what they are likeGrand Griffon Vendéen temperament
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.12
how to spot oneGrand Griffon Vendéen coat and colours
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.12
Colourswhite and blackwhite and orangeblack and tantricolourfawn with black overlay, with or without whitehare, wolf, badger and wild boar shades12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
by countryIs the Grand Griffon Vendéen legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Grand Griffon Vendéen in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksGrand Griffon Vendéen exercise needs
High: a pack hound for large game that is used to long days in the field, so it needs plenty of daily exercise.12
the hands-on bitsGrand Griffon Vendéen grooming and care
Brush the rough coat regularly to clear burrs and loose undercoat, and keep the beard tidy.1
where they are happiestGrand Griffon Vendéen at home
Suited to country homes with room to roam and an active owner.1
who they like aroundGrand Griffon Vendéen with people and other pets
Works in packs as well as alone, so it generally enjoys the company of other dogs.12
where it all beganGrand Griffon Vendéen history
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.123
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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
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.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 282, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 18 Feb 20001
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.6Pet 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.16Pet 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.6Pet 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.12Pet 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.6Pet 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.12
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.12
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.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Briquet Griffon Vendéen
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Griffon Nivernais
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne