GRIFFONS VENDEENS

Grand Griffon Vendeen
COUNTRY: France
WEIGHT: 66-77 pounds
HEIGHT: Minimum 23^J/2 inches, larger
preferred
COAT: lVi-2V£ inches, hard and rough; never soft
COLOR: Various shades of orange, gray, tawny, or black/tan, usually as spots on white
background
OTHER NAMES: Large Vendeen Griffon
GROUP: Hound

Briquet Griffon Vendeen
OUNTRY: France
WEIGHT: 35-53 pounds
HEIGHT: 20-22 inches
COAT: l^]A-2^l/2 inches, hard and rough; never soft
COLOR: Various shades of orange, gray, tawny, or black/tan, usually as spots on white
background
OTHER NAMES: Medium Vendeen Griffon
GROUP: Hound

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
COUNTRY: France
WEIGHT: 40-44 pounds
HEIGHT: 15-16 ^ inches
COAT: 1¹A~2V2 inches, hard and rough; never soft
COLOR: Various shades of orange, gray, tawny, or black/tan, usually as spots on white background
OTHER NAMES: Large Vendeen Basset
GROUP: Hound

La Vendee is a district on the western coast of France, south of Brittany. The hounds of Vendee are some of the oldest varieties, bred directly from the white Southern Hound with crosses to rough-coated dogs reportedly from Italy. Crosses also occurred to the Griffon Niver-nais. One of the first breeders was a king's recorder (clerk) in the 15th century. Clerk in French is greffier, and the reference to the "gref-fier's dogs" gradually became "griffon." The name was first used to describe these breeds and later to indicate many of the wire-coated hunting dogs. Several griffons were given to King Louis XII, bringing him much pleasure. In fact, the breed was once called Chiens Blancs du Roi or the King's White Hounds.

The French Revolution nearly sounded the death knell for these breeds, but they were fostered and revitalized by devoted breeders in the 20th century with the first club forming in 1907. The large (Grand) size was originally used in packs for big game such as boar and wolf. They were noted for their stamina and courage. The Grand is still a passionate and persistent hunter.

But hunting land in France, as in much of the world, is becoming restricted and is decreasing. This leaves a limited environment for the Grand, whose style is to follow the quarry for many hours. This variety is the rarest of the hunting Vendeens, and owners voice concern about "a dark future for this breed." Enthusiasts hope that more serious breeders will take up the banner of this old hound. One breeder in America has imported stock and is working to establish these dogs.

Briquet is the French term for a smaller hound used for hare coursing, and the Briquet version of the Vendeen Hound is just a slightly smaller variety. He is used today in small packs or singly as a personal hunting dog, literally beating the bushes for all types of game. Not a commonplace dog either, he has a wider appeal as a single hunter's dog, so is less likely to face extinction than the Grand.

There are two Basset, or short-legged, varieties of the Vendeen Griffons. The two sizes originally occurred even in the same litters, and interbreeding was allowed. It was 1950 before the Petit was given separate status, and 25 years later that crossing of the two sizes was forbid-den. These short-legged Bassets were ideal for the Vendee landscape, which is heavily interspaced with hedges and roads, making winter passage impossible on horseback. Hare-coursing is done on foot, and hounds that stayed close to the hunters were in demand. In both the large and small Basset varieties, the body retains its full size with only the legs being shortened by the dwarf mutation. In France and elsewhere the Vendeen Bassets are still used individually or in packs for hunting all sorts of quarry, including deer and wild boar, as well as smaller furred and feathered game.

Because of its extroverted, lively nature and jaunty expression, the Petit Basset has won some degree of popularity as a companion dog. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens (often called PeeBee-GeeVees or just Petits in America to put a handle on their tongue-twister name) have been granted recognition in Canada, and there are a good number in the USA, including some hunt packs. A PBGV baby, "Alexander," created a minor sensation by winning Best Puppy at the acclaimed 1983 Professional Handler's Super Match before most of America knew what the breed was. An American organization is fostering this breed, and their proponents hope for AKC recognition in the near future. Affectionately called Roughies in England and Griffons in Denmark, in French speaking countries they are still called PetitBassetGriffonVendeen, fluently rolled out as if it were all one word!

All these varieties are classic French hounds clad in a rough jacket, with lean heads and long folded ears. A lack of excessive loose skin, and the high-set, proudly carried saber tail completes the picture. The coat is medium length, rough and wiry, with plenty of undercoat for protection. It is not as long and shaggy as the Griffon Nivernais and is never trimmed, even for exhibition.

Although black/tan tricolors are allowed by the standard, the more commonly seen brighter shades of red, orange or tawny with the predominance of white sets these dogs apart from many hounds. The Grand Basset always has straight (albeit short) legs, while the Petit's legs may be either straight or a bit bowed.

Vendeens, like most scenthounds, are vocal when hot on a scent. Hunting is instinctive. So is digging. Non-hunters should be aware of these inclinations, never leaving these hounds loose—or they will be gone, over hill and dale!