GBGV - NEW OWNERS GUIDE
THE NEW OWNERS GUIDE TO THE GRAND BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN.
This document will provide you with more information regarding GBGV care, nature, health issues etc. If you don’t find answers to all your questions regarding the breed, you are welcome to contact us.
This document will provide you with more information regarding GBGV care, nature, health issues etc. If you don’t find answers to all your questions regarding the breed, you are welcome to contact us.
HISTORY OF THE BREEDS
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (GBGV) is scent hound and part of the hound group. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) is a medium-sized rough-coated hound originating from the Vendée region of France. To begin to understand the breed it is helpful to understand the name.
Grand (Pronounced ‘grond’) means 'large' (although in the case of the breed this is relative to other Basset Griffon breeds, of which there are four.
Basset (Pronounced ‘bassay’). means 'low to the ground', again relative to the two larger Basset Griffon breeds, the Grand Griffon Vendéen and the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, both of which are taller than the Grand Basset. They bear no resemblance to a Basset Hound, being longer in the leg, athletic in build and hunting ability.
Griffon (Pronounced gri-fohn with an almost silent ‘n’ means rough coated. The hair is coarse and rough on top with a finer undercoat. Vendéen (Pronounced ‘von-day-uhn with an almost silent ‘n’ means of the Vendée region of France.
Most people just say ‘Grand Basset’ or ‘GBGV’ for short!
The GBGV is a breed that is at it says: a larger low-to-the-ground scruffy French hound of the Vendée region of France. It is important, however, to understand the context of the breed. France has a unique heritage in venérie and the tradition of hunting is embedded in their society in a way unfamiliar to those of us in the southern hemisphere. In France the hound is king and kings would spend a country’s ransom on buying and breeding the best for their revered packs. It is a tradition unparalleled in any country in the world and it is from this tradition that the GBGV originates.
The GBGV is, first and foremost, a hunting hound. They hunt by both sight and scent making them effective tracking dogs, and were bred for hunting in the rough, rugged terrain of the Vendée region of France. They can cover literally any ground at speed. They are the ultimate all-terrain hound. They are required to be 'rustic and hardy' - words which easily describe their type to this day.
Originally there was only one size of BGV that nowadays would look like a mixture between a PBGV and GBGV. They appeared with the height of a Petit but with a long head, a long, heavy body and with mostly crooked or half-crooked front legs, looking like rough-coated Basset Hounds without the extra skin or wrinkle. These two sizes were later determined as separate breeds and would become the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen we know today.
It had been common practice to interbreed the Grand and the Petit, therefore it was not uncommon to find Grands in Petit litters and or at least significant characteristics. In theory this practice stopped in France in 1972 and was officially banned by the French club in 1977. Breeders today put great importance on size and type.
CHARACTER
Because of its background the GBGV is an outgoing strong willed hound that is full of fun and generally loves life. They are often called the "happy breed". He is a pack animal whether it is canine or your family pack he will love to be part of it. GBGV’s do love company and are not suitable for homes where they would be left for long periods on their own, as with most breeds they can become noisy and destructive in this situation. GBGV's can be very dominant and they do need to be taught their place in the ‘pack’ very early in life by firm fair handling. You will usually be rewarded by a well behaved hound who will love and respect you and will always be willing to please. Any anti-social or aggressive behavior from a young GBGV should be handled immediately and must not be tolerated. Despite these character flaws, the GBGV is a joy to be with. They are good with children, other dogs and strangers, and are very willing to please. The GBGV is a very intelligent but stubborn breed. They learn very quickly what they can get away with and what not.
SOCIALISING AND PLAY
The young GBGV should be introduced to as many experiences in the outside world as soon as possible, without overtiring him. Meeting lots of people is important and a play with you every day is a must. It is very important to socialize your GBGV as much as possible while still young. During play you can begin to establish the trusting relationship of years to come and gently establish your domination position. In play don’t encourage him to get rough and wild as what is fun in a small puppy is not as fun in an adult. Make sure from the start that your puppy allows you to take any toys and chews away from him.
HOUSE TRAINING
Be alert with a young puppy at all times and you can then avoid lots of “incidents”. Take him outside after every meal, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, whenever he wakes from a sleep and after playing. Give lots of praise and try to use a familiar word such as “Be quick”, “Garden” or “Toilet”. Leave an outside door open as much as possible until he is trustworthy enough to ask. Putting the puppy in a pen at night can help as well, as he won’t like to soil his bed. It will also help if he is given his last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Usually a puppy can be house trained within a few weeks, some earlier, but it is up to you to be vigilant, keep to a routine as much as possible and also have lots of patience! Remember if there’s an accident it’s your fault – not the puppies!
EXERCISE
When adult the GBGV does require a good deal of exercise but up to a year old about a little free running in your garden is all that is required in order for joints and bones to develop properly. The growing puppy should not be exercised too much. Damage can be done to the growing bones if they get too much exercise at a young age. Keep the young pup from jumping on and off furniture or climbing stairs. to avoid any damage to the developing bones and their back. If you like to run your dogs off lead this may not be the breed for you as the GBGV will obey his nose rather than your call to return, always remember that this is a scent hound with a strong inbred urge to hunt. If you intend to put the GBGV in a garden, make sure that the garden is fenced as the GBGV may run off unexpectedly if they get a whiff of small game or a scent.
GENERAL CARE
The wiry fur of the GBGV sets it apart from other hound dogs. The coat comes in different colors (white with lemon, orange, black, tricolor or grizzle) and needs to be hand striped, although these days there are some excellent tools available to take care of this job easily. They have a coarse textured weatherproof coat with a thick undercoat, regular brushing at least once a week, to prevent matting and using a coat king monthly is needed. Some will also need a good hand stripping twice a year. Remember to brush under the chin, under the ears and also inside their legs as well, to prevent matting. They have large leathers (ears) and therefore regular attention is needed to avoid a build up of wax and dirt that could cause ear infections. Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly and the hair inside the ears should be removed frequently. You can buy a commercial ear powder which makes it easier to pluck out the hair inside the ears. Only clean the ear where you can see. Check the ears immediately if your dog is shaking his head often, you also might need to take him to the vet if this happens. Check the nails twice a month, especially the dewclaws, if there are any. If the nails are too long clip back with recommended canine nail clippers. Clip back to where the small blood vessel ends. Don’t worry if you accidentally nip the blood vessel and it bleeds. Press with some cotton wool and it will stop shortly. A monthly bath should be just fine. Try to keep his teeth clean by making sure he always has something to chew on. A weekly scrub with an old toothbrush is also a good idea.
HEALTH
The GBGV is one of the hardiest and healthiest dogs around. On the whole the GBGV is a healthy hound with very few health problems. There have been a few reported hereditary and congenital conditions, though the GBGV used to have a history of epilepsy. There have been a few rare cases of Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism and Juvenile Pain Syndrome reported over the years. Too much exercise in the young GBGV can be the cause of permanent skeletal damage, to avoid this keep exercise to only a play in the garden for the young GBGV. If permanent damage occurs, the result may be orthopedic surgery. GBGV's can also suffer from Panosteoitis (PANO), which is a painful bone disease that causes lameness in GBGV between approximately 6 to 24 months of age. It can recur. Most veterinarians don't know about PANO and will often confuse it with Hip or Elbow displasia. Basically what happens is that the growth plates are growing at different rates causing growing pains and limping. This can happen at the time of a growth spurt. This is common disease in some breeds and can last for a few weeks or longer. It goes away on its own and once it does, there are few long-term side effects - Surgery is not necessary to correct this disease!! Look out for periods of lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Some do believe that it can be prevented by feeding a low protein diet (for example changing to an adult diet if the pup was on a puppy diet) to prevent the puppy from growing too fast and giving a feed supplement for joints and bones. Recovery from this can sometimes be long and time consuming. There are no long term side affects and the puppy will recover completely. Overall there is no known way of preventing it or predicting it. Crate rest may help in the recovery process.
FEEDING
Always supply your pup with fresh drinking water. If your puppy is fed a good quality balanced diet, there’s usually no need to add any extra vitamins or treats. Always supply him with big bones and toys that are suitable for chewing. We have found that the BIG Ostrich bones that you find at the VET shops are much safer than smaller bones for them to chew. Chewing is important for hounds to keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean. Please don’t let your puppy get too fat, this can lead to other health issues, if you can’t feel his ribs – he/she’s too fat!
BREEDING
The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitch happier or that it is an easy way to make money – you will be surprised at how little you’ll actually make. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocket. As for the bitch the entire process from mating through to whelping is not an easy one and will put your pet under considerable stress. Last, but not least, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups might be unsuccessful. Be prepared to be available 24/7 for the first 4 weeks. If you are not prepared to put in lots of time, effort, money, sleepless nights, love and attention into rearing the puppies and taking care of the mum, you should not be breeding your hound.
Feel free to contact us with any more questions that you might have regarding the breed.
EMAIL: info@destinybassethounds.com
WEBSITE: http://www.destinybassethounds.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DestinyBassethounds
The information in this document was compiled by Destiny Basset hounds & GBGV and may not be copied.
Because of its background the GBGV is an outgoing strong willed hound that is full of fun and generally loves life. They are often called the "happy breed". He is a pack animal whether it is canine or your family pack he will love to be part of it. GBGV’s do love company and are not suitable for homes where they would be left for long periods on their own, as with most breeds they can become noisy and destructive in this situation. GBGV's can be very dominant and they do need to be taught their place in the ‘pack’ very early in life by firm fair handling. You will usually be rewarded by a well behaved hound who will love and respect you and will always be willing to please. Any anti-social or aggressive behavior from a young GBGV should be handled immediately and must not be tolerated. Despite these character flaws, the GBGV is a joy to be with. They are good with children, other dogs and strangers, and are very willing to please. The GBGV is a very intelligent but stubborn breed. They learn very quickly what they can get away with and what not.
SOCIALISING AND PLAY
The young GBGV should be introduced to as many experiences in the outside world as soon as possible, without overtiring him. Meeting lots of people is important and a play with you every day is a must. It is very important to socialize your GBGV as much as possible while still young. During play you can begin to establish the trusting relationship of years to come and gently establish your domination position. In play don’t encourage him to get rough and wild as what is fun in a small puppy is not as fun in an adult. Make sure from the start that your puppy allows you to take any toys and chews away from him.
HOUSE TRAINING
Be alert with a young puppy at all times and you can then avoid lots of “incidents”. Take him outside after every meal, first thing in the morning, last thing at night, whenever he wakes from a sleep and after playing. Give lots of praise and try to use a familiar word such as “Be quick”, “Garden” or “Toilet”. Leave an outside door open as much as possible until he is trustworthy enough to ask. Putting the puppy in a pen at night can help as well, as he won’t like to soil his bed. It will also help if he is given his last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Usually a puppy can be house trained within a few weeks, some earlier, but it is up to you to be vigilant, keep to a routine as much as possible and also have lots of patience! Remember if there’s an accident it’s your fault – not the puppies!
EXERCISE
When adult the GBGV does require a good deal of exercise but up to a year old about a little free running in your garden is all that is required in order for joints and bones to develop properly. The growing puppy should not be exercised too much. Damage can be done to the growing bones if they get too much exercise at a young age. Keep the young pup from jumping on and off furniture or climbing stairs. to avoid any damage to the developing bones and their back. If you like to run your dogs off lead this may not be the breed for you as the GBGV will obey his nose rather than your call to return, always remember that this is a scent hound with a strong inbred urge to hunt. If you intend to put the GBGV in a garden, make sure that the garden is fenced as the GBGV may run off unexpectedly if they get a whiff of small game or a scent.
