Grand Griffon Vendéen

The Grand Griffon Vendéen is a very old French scenthound used on stag, roe deer, wild boar and fox, generally in a pack or individually as a limer picking up a cold trail; the standard traces it to the short-haired Grand Vendéen descended from the "Greffier" or King's white hound, with the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, the Chien Gris de St. Louis and the Griffon de Bresse in its bloodlines. Well proportioned and robust without heaviness, it carries a long, sometimes bushy, harsh coat over a dense undercoat, with well-pronounced eyebrows; males stand 62–68 cm and females 60–65 cm. The FCI standard credits it with a fine nose and a beautiful voice, assiduous on the track and undeterred by thorny undergrowth, and describes a temperament that is docile but wilful and passionate, needing to be kept well in hand.

This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.

Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.

Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.

1. [1]Grand Griffon Vendéen — FCI standard no. 282 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
2. [2]FCI-Standard No. 282 — Grand Griffon Vendéen, 09.01.1999 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)