Briquet griffon vendéen

Briquet Griffon Vendeen

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a medium sized purebred from France, bred to hunt small game like hare. It was developed to be very agile and able to handle difficult terrain, and is an intense and enduring strong breed. It has a life span of 10 to 12 years and is also called the Medium Vendeen Griffon. Out of the four varieties of Griffon Vendeen this one is least well known at least in North America. However in Europe its attractive appearance and good nature are making its popularity there grow.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen at a Glance
Name	Briquet Griffon Vendeen
Other names	Medium Vendéen Griffon
Nicknames	None
Origin	France
Average size	Medium
Average weight	48 to 53 pounds
Average height	19 to 22 inches
Life span	10 to 12 years
Coat type	Rough and wiry outercoat – soft and dense innercoat
Hypoallergenic	No
Color	Solid or mixed colors, fawn, light brown, white and orange, white and gray and even tri-colored
Popularity	Not a registered member of the AKC
Intelligence	High
Tolerance to heat	Very good
Tolerance to cold	Good to very good
Shedding	Average – will be some hair around the home
Drooling	Moderate to average – some drool especially after drinking but not excessive
Obesity	Average – measure food and make sure it is well exercised
Grooming/brushing	Average – brush a couple of times a week
Barking	Occasional – does bark sometimes but not frequently
Exercise needs	High – needs active owners
Trainability	Moderately easy with the right approach
Friendliness	Very good – quite social
Good first dog	Good to very good
Good family pet	Very good with socialization
Good with children	Very good with socialization
Good with other dogs	Very good to excellent with socialization
Good with other pets	Moderate to good with socialization – due to high prey drive
Good with strangers	Good to very good with socialization
Good apartment dog	Moderate – best with space and a yard
Handles alone time well	No – does not like being left alone for long periods, can suffer from separation anxiety
Health issues	Somewhat healthy but a few issues including aseptic meningitis, ear infections, glaucoma, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation
Medical expenses	$460 a year for basic health care and pet insurance
Food expenses	$140 a year for good quality dry dog food and dog treats
Miscellaneous expenses	$220 a year for license, basic training, toys and miscellaneous items
Average annual expenses	$820 as a starting figure
Cost to purchase	$750
Rescue organizations	None breed specific, check local shelters and rescues
Biting Statistics	None reported

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen’s Beginnings

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a French dog that was bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen a process that was started in the 17th century in the region of Vendee on the west coast. It is one of 4 rough coated types from that area. The other 3 being the Basset Griffon Vendeen, the Gran Griffon Vendeen and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. The word Briquet translates in fact to medium sized and the Griffon part of its name is thought to come from greffier, a term used for the king’s clerk, one of the first breeders. The large version was used to hunt large game like boar and wolves and the Briquet was used in packs to hunt game like wild boar, deer and on its own for small game.

Key in the development of this breed was Comte d’Elva a breeder at the time. He and other breeders took the smaller versions of the Grand Griffon Vendeen and bred them to other small French hunting dogs, though which ones exactly is not known. It is though though that its ancestors include the Gris de St Louis Vendeen hounds and that in the mix were Italian coarse haired dogs. It was kept by many nobles and even in the royal family. In fact several were gifted to King Louis XII and gained the name King’s White Hounds or Chiens Blancs du Rui. The French Revolution had a huge negative impact on its numbers but it survived.

In 1907 a club was formed to bring up the numbers and restore the breed again but because its prime use was as a hunting dog for small prey, at a time when there was less of that kind of hunting going on there was not a lot of success. Then two world wars devastated France, and dramatically impacted dog breeding and dog numbers. The Briquet Griffon Vendeen became very rare even in its own country.

New Lease on Life

It was rescued after the second world war from extinction through the efforts of several fanciers and breeders, but in particular one called Hugh Dezamy who was also a judge of French dog shows. It is recognized by the FCI and the UKC but is not yet recognized by the AKC and there are very few dogs outside of France. Even in France it is still not well known today, though those who have one keep them as companions and occasional small game hunters.

