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Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand)

General
Other Names		GBGV
Dog Group Kennel Club		Hound
Breed Classification		The GBGV is a member of the hound group. They are scent hounds that are still used today for hunting game, especially boar, and as companion dogs.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		These dogs are not very demanding feeding wise, but as puppies they do require an adequate diet for the first year of growth.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		Puppies will cost around £500. These are normally hardy dogs with little veterinary costs being expected.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years The average lifespan of a GBGV is between 12 to 14 years.
Average Litter Size		6 Litter sizes are, on average, between 4 to 8 puppies.
General Physical Description		The GBGV is a medium sized, strong scent hound. They are approximately 50% longer than they are tall. The coat is rough and harsh on top and the undercoat is thick, this coat is weather resistant. They are known for their characteristic hair over the eyebrows, beard and moustache. They are also quite vocal dogs.
Height Min Max Bitch 39cm (15") 45cm (18") Dog 39cm (15") 45cm (18") Weight Min Max Bitch 18kg (40lbs) 20kg (44lbs) Dog 18kg (40lbs) 20kg (44lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Both dogs and bitches of the GBGV stand at 39-45cms at the withers, and weigh between 18-20kgs.
Ailments		The GBGV appears to be a hardy, healthy dog, relatively free from hereditary and congenital problems. However epilepsy is occuring in the breed, but responsible, selective breeding has reduced the occurence.
Common Ailments		Brain (Acquired) - Seizure (fit, epileptic fit) - Status epilepticus
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		The GBGV can be traced back to the 16th century. They originate from Vendee in the west countryside of France. The Griffon Vendeen is the larger ancestor of the GBGV. They were bred slightly smaller to cope with the environment that they were used in, thick undergrowth. There are two varieties of the basset type of Griffon Vendeen, the Grand and the Petit. These two originally occured in the same litters, and it wasn't until the 1970's that the cross breeding of these two varieties was forbidden. Today these dogs are still used, as individuals or in packs, to hunt wild boar, deer and to scent rabbit and hare.
Intelligence		The GBGV is energetic and independent but they are not naturally obedient. They must be taught to know who is top dog in their family situation. They require consistent training and socialisation, especially throughout adolescence. They do need a secure garden as they will be off if they get the scent of small game. They are not a breed for the faint hearted, owners will need patience and tolerance.
Show Characteristics		The GBGV is a well balanced, short legged dog. The head should not be too wide and should have a longer muzzle and ears than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, the jaws being strong with a perfect scissor bite, top teeth closely overlapping bottom teeth. The eyes, with long haired eyebrows, should be large and dark with no white showing. The ears should be covered with long hair and fall well below eye level. The neck should be long and strong. The elbows should be close to the body, which is deep chested with a level topline. The tail should be set high, and is longer than the PBGV with quite a lot of hair, and carried proudly. The coat should be rough and not trimmed for showing purposes, colourwise they must have a white ground colour.
Country Of Origin		France
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		> 2 hours per day. The GBGV requires plenty of exercise and lots of time outside. They are full of life and love hunting and other outdoor activities. They never seem able to sit still for long and so are ideally suited for active homes in the country.
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		Medium
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		High
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		The GBGV is a happy go lucky dog who loves to be kept active. They can be stubborn, independent and bold but they are always willing to please. They are not ideally suited to living in towns, the country life is for them. They get on well with other dogs, children and strangers.
Grooming
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		> Once a week
Trimming		Occassional
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		The GBGV does not require a lot of grooming, a weekly groom to remove dead hair and dirt should be sufficient. The areas around the mouth and bottom should be checked and kept clean on a regular basis, some trimming of these areas may be necessary. However for showing the coat should not be trimmed.
Colour		The GBGV can be white with lemon, orange, black, tricolour or grizzle.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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