The Grand Griffon Vendéen, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen are three other members of the family. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is the least well-known among them. The Briquet, meaning “medium-sized dog,” is a suitable name for a breed that falls in the middle of its family in terms of size. They may be smaller than some of their relatives, but they possess strong personalities. With their exceptional stamina and sharp sense of smell, Briquet Griffon Vendéens are energetic hunters. However, they are also kind and easygoing, which makes them suitable for various families. Unlike many other French scent hounds, they are a bit more selective with people and will alert their owners if they sense anything unusual. They get along well with other dogs, strangers, and children. They thrive when given tasks or allowed to play fetch with their owners, thanks to their high energy and intelligence. While they can also be great running companions, they require extensive training due to their independent and strong-willed nature, which can make training challenging. A firm yet patient approach is necessary. Even with extensive training, Briquet Griffon Vendéens may occasionally prefer to make their own decisions instead of following their owners’ commands. Despite this obstinacy, they excel as hunters and companions, and they take great pleasure in both roles.
Ahead, we look at Briquet Griffon Vendeen dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Briquet Griffon Vendeen, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Briquet Griffon Vendeens!
| Dog Breed | Briquet Griffon Vendeen |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 48-53 lbs (average) |
| Height | 19-21″ (average) |
| Location | France |
| Ancestry | Grand Griffon Vendéen, Small French Scent Hounds |
| Date of Origin | 17th Century |
| Group | Hunting, Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 9-13 years |
| Price | $400 – $600 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The history of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen can be traced back to the 1600s. They are descendants of the Grand Griffon Vendéen, a larger dog that was used for hunting wild boar and bears. However, some people desired a smaller dog that could hunt smaller prey. In the mid-17th century, Comte d’Elva and a few others started breeding the smallest of the Grand Griffons to create a smaller version of the breed. It is believed that they also mixed in other small and medium French scent hounds to reduce the size while maintaining their excellent sense of smell.
The popularity of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen grew as more people used them for hunting hare and other small game. However, during World War II, like many other European breeds, their numbers were greatly reduced and they almost went extinct. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of Hubert Dezamy, a French show dog judge and enthusiast, the breed was revived and their numbers started to increase. Today, they are still used as hunting dogs but have also become popular as companions. However, their presence is still mostly limited to their native region. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.
🐕 Briquet Griffon Vendeen Appearance
The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized dog with an average height at the withers of 20 inches and a weight of 50 pounds. It has a distinctive, long, wiry double coat that might be white and black, black and tan, white and orange, fawn and black, or multicolored. The light-colored head of a Briquet Griffon Vendéen is made up of a thin, somewhat short, slightly domed skull, a snout that is the same length, and, depending on the color of the coat, a big, brown or black nose. Their curled ears and wide, dark eyes are sometimes hidden by wiry, extra hair. Although they tend to be more stocky than fully muscular, they nonetheless have a semi-athletic physique with a deep but not very wide chest. While standing, their rear legs are at a small slant and their front legs are straight. They have considerably shorter backs than other breeds, and their long, wiry, tapering tails are typically held up saber-style.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, White, Fawn, Cream |
⚡ Fun Fact: Briquet Griffon Vendeen dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Briquet Griffon Vendeen
Due to their well-known extroverted and amiable natures, combined with their appealing appearance, Briquet Griffon Vendéens are increasingly being used as companions rather than conventional hunters. Since they typically get along with other dogs and people (including strangers and children), they make excellent family dogs overall. However, because of their intense sense of suspicion, they make far better guard dogs than the majority of other French scent hounds. They are not known to bark excessively, which is another advantageous distinction from many of their hunting relatives, even though they are naturally vigilant to possible prey or anything that disturbs them. They do, however, have a significant flaw in comparison: stubbornness. While many scent hounds only require moderate training effort, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen’s high intelligence, independent spirit, and strong-willed nature can make them a real challenge. Once trained, they have even been known to flat-out disobey orders because they prefer to make their own choices. They also require a lot of activity, and if they don’t get enough of it, they risk becoming restless and misbehaving. Despite these few drawbacks, they nonetheless make excellent friends and hunters when fully socialized and taught since they are affectionate, devoted, loving, and joyful dogs who like attention and family engagement.
