Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen originated in Vendee, France in the 1700s as a scent hound that hunted small game such as hare. Many mistakenly believe that the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is simply a larger version of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, however, this is not the case as they have completely different breed standards. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen comes from large hounds, especially the Grand Griffon. The breed type was not set until near the end of the 19th century when Comte d’Elva began looking for Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen with a specific look. However, Paul Dezamy is credited with setting the breed standard as it is known today. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen became proficient at catching wild game from rabbit to wild boar. In 1990, the first Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen was imported into the United States from Holland by Mike and Arlene Dickinson. This was a male. Then in 1991 a female was imported into the Unites States, again from Holland by the Dickinsons. In 1992, Carolyn Marzano imported another Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen from Holland. Then, in 1994, Jennifer King and J.M. Ryder imported the fourth Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen into the United States. These four dogs became the foundation of most of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen found within the United States. The American Kennel Club began recording the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen into its Foundation Stock Service in 2004. This is the first step any breed must take before becoming officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.