Live Life Team
The Grand Griffon is an old French breed of hunting dog, originally from the La Vendee region of West France. It is an ancient breed, first recognised in the 16th century, but with origins dating back much further.
There are several Griffon Vendee hounds of which the Grand is the original and largest. It has its origins with the Canis Segusius dogs of the ancient Gauls. These were large, long-haired dogs used for hunting and protection. They gave rise to many of the modern breeds seen in Europe today.
The name Griffon has a loose connection with heraldry as the word “Griffon” originates from the “Greffiers” or Kings clerks who were 15th century heraldry recorders. A breed of wire-haired hound was kept by some of these clerks. These were originally called Greffier Hounds and this became shortened to “Griffon” as time went on.
The dogs of today are descended from four “Royal Races”, the Chiens Blancs du Roi or Kings White Hounds, the Chien de St. Hubert, the Chien Gris de St. Lois and the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. These bred with the Gaul descendants to create the Grand Griffon Vendéen. Other Griffon Vendéen breeds emerged, but this was the original founder of the line.
The Grand Vendeen is a large, shaggy dog of medium build. Its tail is long and somewhat feathered and its double coat is thick and wiry. Its head is rectangular with drop ears. The colour of the coat is tan and white.
The Grand Griffon is docile and friendly, but in common with many ancient hound breeds it needs firm handling to make it suitable for the house.
