

  3. 3

    Packs were traditionally used on roe deer and wild boar as well as fox and hare.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Briquet' means 'medium-sized dog' in French, and this is the only breed to retain that name. The breed originates from the Vendée region of France.2

Name ideas for your new friend

RustyScoutGastonFleuretteBrambleTruffleCocoBriocheDashVioletteZiggyPippin

A day in the life told by a Briquet Griffon Vendéen

I wake to the smell of the forest through the open window. My human laughs as I bounce around the kitchen, my beard dripping from my water bowl. We head out to the woods where I lead the way, nose to the ground, tail wagging. I find a stick and drop it at my human's feet, then race off again. Later, we meet my dog friends for a game of chase. At home, I curl up on the rug, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 19, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds; standard dated 09.01.1999. Wikipedia gives 1954 for FCI recognition.1
UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 1996.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and at what times?

Feed your Briquet Griffon Vendéen at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but exact times are up to you. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.4

What should a Briquet Griffon Vendéen eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a complete list.5

How often should I bathe a Briquet Griffon Vendéen?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect the coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Briquet Griffon Vendéen need brushing?

Brush your Briquet Griffon Vendéen weekly to keep the undercoat tidy and the beard clean. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which suits this rough double coat.36 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Briquet Griffon Vendéen's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 4 weeks. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Briquet Griffon Vendéen need?

This breed needs generous daily exercise, including long walks and tracking games. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily walks and play to match their stamina and scenting instincts.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Briquet Griffon Vendéen's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Pet Wiki suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks. Never push anything into the ear canal.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Briquet Griffon Vendéen live?

Lifespan varies for each dog; ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate based on the individual's health and lineage.

Is a Briquet Griffon Vendéen good with children and other pets?

This breed is generally good with other dogs and enjoys a busy household. With proper socialisation, they can be good with children, but always supervise interactions.123

Can a Briquet Griffon Vendéen be left alone?

This pack hound prefers company and may struggle with long periods alone. They do best in a busy household or with canine companionship. If left alone, provide plenty of enrichment.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Grand Griffon VendéenGrand Basset Griffon VendéenPetit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 19 Briquet Griffon Vendéen fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Briquet Griffon Vendéen (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for history, temperament
  3. Briquet Griffon Vendeen, UKC ukcdogs.comused for recognition, coat, colours, history, facts
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.