Grand Griffon Vendeen
Complete Breed Guide

Overview

Temperament and Behavior

Grand Griffon Vendéens are a friendly curly-headed bunch! They have an outgoing, fun attitude and are welcoming to new people. Grand Griffon Vendéens are very intelligent and need to have mental and physical exercise. Their stubborn streak can be curtailed with early training. Even then, you might find yourself asking them to do something more than once. Without proper exercise and training, some Grand Griffon Vendéens can have some less-than-desirable manners.

Coat & Grooming

Grand Griffon Vendéens are a pile of perfectly messy hair. Their wiry coat requires brushing a few times per week to keep from becoming matted. You’ll also need to bring Grand Griffon Vendéens to a professional groomer a few times a year to trim back their bushy eyebrows and beard and keep them looking sharp. And be sure to check their hound ears regularly for signs of infection.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

In addition to being great hunting and family companions, Grand Griffon Vendéens are known as regular Houdinis. Smart and sporty, these dogs escape when left to their own devices for an extended period of time. So while they require a big backyard to run around, make sure there is a tall fence and no holes for them to wiggle through. Grand Griffon Vendéens love to have dog friends but can’t always be trusted around smaller animals. If raised together, some hounds can be around cats. These dogs love the big outdoors, but Grand Griffon Vendéens need daily companionship with their family to be the happy hounds they’re known to be.

Exercise & Activity

Hunting is always a fun activity for Grand Griffon Vendéens. The sport gives these sharp scenthounds a chance to combine their high IQ, nose, and athleticism. Another activity that challenges these dogs is agility. Though it will take some training, the courses offer a variety of tasks for them to complete - tiring them out mentally and physically.