The Dog You See Today

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a medium sized dog weighing 48 to 53 pounds and standing 19 to 22 inches tall. It is a stocky dog but is well proportioned and looks very much like a smaller Grand Griffon Vendeen. While it is somewhat muscular it is not as much as many other types of hounds. The tail is held down when it is relaxed and up when it is active. It has a double coat that is bushy, dense underneath and coarse and wiry not wooly. It can be found in a number of different colors including mixed or solids of orange, white, fawn, light brown, grey and white. On the face the hair forms eyebrows and a mustache.

It has a short head with a medium to long muzzle that appears squared because of the extra skin on its lips. The skull is flat and the ears are set low, hang down and are long but not as long as say the Basset Hound. Its eyes are dark and large and the eyebrows above them are pronounced but do not fall over the eyes.

The Inner Briquet Griffon Vendeen

Temperament

This dog is alert, very active and enthusiastic and generally are good natured though some can be a little snippy. It has an independent side to it so it can be intense, decisive, stubborn and focused which is good out hunting but less so inside as a companion. It is quite a good watchdog being alert and courageous and will bark to let you know if there is an intruder. It is an intelligent breed and while full of enthusiasm and liveliness it should not be high strung if given enough stimulation and activity. It is a hard working dog and attentive too, it can be a great working breed and a great companion.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a playful and happy dog who is loyal to its owners and dependable. It likes to get lots of attention and while it does bark it does not do so excessively. It likes to please but when it gets anxious or scared it can become snappy so training is important. It needs lots of attention and reassurance but do not over spoil it, it needs to know you are its pack leader. It does not like being left alone for long periods and can suffer from separation anxiety. It is fine with strangers in general with socialization.

Living with a Briquet Griffon Vendeen

What will training look like?

Training the Briquet Griffon Vendeen should be moderately easy with experience and the right approach. It does have a stubborn side though and its independent nature means it can slow things down sometimes. Be patient, stay confident and positive and make it clear you are the leader and your rules are to be consistently followed. Avoid being negative or physical, these are not effective training methods. A useful tip about Griffons is that they are very happy to be bribed into doing what you want! Start training and socialization when it is still a puppy and things will go a lot better. Socialization includes introducing it to people, places, situations, sounds and animals and teaching it how to react appropriately to them.

How active is the Briquet Griffon Vendeen?

This is an a very active dog and needs owners who are also active so that there is no resentment about the time needed to take it out. It should be taken for a couple of long walks a day and then have some follow up physical play with you. It also needs off leash run time somewhere safe like a dog park or somewhere rural. It can join you for a jog or hike too and being a curious dog it will want to explore everywhere it goes. It loves to play so make sure it has plenty of toys to rotate through and also make sure it gets enough mental stimulation. It is not a dog suited to city life or apartment living, it needs at the minimum a yard to play in. Be warned though it likes to dig. It also has a lot of stamina and endurance.

Caring for the Briquet Griffon Vendeen

Grooming needs

This dog has low to moderate needs in terms of grooming and care. Its wiry coat is low to moderate in terms of shedding so there may be a little hair in the home but not a lot. The coat does tangle easily though so it needs regular brushing to keep it in good shape. A couple of times a week at least using something like a wide paddled brush. It should be bathed as needed using only a dog shampoo. It does not need to be trimmed professionally but other grooming needs include keeping its ears cleaned using a damp cloth or dog ear cleanser once a week, and checking for infection signs like redness, swelling, a bad odor and irritation. Its nails need to be trimmed as needed careful not to cut too close to the quick in the lower part of the nail. This is where the blood vessels and nerves are and it will curt the dog and cause bleeding cutting there. Also give its teeth a brush two to three times a week.

Feeding Time

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen will eat about 2½ to 3 cups of a good quality dry dog food a day split into at least two meals a day. The amount can vary from one dog to another depending on its age, metabolism, level of activity, health and size though. It also needs access to water that is freshened often.

How is the Briquet Griffon Vendeen with children and other animals?

