Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs French Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBoth Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and French Spaniel are originated from France. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than French Spaniel. Both Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and French Spaniel are having almost same weight. Both Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and French Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and French Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and French Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance.

History

grand basset griffon vendeen - historyThe Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French scenthound that has changed over many centuries and today the area in France where they originate from, has contributed to the dog's looks.

The rocky and thorny region of Vendeé required a hardy breed of dog. Also, hunters wanted a slower hound that they could keep up with, and the idea was to shorten the legs of the dog.

By the end of the 19th century, the Basset Griffon Vendéen was developed. By the 1950s, the Grand was considered a separate breed. and Petit was not banned until 1977.Today the dog is a long-backed and short-legged hunting dog.

french spaniel - historyDeveloped in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.

Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.

In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.

The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.

Description

grand basset griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionKept today essentially as a domestic pet, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a strongly built dog, a rough-coated scent hound of medium size standing at roughly 39 to 45cm in height and weighing 18 to 20kg.

The coat is medium length, shaggy and wiry. It is essentially white with orange markings. Sometimes he can be tri-colored, having a combination orange, black or tan markings. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double with a thick, weather-resistant undercoat and a rough, harsh topcoat. In addition to regular brushing, this breed’s coat needs to be hand-stripped once a year.

His legs are straight, and he is longer than he is tall. He is a deep chested dog with long ears and a long tail. He is also noted for his mustache and beard with long eyebrows.

Temperament:

Your Grand Basset is a courageous, happy, confident dog, active and having great stamina.

He is a social, pack dog so he will be wanting plenty of time spent with his owner, failing which the owner should invest in another dog too. He will get on great with children and he is also a pet-friendly breed who will get on well with cats too. He is sharp and alert and responds well to training and socialization.

french spaniel puppy - descriptionThe French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.

Characteristics

grand basset griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThis long-backed, short legged hunting dog has a happy, confident personality.

While he was used originally for hunting, he is now commonly kept as a companion dog. He is energetic and independent and will require you having him join you for walks and a ball game too.

Non-aggressive and adaptable he can live in the city or in the countryside so long as he receives plenty of attention and love – then he'll be a splendid pet.

Children friendliness

french spaniel dog - characteristicsYes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.

Adaptability

The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.

Learning ability

The breed is very intelligent and trainable.

Health Problems

grand basset griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThere are some Basset Griffon Vendéens that have reached 17 years of age. This is excellent for these dogs and lifestyle, nutrition and exercise can all play a part in the longevity of any dog.

Generally they live to be 10 to 14 years of age. While he is a pretty robust dog, you'll want to be aware of some of the diseases which may require veterinary intervention -

Cancer:

Cancer is a major cause of death in elderly dogs, but if caught early, the dog can be cured. These cancers can be malignant lymphoma, skin cancer, bone cancer or soft tissue sarcomas. You'll notice a lump on your pet or a wound they won't heal. When you notice your dog not feeling well, get him to the vet.

Cardiac Problems:

A common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, heartworm disease and myocardial disease. The signs of heart disease in your pet will depend on the severity of the disease and type. As heart disease moves on to congestive heart failure, you'll notice symptoms such as difficulty with breathing, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. You need to get your dog immediately to the vet.

Dermatitis:

Dog allergies can be caused by pollen, medications, food or insects. You'll notice your pet scratching, he'll have watery eyes and inflamed skin. This inflammatory condition can cause a lot of agony for your pet, driving him mad with pain and the desire to scratch and lick. Relieve his discomfort by getting him to the vet as soon as possible.

french spaniel puppies - health problemsThe French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia

This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.

Ear Infections

Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.

Epilepsy

This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.

Hip dysplasia

Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

grand basset griffon vendeen dogs - caringIf you are going to be feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen kibble, there are excellent brands that bring out breed-specific formulas for age, size and energy levels of dogs.

Feeding a dog is an individual choice, but good food can increase his longevity. A bit of raw meat mixed into his kibble, or some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken will be excellent for him. This can be a tasty variety to his diet.

Fresh, cool water must always be available at all times.

Grooming:

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double and the rough, harsh coat will need brushing twice a week and stripped once a year.

Feed the puppy

french spaniel dogs - caringA high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time

Feed the adult

A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision, stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
France
France
Height Male:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 12
4 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
GBGV, Grand Basset
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Colors Available:
Yellow, orange, black – tricolor and grizzle.
White with brown markings
Coat:
Medium length, shaggy, wiry
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  5. French Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  6. French Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  7. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. French Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. French Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. French Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  14. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  15. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  35. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  40. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  43. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  44. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  45. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  46. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  47. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  49. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  50. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Beago - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds