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The breed standard tells us that we should expect a GBGV to be a strong, active and courageous hound, possessing great stamina with a good voice freely used. He should be happy and outgoing, independent and a little stubborn, not easily agitated yet willing to please. For this, read... a challenge!

   This is ultimately a happy and outgoing breed of great character but he needs firm handling because he is clever, stubborn, independent and inclined towards free will. However, correctly handled, he is loyal, funny and a fabulous companion for  a family with sufficient time and space to keep him adequately exercised and occupied.

   Bred originally for hunting rabbits, hares and roe deer, a GBGV has a strong chase drive and will follow a scent line as if utterly deaf to your entretise.

   A GBGV is medium sized, a little longer than he is tall and is rough coated. He comes in either orange and white, sable or grizzle and white or tricolour. At present, this is a healthy breed with no health tests required or recommended under the KC Assured Breeder Scheme.

GBGV Characteristics

Occasionally, GBGV bitches produce what we call 'long-legged' puppies in their litters. These are throw-backs to the precursor of this 'basset' breed, the Grand Griffon Vendeen, a much larger and longer legged hound. These puppies differ very little from their littermates other than in their longer legs (see left). They can be an excellent alternative for those hankering after a larger dog. You should not expect to pay full price for a long-legged puppy, even if it is Kennel Club registered because, in my view, it does not conform to the GBGV standard. On the rare occasions we have these bigger babies, we offer them at a substantial reduction in price for this reason.

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