With children the Briquet Griffon Vendeen is playful, good natured, affectionate and can form close bonds with them, with socialization and especially if raised with them. However because some can become snappy when scared it is best with older children rather than younger ones who do not know how to touch and play nicely. It gets on well with other dogs, as it was once bred to be a pack dog. It does have a high prey drive though and sees small animals as something to chase so while good socialization may help with that, it may still be best to not have other small animals around it.

What Might Go Wrong?

Health Concerns

These dogs have a life span of about 10 to 12 years and while bred to be quite hardy there are some issues to be aware of. These include aseptic meningitis, hip dysplasia, ear infections, glaucoma, patellar luxation, eye problems, epilepsy, skin and food allergies, hypothyroidism and deafness.

Biting Statistics

In reports of dogs attacking people in North American over the last 35 years and doing bodily harm, there is no mention of the Briquet Griffon Vendeen. It is not a dog really kept other than in France right now though, so reports if it elsewhere are unlikely. However it is not a people aggressive dog so is not likely to be dragged into such incidents, but there are no breeds that would could never act in such a way, fear, danger, no training or socialization are just a few things that can turn a dog to violence. Make sure you raise yours the best you are able and you can lessen the risk.

Your Pup’s Price Tag

A Briquet Griffon Vendeen puppy will cost around $750 and then there will be other costs for shipping and traveling if you are not living in France, and the puppy price goes up for top breeders of show dogs. Avoid buying anything from a puppy mill sourced place, pet store or backyard breeder though. If you are able to consider a mixed breed there are lots of dogs in shelters and rescues looking for new homes and loving owners. Consider checking them out, adoption fees are $50 to $400 and some medical needs are dealt with.

When you are ready to bring your dog home there are some items you will need to get like a crate, carrier, leash and collar, bowls and such for about $200. Once you have it home you should take it to a vet for a good check ups and some procedures and tests like deworming, blood tests, shots, spaying or neutering, micro chipping and a physical. This will cost about $270.

Other ongoing costs include basic health needs like shots, flea and tick prevention, check ups and pet insurance for about $460 a year. A good quality dry dog food and dog treats will cost another $140 a year and miscellaneous items, toys, license and basic training is another $220 a year. This gives an annual total starting figure of $820.

Names

Looking for a Briquet Griffon Vendeen Name? Let select one from our list!

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is not an easy dog to find even if you live in France where it is from. It was bred for hunting small game but can be a great companion for active couples, singles or families. It needs a certain level of attention and its coat mats easily if you do not brush regularly. It can also be snappy when scared or annoyed so that will need training out of it, and it should be well socialized.

Welcome to the BarkPost guide to dog breeds where we belly flop straight into the depths of dog breed origin, evolution, and purpose. Follow along each week as we publish new guides that highlight the strangest, most interesting, and most surprising stuff about these creatures who have been our best buds the last 30,000 years.

Intro/Overview

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(All dogs are individuals, which means any single dog from any breed can be any number of ways, both good and not so good. Keep that in mind as we discuss breed generalities!)

Never heard of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen? You’re not alone. Because this breed is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is less well-known in North America than in Europe (and especially in France, its country of origin).

But if you don’t get to know this breed, you’re missing out. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is celebrated for its passion for hunting, impressive stamina, and lively, engaging personality. If you want a dog that’s equal parts hunting dog and companion dog, this is a breed you’re definitely going to want to get to know.

Let’s pull back the curtain take a deep dive into everything you’d want to know about the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, from origins to personality, energy levels to health, and just about everything in between:

Also Known As…

Briquet is the French word for medium—so you may hear this breed referred to as the Medium Griffon Vendéen.

Origins

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The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a French hunting dog whose origins date back to before World War I. Prior to the war, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen was bred down from its larger ancestor the Grand Griffon Vendéen, to hunt smaller animals (like rabbits and other small game).

Fun fact: the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is the only dog breed to retain briquet (which, again, translates to “medium”) in its breed name.

