Cannot find a perfect breed for you to bring home? How about the Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog breed? They are fun companions with a chilled nature and might as well be an excellent match for you!
So, without further ado, dive into this article, where we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing dog breed. Let’s begin!
Overview
| Height | 19-25 inches |
| Weight | 48-53 lbs |
| Life span | 10-12 years |
| Exercise needs | 1 hour daily |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Pleasers, Intelligent |
| Grooming | Moderate maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Vendeé, France |
Origin of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen
The breed’s history can be traced back to the 19th century when it was developed to assist in hunting small game. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a hunting dog that has been developed after a long practice of crossing multiple French hounds. This included Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, among others. You might also remember them from the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen dog breed because, as their names suggest, they both share the same ancestry.
Moreover, this hunting dog particularly became famous for their keen sense of smell, agility, and stamina. Such skills and abilities made them well-suited for tracking and hunting, and so they also accompanied many hunters. To be more specific, these dogs hunted animals like rabbits and hares while adapting well to the demanding conditions. Sooner or later, big dog clubs and organizations recognized Briquet Griffon Vendéen not only as a capable hunting dog but also as a friendly presence in human homes.
Appearance of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen
1. Size and body
These are medium-sized dogs who stand at a height of 19-25 inches while weighing approximately 50 pounds. In addition to that, under those furry feathers, these dogs have a well-muscled body built. So, one can proudly say that Briquet Griffon Vendéens has one of the sturdiest and most athletic appearances.
2. Coat
As for their wiry, harsh double coat adds a lot of value to the Briquet Griffon Vendéen’s survival as the coat protects them from harsh conditions. This distinctive coat comes in colors like fawn, orange, white and black markings.
3. Other features
Moreover, they have a typically longer coat and are more profuse around the head, ears, and neck. This gives them a really cool beard! And oh, let’s not forget about their pendulous ears that add more charm to their appearance and overall demeanor.
Personality and Temperament
Every dog has a personality that makes it stand apart from other dog breeds. In the case of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, here are their unique personality traits:
1. Intelligent
This dog breed is known for its intelligence and wittiness, which is super impressive! In fact, in terms of training, they are most definitely quick learners who respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.
2. Affectionate
If you are looking for a dog who can gel well with everyone, be it family, other pets, or strangers—then the Briquet Griffon Vendéen will be a great pet for you. These dogs are very affectionate and sociable, making them good family dogs who will also be gentle with kids.
3. Energetic
Another personality trait of these dogs is that they are highly energetic and lively! They love to be a part of family activities and enjoy their best at social events. Also, this is why you will need to follow a regular exercise routine to satisfy the Briquet Griffon Vendéen’s energy needs.
4. Pleasers
Last but not least, these dogs love to impress and please their owners. So if there is anything that you are unhappy with, for example, their barking behavior, and you plan to teach them—they’ll learn before you even ask them to!
If till now you were unsure what zoomies are, Briquet Griffon Vendéen will show you the best sample!
Grooming Needs of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen
The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a moderate maintenance dog breed, and here are their grooming needs:
1. Brushing
As this dog breed has a rough, wiry coat, you will need to be very particular about the type of brush you use. We recommend that you use a slicker brush or a grooming rake for brushing and grooming the Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog breed twice or thrice a week.
2. Bathing
To bathe these furry buddies, you only need to make time once every 2-3 months as they have a dirt-resistant coat. However, whenever you shower them, you should use dog supplies like mild, dog-friendly shampoo to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils.
3. Overall hygiene
Besides brushing and bathing, dogs also need to have a healthy hygiene routine. This includes cleaning their eye boogers, removing ear wax buildup and debris, and trimming their nails from time to time. Also, do not forget to take Briquet Griffon Vendéens on dental visits.
Training Essentials Of The Briquet Griffon Vendeen
Being a hunting dog, these dogs require at least an hour of training every day, and here is what all you can include in their routine:
1. Early socialization
As a dog who is always up for pleasing its owners, you should focus a lot on giving early socialization training for the Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog breed. You can take your dog to dog dates, events, and parks where they can interact with the social settings and adapt to them.
2. Daily walks
Another training essential that you cannot miss out on is taking your dog on regular walks. You would be surprised to know that dog walking is not only good for dogs but also super beneficial for dog walkers (study).
3. Physical and mental stimulation
Lastly, as these dogs are packed with energy, they need to exhaust themselves enough to get tired and sleep on time. So, for that, you should indulge your dog in agility courses and mentally stimulating exercises that would challenge your dog.
Final Thoughts
Our final thoughts on whether or not you should adopt a Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog is a BIG YES! These dogs can be excellent companions and pets, especially if you are an experienced dog owner. Moreover, these hunting dogs require proper socialization, nutrition, and a particular lifestyle to live a healthy life. So, if you think you can keep up with that, then Briquet Griffon Vendéens are all ready to be yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, no! The Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog breed is not an hypoallergenic dog. Although they shed very minimally and may not cause allergic reactions in people with low to mild allergies.
These hunting dogs enjoy being in the water, and they can swim well if they are taught to at an early age. This will also help to promote their skills as these dogs have an agile build that is suitable for swimming.
Generally. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog breed is considered to be a healthy dog, but some common health problems can be ear infections and joint problems. So, it is recommended that you take them on regular veterinary checkups.
No! The Briquet Griffon Vendéen dog breed is generally known for their friendly demeanor. Even though they can be protective of their families, aggression is not really their thing.
The average life expectancy of the this dog breed is 10-14 years. However, it depends a lot on factors like nutrition, underlying health problems, and overall care that can impact longevity.
