Breed Specific – Top Lap Dogs

The Basset Griffon Vendeen Derived from the Grand Griffon there are 2 distinct sizes to this breed of dog, to which many people, even some owners appear confused. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PGBV) is the smaller of the two, with the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (GBGV) being the larger. Despite its homely look, historically it is actually a very fast hunting dog for such prey as hares and boars. Quick Facts About the Basset Griffon Vendeen For the purposes of simplicity, unless there is a distinct difference, such as size, then I will simply refer to The Basset Griffon Vendeen. Lifespan of a Basset Griffon Vendeen 12 to 15 Years Wither Height of the Basset Griffon Vendeen Petit Male and Female 13 to 15 inches or 34 to 38cmsGrand Female 15 to 17 inches, 38 to 43cmsGrand Male 16 to 17 inches, 40 to 43cms. Weight of a Basset Griffon Vendeen Petit Male and Female 25 to 40lbs or 15 to 18kgsGrand Male and Female 45 to 65lbs or 20 to 30kgs Average Price of a Basset Griffon Vendeen In the USA prices range from $500 to $2500.In the UK these dogs are about £500 to £2000 dependant on breeding papers. What Breed Class is the Basset Griffon Vendeen This dog is classified as a Hound. Is the Basset Griffon Vendeen Hypoallergenic? No. What does the Basset Griffon Vendeen look like? Described by kennel clubs as Elongated it has a long straight back with a medium length neck, strong coming from wide shoulders leading down into a broad but rounded chest over straight forward facing legs that are straight, with good strong padded feet giving surety of foot. There is no trace of the bow leg that can be seen in many basset type dogs. The head has long loping ears set low on a round head. Deep set intelligent searching eyes behind a mop of fringe. The snout is long and wide with a black nose sat over a strong jaw with a wide pink tongue. The back legs are strong with hidden muscular hips that drive this dog at a fast pace under a strong long tail often up or straight back. The coat is generally long shaggy and wiry in appearance and is semi coarse, coming in a variety of colours, often tri-colour but can be Black with white spotting , Black and tan or light tan, Fawn andwhite, Fawn and black mantle with white spotting (tricolour). Exceptionally good colours for dogs disappearing into the undergrowth. Old traditional colours would have been described as hare, wolf or badger coloured, even boar coloured giving reference to their hunting history. As its name suggests the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is the largest of these French griffon type dog breeds and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is clearly one of the smallest of these cute breeds which for us at Top Lap Dogs makes the Petit a Lap Dog. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen History of the Basset Griffon Vendeen The Grand and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are derived from a larger breed of hound in this case the Grand Griffon. Breed selections were first made at the end of the 19th century by the Comte d’Elva who wanted a hound with "straight legs". It was however Paul Dezamy who was given the credit for fixing the breed type. He fully understood that to catch a hare, dogs of a certain size were needed. He fixed that size at about 43 cm. In modern day the breed is used primarily when hunting with a gun. Capable of hunting all furry game, from rabbit to wild boar. Temperament of the Basset Griffon Vendeen These dogs are generally affable to humans and other dogs alike, they enjoy company. They do have a high prey drive and if not trained at a young age can be difficult to call back as they can be independent and stubborn. Early training and constant reminding will be needed but if you want a dog with high energy and loyalty then these are good dogs to have around. They are good with children and can make good family dogs but although the Petit size would qualify them as a lap dog. At top lap dogs we do not believe that this breed would be a good match for the elderly, except perhaps for retirees looking for a dog to grow old with together, running out of energy as they both get older. Common Health Problems of the Basset Griffon Vendeen The Basset Griffon Vendeen is generally considered to be a healthy and hardy breed. Some Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen's like the Grand Griffon Vendeen have a history of epilepsy and some of these dogs are prone to developing certain musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia at the latter stages of life which at around 14 years is not entirely surprising.