Size

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Because briquet literally means “medium” in French, it would only make sense that the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized dog. The average height for a female Briquet Griffon Vendéen is between 19 and 21 inches while males are slightly taller, with an average height of between 20 and 22 inches.

Weight Range

The average weight for Briquet Griffon Vendéen is between 48 to 53 lbs, with males typically weighing in slightly heavier (which makes sense—the taller the dog, the more it’s bound to weigh!).

Personality

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There are two different sides to the Briquet Griffon Vendéen’s personality. On the one hand, this breed is a tireless hunting dog. They have stamina, focus, and make for excellent working dogs.

On the other hand, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is also a loving, energetic, and loyal companion dog. There’s nothing they love more than spending time with their humans (especially if it’s outside!), which also makes them an excellent choice for a family dog.

Intelligence / Trainability

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is extremely intelligent—and because it was bred to hunt, it’s also used to working with humans and following commands. That makes for a breed that’s fairly easy to train—as long as you know what you’re doing.

Want to get the most out of training your Briquet Griffon Vendéen? Here are a few tips to keep in mind during the training process:

• Use positive reinforcement. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is an extremely loyal breed that’s always eager to please their human. So, if you want to effectively train them, let them know when they’re pleasing you! When your Briquet Griffon Vendéen follows a command, praise, treats, and other positive feedback is a great way to reinforce the behavior.
• Engage their nose. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen has an incredibly nose and can easily catch scents. Not only does it come naturally to them, but they also love it—so if you can work chasing a scent into the training process, they’re going to be more engaged (and, ultimately, more successful).
• Make it challenging. Again, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is an intelligent breed—and if training isn’t challenging enough, they may get bored. If you want to get the most out of training your Briquet Griffon Vendée, make sure the training process is challenging and engaging.

Ideal Environment

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I’m pretty good at napping… especially after a full day at doggy daycare. #briquetgriffonvendeen #bassetgriffonvendeen #dogstagram #instadog #romania #nap #adoptdontshop

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As mentioned, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen—and in order to feel their happiest, they need ample opportunities to use those hunting instincts and “follow their nose.” A home with a fenced-in area where they can sniff around, explore, and work out those natural hunting instincts is the ideal environment for this pup.

Also, as a hunting breed, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen has plenty of energy—so they also need to be in a home where their owners will take them on long daily walks.

Good For Families And Kids?

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The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a loyal, patient breed—so if you have children, this could be a great dog for you.

Average lifespan

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is, overall, a healthy breed with a fairly long lifespan. The average lifespan for a Briquet Griffon Vendéen is between 10 and 12 years.

Health

As mentioned, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is an overall healthy breed. But, just like all dogs, there are a few health issues associated with the breed that you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

Some of the most common health issues known to affect the Briquet Griffon Vendéen include hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. Also, this breed is prone to ear infections, so make sure to get your Briquet Griffon Vendéen’s ears checked regularly by the vet.

Energy

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The Briquet Griffon Vendéen was bred for hunting. And because hunting requires a lot of energy, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is typically a high-energy breed. If you live an active lifestyle, spend plenty of time outside, and are looking for a companion dog to accompany you on your many outdoor adventures (like hikes), the Briquet Griffon Vendéen would be a great fit for you.

In addition to taking your Briquet Griffon Vendéen on plenty of outdoor adventures, they’ll also need daily exercise to feel their happiest and healthiest. Plan for long daily walks, backyard play time, and trips to the dog park.

Friendly with…(Dogs? Strangers? Cats/Other Pets?)

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The Briquet Griffon Vendéen was bred as a pack dog—and, as such, they get along great with other dogs. Just be careful with cats or other small animals; while the Briquet Griffon Vendéen can certainly be socialized to get along with other pets, they’re natural hunters

Coat & Grooming

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen has a bushy, wiry double coat that needs to be brushed on a regular basis (at least a few times a week). This breed also benefits from the occasional bath (more often if its spending a ton of time outside in the dirt and mud!) and regular grooming maintenance (like ear cleaning and nail trims).

