Briquet Griffon Vendéen

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen strikingly combines the qualities of a loyal companion and a terrific hunter. It is the right balance for someone with an active lifestyle. The dog has a lot of energy, is very hardy, and with proper training, is also very independent to walk away from the owner. The hound is very friendly to new people and very good with children.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The history of the Briquet Vendéen Griffon begins with its founder, the Great Vendéen Griffon. The homeland of this dog is France, the province of La Vendee; now, it has gained popularity worldwide. A total of four varieties of this breed are registered.

In 1901 a club was formed in honor of the Vendéen Griffon. The breed was on the verge of extinction, but the breeders’ sincere desire was able to eradicate the problem.

Thanks to Count d’Elves, a medium and harmonious version of the Griffon was bred, more docile and hardy at the beginning of the twentieth century. To instill in the breed a passion for hunting and to improve its skills, it was crossed with the Biem and the Anglo-French Hound. The breed is made for real hunting; the main game is deer or wild boar. We can conclude that the Griffon is not suitable for city life.

Appearance

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen has a very attractive appearance. The head is small, the transition to the nose is clearly defined. There are bushy whiskers, fluffy eyebrows. The body is strong, elongated, with rounded ribs. The back is strong and fairly short. The limbs have strong bones. The coat is not too long, fluffy. The tail is sickle-shaped.

Character

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen strikingly combines the qualities of a loyal companion and a terrific hunter. It is the right balance for someone with an active lifestyle.

The dog has a lot of energy, is very hardy, and with proper training, is also very independent to walk away from the owner. The hound is very friendly to new people and very good with children. But most of all, it adores its master and with great pleasure spends time walking with him, almost not noticing anything around him. This love can be well applied in training, encouraging the dog for the correct execution of commands.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is great for a large family, but it’s still not an indoor dog; it needs constant walking and interaction. Urban expanses will not be comfortable for this pet; it will feel best in the countryside. To other pets, the Griffon is indifferent primarily, but you have to remember that first of all, it is a hunting dog. Therefore, only through familiarity at an early age will you avoid sudden aggressive behavior toward other pets. The Griffon has a ringing bark and would be great in a guarding role.

During the hunt, the dog gives his best, interacting perfectly with his companions. The instinct can be awakened even during an ordinary walk, so diligent training should teach the proper dog behavior from an early age.

Care

The dog is mainly bred in rural areas where it spends a lot of time outdoors in an active rhythm. Therefore, after walks or at the end of the day, you need to inspect the dog. The hair can get tangled and cling to itself a lot of foreign things. With a special brush, you need to comb through the hair and bathe the dog as needed. Checkups with the doctor should take place once a year. Routine vaccinations should be done on time, especially considering the dog’s constant exposure to the outdoors. It is necessary to maintain oral hygiene. Nails should be clipped several times a month.

Training

The playful Briquet Griffon Vendéen will always be happy with any interaction with the owner. Training should be approached thoroughly, do not miss the formation of the dog from puppyhood. An independent character sometimes plays a cruel joke; the dog can show his stubbornness in training. Therefore, rewards in the form of treats and verbal praise will only be an extra motivation. If you properly combine training, play, and the active part of the walk, the dog will gradually become an ideal pet.

Common Diseases

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is prone to food allergies. Therefore, you should always monitor the quality of food to which the dog has access. Griffon ears must be taken under special control; they often suffer from various infections.

The Briquet Vendéen Griffon suffers from such diseases:

• nasal cavity stenosis;
• cataract;
• progressive atrophy of the ocular retina.

Nutrition

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen needs a balanced diet. The protein of animal origin must necessarily be present. It is advisable to make various variations of liquid porridge, soups. Vegetables and fruits will be an excellent source of vitamins. Griffon needs to add some chopped greens to his food. It is best to take freshwater with you on a long walk. The dog’s portion can be increased due to a lot of physical activity. But, overfeeding the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is extremely not recommended.