🤝 Are Briquet Griffon Vendeens Friendly or Aggressive?
Briquet Griffon Vendeen dogs tend to have difficulty getting along with other pets, but they are generally friendly towards strangers. They are also known to be good with children, making them a suitable choice for families. However, they may not be the most cat-friendly dogs. On the other hand, they are quite sociable with other dogs, making them a good option if you want to add more dogs to your household or participate in dog meetups. Additionally, Briquet Griffon Vendeens are often recommended for elderly individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Independent
- Courageous
- Dominant
- Passionate
🐩 Briquet Griffon Vendeen Care & Maintenance
Despite their independent spirits, Briquet Griffon Vendéens need a lot of assistance from their owners with care. Their long, wiry outer coat has a propensity to gather dirt, mud, burrs, and other organic debris that may become entangled when they are hunting or even just playing in the yard or park. Despite the fact that it is not advised to actually cut their coats, they do require routine cleaning with a wire brush and comb to keep them clear of dirt and protected from any problematic tangling or matting. Because they only shed lightly to moderately, frequent maintenance brushing should help keep this to a minimum. They do not require routine washing, but owners should keep an eye on their general cleanliness and wash them when required using a shampoo made specifically for dogs if they grow dirty or finally develop an unpleasant odor that brushing was unable to remove. Additionally, their wiry, folded ears should be routinely examined since they are vulnerable to moisture accumulation, which may result in ear infections. Owners should do the same with their nails, checking them frequently to see if they are naturally thinning down or if they need to be trimmed to avoid cracking or breaking. To support the maintenance of excellent oral health, their teeth should also be brushed once a week.
Briquet Griffon Vendeen dogs have a moderate amount of shedding, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing helps to minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The shedding level can also be influenced by the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. As for bath time, it is recommended to give these dogs a bath every 8-12 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $2.00 daily, or around $45.00 – $60.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Briquet Griffon Vendeen dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 18 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Briquet Griffon Vendeen dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 Briquet Griffon Vendeen Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Briquet Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed can be:
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Skin Allergies
- Hyperthyroidism
- Food Allergies
🤧 Important: Is Briquet Griffon Vendeen hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Briquet Griffon Vendeen.
⚡ Briquet Griffon Vendeen Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Briquet Griffon Vendeen a great choice for families with young children?
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen’s friendly and outgoing personality makes them a great choice for families with young children. They generally get along well with children and are known to be patient and tolerant.
Is the Briquet Griffon Vendeen breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen may not be the most suitable breed for apartment living due to their high-energy levels and need for exercise. They thrive in larger spaces where they can run and play freely.
How much exercise does a Briquet Griffon Vendeen require compared to other breeds?
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are high-energy hunters and need regular physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved.
Is the Briquet Griffon Vendeen breed known for being good with other pets?
Yes, the Briquet Griffon Vendeen breed is known for being good with other pets. They generally get along well with other dogs and can coexist with other animals if properly socialized.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen include the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. These breeds have similar characteristics and are also suitable for families.
What are the common health issues that Briquet Griffon Vendeens are prone to?
Briquet Griffon Vendeens are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are prone to certain health issues. Common health problems in Briquet Griffon Vendeens include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye issues.
Are Briquet Griffon Vendeens known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Training a Briquet Griffon Vendeen can be challenging due to their strong-willed nature and independent streak. They are not known to be easy to train compared to some other breeds, and consistent and patient training methods are required.
Are Briquet Griffon Vendeens more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Briquet Griffon Vendeens can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained. Like many breeds, they thrive on companionship and may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen that are suitable for people with allergies include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen, such as the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, may be more suitable. These breeds have similar characteristics but require less space.
Is the Briquet Griffon Vendeen breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen breed can be good with children with special needs, but it is important to ensure proper socialization and supervision. Their friendly and patient nature can make them well-suited for such situations.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen?
The grooming needs of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen can be moderate. They have a rough, wiry coat that requires regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping to maintain its texture. They are considered moderate shedders compared to some other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Briquet Griffon Vendeen dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
