Griffon Nivernais vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

Griffon Nivernais vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed ComparisonBoth Grand Griffon Vendeen and Griffon Nivernais are originated from France. Grand Griffon Vendeen may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Griffon Nivernais. Both Grand Griffon Vendeen and Griffon Nivernais are having almost same weight. Both Grand Griffon Vendeen and Griffon Nivernais has same life span. Grand Griffon Vendeen may have more litter size than Griffon Nivernais. Both Grand Griffon Vendeen and Griffon Nivernais requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
undefined
France
France
Height Male:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
1 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
GBGV, Basset Griffon Vendéen (Grand)
Chien Gris de St. Louis, Grey Dogs of St. Louis
Colors Available:
tri-color , White with orange markings
Grey and fawn, black and fawn
Coat:
Medium length, shaggy, wiry
Long, shaggy, coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

grand griffon vendeenThe Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French scenthound that has changed over many centuries. 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.Today the dog is a long-backed and short-legged hunting dog.

griffon nivernaisThe Griffon Nivernais is a working breed dog originating in France and used as a hunting dog because of his exceptional scent skills and his alertness with hunting.

The idea was to develop a dog that looked much like the hunting dogs of the Middle Ages. French noblemen kept these dogs but the breed disappeared somewhat after the French Revolution, being restored again in 1925.

The restoration of the breed was done based on the Grand Griffon Vendeen but other breeds were also used such as the Otter- and Foxhounds. The breed has yet to receive official recognition by the AKC but it is recognized by both the FCI and the UKC.

Description

grand 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 of orange, black or tan markings. The double coat is actually regarded as his defining characteristic, being shaggy with a wiry texture that sets him apart from other hound breeds.

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. He is active and has great stamina. As a social, pack dog, he likes plenty of time spent with his owner, failing which the owner should invest in another dog too so as to be part of a pack. 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.

griffon nivernais puppy - descriptionAs a medium sized dog, the Griffon Nivernais stands at 55 to 62cm in height and weighs between about 22 and 25kg.

He is recognized easily by his distinctive rough or shaggy coat which is a grey with fawn around the muzzle and legs. Other colors can be black and fawn. Sometimes this blend of colors gives him a grizzled look in appearance.

He is also noted for the hairy eyebrows, a beard and mustache. He has dark brown eyes, black nose, long floppy ears and a tail that is held upright and with a slight curve. He is a muscular dog with a deep chest and a slight arch in the back.

Temperament:

Stubborn, courageous and independent, the Griffon Nivernais is a hunting dog with amazing scenting abilities. He is a dog used to working in a pack with other dogs so he tolerates other dogs well. He is a friendly dog, getting on well with children as well.

Characteristics

grand 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.

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.

griffon nivernais dog - characteristicsYour Griffon Nivernais is a sociable, stubborn, independent dog who loves to be around his human family members.

Socialization and training will do him good and round him off, making him obedient and responsive to your commands. He isn't an aggressive dog, but is even tempered and confident.

Exercise him well, feed him quality food, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep, just like any other family member of yours, and you'll be rewarded with the companionship of a faithful, loving friend.

Health Problems

grand 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. While he is a pretty robust canine, 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 that won't heal. When you notice your dog not feeling well, get him to the vet.

Cardiac Problems:

Common forms of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, heart-worm 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. Your pet will be 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 the itch and pain. Relieve his discomfort by getting him to the vet as soon as possible.

griffon nivernais puppies - health problemsThe typical lifespan for your Griffon Nivernais is 10 to 14 years. Even though you're highly unlikely to spend much time with him at the vet, there are one or two common dog illnesses worth knowing about -

Ear Infections:

It is the fate of many dogs with floppy ears that they are prone to developing ear infections. You may notice him shaking his head canine, his ears may be red and there could even be a discharge.Get him to the vet as ear infections can be promptly treated with a course of medication.

Immunizations:

Remember to have your Griffon Nivernais puppy vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. Puppies are vulnerable to horrible diseases which can sap the very life from them. These diseases are distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus as well as rabies. The puppy’s first vaccinations should be at 6 weeks of age followed by a second vaccination 2 to 4 weeks later.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

grand griffon vendeen dogs - caringIf you are going to be feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen kibble, there are manufacturers who bring out excellent foods which are 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 and can add some 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.

Exercise:

griffon nivernais dogs - caringThis breed needs to be walked daily, and he needs a large space to run and play. Take him on walks, to the park, or give him a good game with ropes and balls.

Grooming:

In spite of his long, shaggy coat, the Griffon Nevernais doesn't need any special grooming and his shaggy coat will require brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. When you brush him, you can also check for fleas and ticks.You get special flea combs for this. You can speak to your vet about recommendations too.

Because his coat is of a harsh texture it doesn't tangle or matt. Bathing will only be necessary when he becomes super dirty as too much bathing removes natural oils. He will need to have his nails trimmed if they don't wear down naturally, and he will also need to have his ears cleaned to keep them free of wax and dirt and to prevent ear infections.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week will also help towards preventing dental disease.

Diet:

He is a high energy dog so he will need to get top quality food. You can feed him the best commercially manufactured food but its to his advantage to include some home-made food too such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. He'll also need some raw meat from time to time and a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Griffon Nivernais vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Griffon Nivernais vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Griffon Nivernais vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Griffon Nivernais vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Griffon Nivernais vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Griffon Nivernais vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Griffon Nivernais vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Griffon Nivernais vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Griffon Nivernais vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Griffon Nivernais vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Griffon Nivernais vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Griffon Nivernais vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Griffon Nivernais vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Griffon Nivernais vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Griffon Nivernais vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Griffon Nivernais vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Griffon Nivernais vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Griffon Nivernais vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Griffon Nivernais vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Griffon Nivernais vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Griffon Nivernais vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Griffon Nivernais vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Griffon Nivernais vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Griffon Nivernais vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison