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A Grand Griffon Vendéen is a breed of dog. There are also several other variations of this breed, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, hunting dogs originating in France. First bred before World War I, Briquet Griffon Vendéen has a short head, low-set ears and a bushy coat.
A Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a breed of hunting dog originating in France. Prior to the first World War it was bred down in size by the Comte d’Elva from the Grand Griffon Vendéen, a descendant of the Canis Segusius used by the Gauls. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen was almost extinct after World War II, but thanks to the effort of Hubert Dezamy, a French dog show judge, the breed was restored.
The Briquet Griffon Vendéen has a short head, low-set ears and a bushy double coat. It comes in solid or mixed colors, fawn, light brown, white and orange, white and gray and even tri-colored. They stand from 20 - 22 inches at the withers. They weigh from 48 to 53 lbs.
It is the only breed keeping this name "Briquet" which signifies "medium-sized dog". Selection dates from before the first World War by the Comte d'Elva. It is a harmonious and improved reduction of the Grand Griffon Vendéen, distinguished, rather stocky in its construction. Decimated several times because of wars, the Briquet type reappeared in Fontenay le Comte (Vendée) in 1946. At present one finds numerous subjects of quality; a team of Briquets won the trophy of France on roe deer in 1995 and numerous teams are unleashed on wild boar.
The Briquet Griffon Vendeen has a short head and low-set ears, a dense, bushy double coat, in solid or mixed colors. They have drop ears that are medium in length, and they have a short muzzle. Their bones are light compared to other breeds, and the body is stocky. The tail is like a saber in shape, and their faces hold a heavy mustache and eyebrows. They can be black with tan markings, fawn with white markings, fawn with black markings, or tricolor--all of these being with white markings.
They are a hardy, well constructed hunting dog who is also known to be very independent and unruly and very hot to pursue and kill prey. Briquet Griffon Vendeens are capable of rousing all kinds of game over a variety of terrain such as sandy, hilly or even flooded. They are active, intense creatures that do not necessarily recognize humans as owners from birth. They tend to have a one track mind when it comes to following a scent, and are very apt to following their instincts in this way. Briquet Griffon Vendeens are vocal in personality and prone to much tail-wagging.
Colors: Fawn, light brown, white and orange, white and gray or tri-colored. Can be black with tan markings, fawn with white markings, fawn with black markings, or tricolor - all of these being with white markings.
Coat: Dense, wiry coat, never wooly.They have a thick undercoat and long bushy outer coat. They have a heavy mustache and eyebrows as well.
Temperament: Briquet Griffon Vendeens are alert, active, decisive, intense and enthusiastic. Sure to warm any heart, this breed is courageous and good natured, though a few have been known to be a little snappy. Briquets are difficult to handle with training, though, as they are instinctively independent and single minded. They make reasonably good watchdogs, and are generally good with children. Briquets tend to dig.
With Children: Yes, usually good with children, though some have had a tendency to be a bit edgy.
With Pets: Yes, is good with other pets and dogs, although it is more used to being a single tracker.
Special Skills: Tracker, gundog and family pet.
Watch-dog: High. Briquets make good watchdogs.
Guard Dog: Low.
Care and Training: Care for this breed is minimal. The coat never needs to be trimmed, even for exhibition. Grooming with a brush and comb is needed to prevent matting. They need a considerable amount of exercise, so potential owners should be active and aware of the Briquet's needs.
Learning Rate: Low. Obedience - Medium.
Activity: High.
Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard, and a leash.
Living Environment: Adapts to city life if raised in an urban environment from an early age. They do best, though, in the country being used for their purpose. They were bred to be trackers and gundogs. This breed needs room to exercise and explore, but should be kept within a fenced area or on a leash, as they will follow a scent without a thought of their master. Briquet Vendeen Griffons do best with an active owner in a rural or suburban environment.
Life Span: 12 years.
Litter Size: 4 - 7 puppies.
History: Briquet Vendeen Griffons are one of the four rough-coated breeds from the west cost of France in the La Vendee region. These four include the Briquet, Grand Griffon Vendeen, Basset Griffon Vendeen, and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (also known as a "PeeBeeGeeVee", or PBGV). Believed to have descended from the Vendéen hounds of the Gris de St. Louis, the Briquets are thought to be bred from the white Southern Hound and other Italian coarse-haired dogs. One of the first breeders being the king's clerk, or greffier, the hound probably got the "griffon" part of its name from this. Several of these dogs were given to King Louis XII, eventually developing the name Chiens Blancs du Rui, or the King's White Hounds.
During the French Revolution the dogs were almost gone, but around the 20th century in 1907, a club formed and began bringing back the dogs. The Briquets were used for hunting hare and other small game, but due to less and less hunting the breed has lost its need. This breed was severely reduced during World War II and is still relatively unknown even in France. These days it is known as a pet and companion dog, occasionally out on the hunt with its owner, or by itself!
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