Pet Wiki

Briquet Griffon Vendéen

Also called Medium Vendéen Griffon · Scent hounds and related breeds · France

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

Comes in

3 sources

Height48–55cm

19–22 inmales 50 to 55 cm, females 48 to 53 cm123

At a glance

Key facts
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)
enthusiastic and cheerful
great stamina
sociable with other dogs
123

what they are likeBriquet Griffon Vendéen temperament

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

how to spot oneBriquet Griffon Vendéen coat and colours

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

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

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

how busy a day looksBriquet Griffon Vendéen exercise needs

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

who they like aroundBriquet Griffon Vendéen with people and other pets

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

the hands-on bitsBriquet Griffon Vendéen grooming and care

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

the things everyone asksOwner questions

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.

per year, in your countryWhat a Briquet Griffon Vendéen costs

Running costs for a Briquet Griffon Vendéen, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.

Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

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

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. 1

    'Briquet' is an old French word for a medium-sized hound.2

  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

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The name 'Briquet' means 'medium-sized dog' in French, and 'Griffon Vendéen' marks it as a rough-coated hound from the Vendée region of France.2

for your new friendName ideas

RustyScoutGastonFleuretteBrambleTruffleCocoBriocheDashVioletteZiggyPippin

told by a Briquet Griffon VendéenA day in the life

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.

where it all beganBriquet Griffon Vendéen history

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

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the official bitsRecognised by

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

Sources (3)

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

Text is written in our own words from these sources.