Grand Griffon Vendéen

Also called Large Vendéen Griffon, Large Griffon Vendéen

Gentle and cooperative by nature but full of passion once it finds a scent.

Size	Large
Height	59 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in)males 61 to 70 cm, females 59 to 66 cm1 2
Coat	Long, harsh with dense undercoat
Origin	France (Vendée)1 3
Group	Scent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)

Recognised breedShort profile

docile

keen nose

beautiful voice

1 2

Personality what they are like

Gentle and cooperative by nature but full of passion once it finds a scent. It has an excellent nose and a fine voice, and it does best with a confident handler who keeps it well guided.1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, harsh with dense undercoat

A well-built, sturdy but not heavy hound with a fairly long, rough outer coat over a thick undercoat. Strong eyebrows and a moustache give it the typical griffon face.1 2

Colourswhite and blackwhite and orangeblack and tantricolourfawn with black overlay, with or without whitehare, wolf, badger and wild boar shades1 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Grand 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 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: a pack hound for large game that is used to long days in the field, so it needs plenty of daily exercise.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the rough coat regularly to clear burrs and loose undercoat, and keep the beard tidy.1

Home where they are happiest

Suited to country homes with room to roam and an active owner.1

Company who they like around

Works in packs as well as alone, so it generally enjoys the company of other dogs.1 2

The story where it all began

An old French breed that grew out of the short-coated Grand Vendéen, itself linked to the 'Greffier' and the king's white hounds of the 1500s. Crosses with other rough-coated hounds, such as the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and Griffon de Bresse, produced the Grand Griffon Vendéen.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It was the first of the Vendée griffons, and the smaller Briquet and Basset Griffon Vendéens were bred down from it.3
2
It hunts stag, roe deer, wild boar and fox, either in a pack or on its own.1
3
Like other Vendée hounds, its colours can carry old country names such as hare, wolf, badger and wild boar.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Grand Griffon Vendéen' comes from France: 'Grand' means large, 'Griffon' refers to its rough, wiry coat, and 'Vendéen' indicates its origin in the Vendée region of western France.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AmieBiscuitBourbonCapucineChérieCocoDiegoGabyLuckyPoppyRustyVendée

A day in the life told by a Grand Griffon Vendéen

I woke up and gave my human a gentle nudge. We went outside, and the moment I smelled the earth, I felt alive. I put my nose to the ground and followed a trail, barking with excitement. My human kept up and praised me when I found the end. We played fetch in the meadow, my rough coat flying. At home, I snuggled with my human on the couch, my beard dripping water from the bowl. Now I'm tucked in, dreaming of scents and adventures.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 282, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 18 Feb 20001
UKC: Recognised 1 Jan 1996, Scenthound Group2
Société Centrale Canine: National breed standard (France)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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
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 Grand Griffon Vendéen, and at what times?

Feed your adult Grand Griffon Vendéen at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent times help digestion, but the exact schedule can fit your routine. For portion sizes, check the food label and ask your vet.4

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

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete safe list.5

How often should I bathe a Grand Griffon Vendéen?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Grand Griffon Vendéen need brushing?

Brush your Grand Griffon Vendéen's rough coat weekly to remove burrs and loose undercoat, and keep the beard tidy. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days. More frequent brushing may be needed during shedding seasons.1 6 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Grand Griffon Vendéen need?

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally long walks and active play. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. It thrives with an active owner who can give it room to roam.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check 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 Grand Griffon Vendéen live?

Lifespan varies by individual health and care. For an accurate estimate, ask your vet or a reputable breeder.

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

This breed is gentle and cooperative, and generally enjoys the company of other dogs. With proper socialization, it can be good with children, but always supervise interactions. Ask a breeder for specific advice.1 2

Can a Grand Griffon Vendéen be left alone?

This breed can be left alone for reasonable periods, but it enjoys company and may become bored if left too long. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before leaving. For specific guidance, ask your vet or a trainer.1 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.