Other vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French scenthound that has changed over many centuries. Today the area in France where they originate from, has contributed to the dog's looks.

The rocky and thorny region of Vendeé required a hardy breed of dog. Also, hunters wanted a slower hound that they could keep up with and the idea was to shorten the legs of the dog.

By the end of the 19th century, the Basset Griffon Vendéen was developed. By the 1950s, the Grand was considered a separate breed.Today the dog is a long-backed and short-legged hunting dog.

Dog lovers are thrilled because there is such diversity to choose from when looking for a pet.

There are so many other dogs that don’t have any particular breed name, and these can be tiny dogs or massive dogs that you would have to think twice about before buying one, as a large dog can eat you out of hearth and home.

All dogs, pedigreed or other, have descended from the wolf but it is unsure about when dogs were actually domesticated. One thing is sure, it is amazing to think that dogs descended from wolves but that you get so many varieties to day – different sizes, different coat colors and lengths, some have erect ears, others floppy, some are lean and mean and others muscular and heavily-set. They have all originated from different parts of the world.

There are well over 100 different pure dog breeds as well as plenty of other dogs. In fact you can create many different dogs by breeding certain of them to get the looks and characteristics you want.

Kept today essentially as a domestic pet, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a strongly built dog, a rough-coated scent hound of medium size standing at roughly 39 to 45cm in height and weighing 18 to 20kg.

The coat is medium length, shaggy and wiry. It is essentially white with orange markings. Sometimes he can be tri-colored, having a combination of orange, black or tan markings. The double coat is actually regarded as his defining characteristic, being shaggy with a wiry texture that sets him apart from other hound breeds.

His legs are straight, and he is longer than he is tall. He is a deep chested dog with long ears and a long tail. He is also noted for his mustache and beard with long eyebrows.

Temperament:

Your Grand Basset is a courageous, happy, confident dog. He is active and has great stamina. As a social, pack dog, he likes plenty of time spent with his owner, failing which the owner should invest in another dog too so as to be part of a pack. He will get on great with children and he is also a pet-friendly breed who will get on well with cats too. He is sharp and alert and responds well to training and socialization.

Dogs today come with so many looks. ‘Other’ dogs are vast and varied. They may be pedigreed dogs that are ‘off the radar’ or they may be among the many ‘cross-breed’ dogs there are.

You can get a tiny Chihuahua, measuring just 9cm in height, but you can also get a huge dog like the Great Dane that can stand at up to 90cm in height. It isn't however, a heavily built dog like the giant Newfoundland which can weigh up to 117 kg or so.

Temperament:

Some dogs are intelligent, others not so much. Others are social and others more reserved. Some won’t be able to tolerate being cooped up indoors and not being able to be outdoors involved in an activity, while others are more indoor dogs.

Some dog are friendly, others indifferent, some boisterous and sporty, others docile and lazy. There are so many other dogs that don’t make the pedigreed list, but they’re adored by their human family for being so utterly unique.

This long-backed, short legged hunting dog has a happy, confident personality. While he was used originally for hunting, he is now commonly kept as a companion.

He is energetic and independent and will require you having him join you for walks and a ball game too.

Non-aggressive and adaptable he can live in the city or in the countryside so long as he receives plenty of attention and love – then he'll be a splendid pet.

There are so many dogs, some are pedigree dogs and some aren’t. Some dogs are registered with kennel clubs and others aren’t.

Every dog has some amazing characteristics that make them so adorable. These kennel clubs divide dogs into categories such as Terriers, working dogs, herding dogs, toy breeds, hounds and so on. Pedigree breeds belong to these groups.

Other dogs are just as special, even if they don’t fall into the many dog breeds recognized by major kennel clubs.

There are so many other dog breeds, and if you want to bring some canine magic into your home and heart, apart from the very many expensive dog breeds out there, there are other dogs.