Toys Briquet Griffon Vendéens Would Like Best

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Don’t you dare to ever take this toy away from me, I want to destroy it myself! #briquetgriffonvendeen #doggytoy #whoisagoodboy #dogstagram #fromromaniawithlove #bassetgriffonvendeen

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Briquet Griffon Vendéens are a high intelligence and high energy breed—both of which make for a dog that loves to play!

If you want to keep your Briquet Griffon Vendéen feeling happy, health, and engaged, regular playtime with the right toys is a must. Some toys you’ll definitely want to consider getting for your Briquet Griffon Vendéen include:

• Fetch Toys. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a hunting dogs—which means they have a natural instinct to chase. Engage that natural instinct to chase with a good, old-fashioned game of fetch—with the perfect fetch toy, of course!
• Tug Toys. The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a high energy dog that loves to be outside. But if weather keeps you indoors, a tug toy can be a great way to work off some of that excess energy, tire out your Briquet Griffon Vendéen, and have a little fun in the process!
• Thinker Toys. As mentioned, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a smart pup—so mental stimulation is a must. Thinker toys are a great way to keep engage their brain (plus, they’ll love sniffing out the treat hidden inside!).

Recommended Diet Or Supplements

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Like every dog breed, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is going to feel like their best, happiest, and healthiest self when they’re fed a diet of high-quality food that’s free from any unnatural ingredients, fillers, or preservatives. Also, because this is an active breed, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen might have higher food requirements than a more sedentary dog, especially after a long day of activity—so make sure to feed them accordingly.

As your Briquet Griffon Vendée gets older, you may also want to supplement his diet with dietary supplements to support their overall health and well-being throughout the aging process.

Glucosamine Supplement For Hip & Joints

These veterinarian-formulated supplements are made with all natural glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, all packed into a delicious soft chew. ($32.99.)

Fish Oil Skin & Coat Supplement

These delicious, vet-formulated chews are made with all-natural ingredients including Omega 3, 6, 9, and Vitamin E. They are designed to support immune health, provide relief from itchy allergic skin, and promote a healthy coat. ($19.99)

Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil

BARK’s Full Spectrum Hemp Oil is made of organically grown whole plants, grown in Colorado, and is non-psychoactive. It comes in 100mg, 250mg, and 500mg varieties, and can help with pet anxiety and pain relief. ($17.99-22.99.)

Recommended Products

GSDs, just like any dog, love to take a load off after a long day of…running around for hours on end or whatever they’re doing. That’s why they deserve their own bed, especially if they have joint issues.

Orthopedic Ultra Plush Memory Foam Dog Bed

This ultra plush orthopedic dog bed provides support for even the most active of dogs! The combination ergonomic memory foam and gel foam relieves pressure points, and helps ease body aches caused by hip dysplasia, arthritis and other orthopedic issues. ($27.99-64.99.)

Notable Rescues To Find The Briquet Griffon Vendéen Of Your Dreams

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen might not be the most well-known breed in the US (yet!), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of these pups out there in need of a loving, stable home. So, if you’re thinking about adding a Briquet Griffon Vendéen to your family, don’t go to a breed—go to a rescue.

If you’re ready to bring home this amazing breed, you can find Briquet Griffon Vendéens that are ready and available for adoption through Rescue Me, Pet Adoptions by Overstock, or Adopt-a-Pet.

Notable Instagram Briquet Griffon Vendéens

When it comes to the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, the more you know about this breed, the more you love it. So why not learn more (and get a serious dose of cute in the process) by infusing some Briquet Griffon Vendéens into your social feed?

If you want to transform your feed into all Briquet Griffon Vendéens, all the time, here are the Instagram accounts you need to follow ASAP:

@rinusthedoggo

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SUNSHINE ☀️ #indiansummer #sunshine #tanning #briquetgriffonvendeen #dogstagram #fromromaniawithlove #instadogs

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@finnthegriffon

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoI61QBmkZ/

@mickmoet

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3By2cdoPed/

@zaniro89

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1MjvxGDYHV/

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