A Grand Griffon Vendéen is a breed of hunting dog originating in France. It was the first of the Vendée griffons to be bred from the Greffier whose lineage dates back to the 16th Century. There are also several other breeds of Griffons from Vendée, all of them being smaller: the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and the Grand and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen. Related Griffon breeds include the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and the Griffon Nivernais.
The Grand Griffon Vendéen was developed in the rural regions of Vendée, France, ideal for forested and rough terrain hunting.
The Grand Griffon Vendéen is known for its strong hunting instincts, originally bred for hunting large game like deer and boar. It is a scent hound with a keen nose and a high level of endurance. Despite its hunting roots, it can make a loyal companion if given consistent training and enough exercise.
A 19th-century painting of a Grand Griffon Vendéen.
Trainability
Responsiveness to training: —/5