Page 146 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SCENT HOUNDS

Grand Griffon Vendéen

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Fawn Black and white
24–27in 66–77lb 12–13 years Black and tan Tricolor
(60–68cm) (30–35kg) Fawn dogs can have black overlay

This well proportioned, passionate hunter is intelligent
THE CLERK’S DOG
and family-friendly but is best-suited to a rural lifestyle
The name “griffon” comes from the French
word greffier, meaning “clerk.” The ancestors
There are four varieties of Griffon Vendéen, coat, with its dense undercoat and wiry
of the Grand Griffon Vendéen (and of other all originating in the Vendée area of western topcoat, gives protection against all types
griffon breeds) were white, wire-haired hunting
France. The Grand Griffon Vendéen, as its of vegetation and weather.
dogs. One of the first people to breed this type
of dog, in the 15th century, was a French clerk. name implies, is the largest; it is also the Coat colors include mixtures of
For this reason, the early name for the dog longest established. Its ancestry includes black, white, tan, and fawn. There are
was “greffier dog,” which became shortened the 15th-century “greffier dog,” the Griffon several varieties of fawn with black-
to “griffon.” Later, the word “griffon” became
Fauve de Bretagne (see p.149), and the now tipped hairs, known traditionally as
more widely used to denote various types of extinct Griffon de Bresse, as well as rough- “hare color,” “wolf color,” “badger color,”
rough-haired hunting dog.
coated hunting dogs from Italy. or “boar color.”
The breed was historically used for This dog has a beautiful musical voice
hunting large game such as deer and wild and an appealing personality. It also has
boar, and is still used for these purposes a strong tracking instinct and is rather
today. It works as a pack hound or on a independent-minded, so requires careful
leash. It is willing to follow trails even in training and firm handling. In addition, the
thick undergrowth; the double-layered dog needs plenty of space and daily exercise.

Eyebrows
pronounced but
not covering eyes
Narrow,
inward-turning
White and ears covered Front of
orange in fine hair muzzle has
square
appearance
Long,
feathered tail

Rough,
bushy coat

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