GENERAL CARE
The wiry fur of the GBGV sets it apart from other hound dogs. The coat comes in different colors (white with lemon, orange, black, tricolor or grizzle) and needs to be hand striped, although these days there are some excellent tools available to take care of this job easily. They have a coarse textured weatherproof coat with a thick undercoat, regular brushing at least once a week, to prevent matting and using a coat king monthly is needed. Some will also need a good hand stripping twice a year. Remember to brush under the chin, under the ears and also inside their legs as well, to prevent matting. They have large leathers (ears) and therefore regular attention is needed to avoid a build up of wax and dirt that could cause ear infections. Ears should be checked and cleaned weekly and the hair inside the ears should be removed frequently. You can buy a commercial ear powder which makes it easier to pluck out the hair inside the ears. Only clean the ear where you can see. Check the ears immediately if your dog is shaking his head often, you also might need to take him to the vet if this happens. Check the nails twice a month, especially the dewclaws, if there are any. If the nails are too long clip back with recommended canine nail clippers. Clip back to where the small blood vessel ends. Don’t worry if you accidentally nip the blood vessel and it bleeds. Press with some cotton wool and it will stop shortly. A monthly bath should be just fine. Try to keep his teeth clean by making sure he always has something to chew on. A weekly scrub with an old toothbrush is also a good idea.
HEALTH
The GBGV is one of the hardiest and healthiest dogs around. On the whole the GBGV is a healthy hound with very few health problems. There have been a few reported hereditary and congenital conditions, though the GBGV used to have a history of epilepsy. There have been a few rare cases of Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism and Juvenile Pain Syndrome reported over the years. Too much exercise in the young GBGV can be the cause of permanent skeletal damage, to avoid this keep exercise to only a play in the garden for the young GBGV. If permanent damage occurs, the result may be orthopedic surgery. GBGV's can also suffer from Panosteoitis (PANO), which is a painful bone disease that causes lameness in GBGV between approximately 6 to 24 months of age. It can recur. Most veterinarians don't know about PANO and will often confuse it with Hip or Elbow displasia. Basically what happens is that the growth plates are growing at different rates causing growing pains and limping. This can happen at the time of a growth spurt. This is common disease in some breeds and can last for a few weeks or longer. It goes away on its own and once it does, there are few long-term side effects - Surgery is not necessary to correct this disease!! Look out for periods of lameness that may shift from leg to leg. Some do believe that it can be prevented by feeding a low protein diet (for example changing to an adult diet if the pup was on a puppy diet) to prevent the puppy from growing too fast and giving a feed supplement for joints and bones. Recovery from this can sometimes be long and time consuming. There are no long term side affects and the puppy will recover completely. Overall there is no known way of preventing it or predicting it. Crate rest may help in the recovery process.
FEEDING
Always supply your pup with fresh drinking water. If your puppy is fed a good quality balanced diet, there’s usually no need to add any extra vitamins or treats. Always supply him with big bones and toys that are suitable for chewing. We have found that the BIG Ostrich bones that you find at the VET shops are much safer than smaller bones for them to chew. Chewing is important for hounds to keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean. Please don’t let your puppy get too fat, this can lead to other health issues, if you can’t feel his ribs – he/she’s too fat!
BREEDING
The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitch happier or that it is an easy way to make money – you will be surprised at how little you’ll actually make. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocket. As for the bitch the entire process from mating through to whelping is not an easy one and will put your pet under considerable stress. Last, but not least, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups might be unsuccessful. Be prepared to be available 24/7 for the first 4 weeks. If you are not prepared to put in lots of time, effort, money, sleepless nights, love and attention into rearing the puppies and taking care of the mum, you should not be breeding your hound.
Feel free to contact us with any more questions that you might have regarding the breed.
EMAIL: info@destinybassethounds.com
WEBSITE: http://www.destinybassethounds.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DestinyBassethounds
The information in this document was compiled by Destiny Basset hounds & GBGV and may not be copied.
