Briquet Griffon Vendeen

Thinking about purchasing a Briquet Griffon Vendeen? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Briquet Griffon Vendeen breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Briquet Griffon Vendeen owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Briquet Griffon Vendeen and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Briquet Griffon Vendeen Breeder:

When were your Briquet Griffon Vendeens born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Briquet Griffon Vendeen, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Briquet Griffon Vendeen and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Briquet Griffon Vendeen Breed Profile

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.

Other Names: Medium Vendeen Griffon

Type: Scenthound

Height: 19 - 24 inches.
Weight: 35 - 53 lbs.

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.

Briquet Griffon Vendeen 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.

Country of Origin: France
Briquet Griffon Vendeen 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!

First Registered with the AKC: Not registered
Class: Gundog
Registries: FCI (Group 6)

Briquet Griffon Vendeens

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Wednesday, February 06, 2008