These are hybrids or true one-of-a-kind pavement specials that come at a fraction of the price but with the most amazing and wonderful characteristics you can imagine and which will make a most splendid pet.

There are some Basset Griffon Vendéens that have reached 17 years of age. This is excellent for these dogs, and lifestyle, nutrition and exercise can all play a part in the longevity of any dog. While he is a pretty robust canine, you'll want to be aware of some of the diseases which may require veterinary intervention.

Cancer:

Cancer is a major cause of death in elderly dogs, but if caught early, the dog can be cured. These cancers can be malignant lymphoma, skin cancer, bone cancer or soft tissue sarcomas. You'll notice a lump on your pet or a wound that won't heal. When you notice your dog not feeling well, get him to the vet.

Cardiac Problems:

Common forms of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, heart-worm disease and myocardial disease. The signs of heart disease in your pet will depend on the severity of the disease and type.

As heart disease moves on to congestive heart failure, you'll notice symptoms such as difficulty with breathing, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. You need to get your dog immediately to the vet.

Dermatitis:

Dog allergies can be caused by pollen, medications, food or insects. Your pet will be scratching, he'll have watery eyes and inflamed skin. This inflammatory condition can cause a lot of agony for your pet, driving him mad with the itch and pain. Relieve his discomfort by getting him to the vet as soon as possible.

Other dogs are considered somewhat healthier than purebred dogs because they come from a broader gene pool. Nonetheless you still need to be aware of certain dog illnesses that your dog can develop -

Allergies:

This is a common ailment in dogs, and skin allergies can cause your dog a lot of discomfort and pain. They lick and lick and aggravate the situation. Sometimes fleas, chemicals and dog shampoos can aggravate the skin too. There are several things to look at – from making environmental changes to changing your dog’s food.

Cancer:

Cancer is common in dogs, just as in human beings, with there being a number of different cancers. Whenever you brush your dog, run your hands over him to check if there are any unusual lumps on him and have them examined if you do discover a lump.

Other dog illnesses to watch out for include bloat, ear and eye infections, cataracts, hip dysplasia and obesity, among others.

Diet:

If you are going to be feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen kibble, there are manufacturers who bring out excellent foods which are breed-specific formulas for age, size and energy levels of dogs.

Feeding a dog is an individual choice, but good food can increase his longevity. A bit of raw meat mixed into his kibble, or some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken will be excellent for him and can add some tasty variety to his diet.

Fresh, cool water must always be available at all times.

Grooming:

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double and the rough, harsh coat will need brushing twice a week and stripped once a year.

Responsible dog owners know that their dogs require adequate food and water, lots of love and attention, exercise, a warm, dry bed, shelter from the elements when outdoors and medical attention when they’re sick.

One advantage with other dogs which aren’t pedigreed, is that by their very nature, they have good genetic diversity, and this means good overall health. Other dogs breeds are generally cheaper to buy and cheaper in terms of vet’s fees as they tend to be healthier.

Grooming:

Other dogs have a variety of different coat types, so whatever dog you have, you’ll need to be looking at brushing him, stripping him or having him professionally clipped. Whether erect or floppy ears, check inside for infection. The eyes will also need to be checked for infection and other eye ailments. All dogs will also have to have their nails clipped.

Diet:

The size of all dogs, pedigree or other will determine the amount of food you give him. Big or small, pedigreed or other, every dog wants the same when it comes to diet. They want food which is nutritious, tasty and simple. They want a high quality commercially manufactured food high in minerals and vitamins.

They will benefit from some raw meat added into the kibble whenever its possible. They will also require some home-made food – simple, uncomplicated homemade food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach. Such a diet will keep your pet free from digestive problems. Make sure he has a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

Exercise:

Exercise is important for every dog, but some dogs will require more exercise than others. Some dogs will be content with a walk every day while others will require far more – running beside you while you cycle, swimming, a run in the park, rope- and ball games and going with you on hikes.

Exercise is both entertaining for your dog and healthy too.