Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Feed your Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen a high-quality dog food suited to its age, activity level, and size. As a medium-sized breed, it does well on a formula that meets its digestive needs across the phases of its life, and many companies make breed-size formulas geared to medium dogs.

What you feed is an individual choice. Working with your veterinarian or breeder is a reliable way to set meal frequency for a puppy and the adult diet that supports its longevity.

Watch how much your dog eats, and reduce portions if it gains excess weight. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times. Your veterinarian can help set the right nutrition and feeding guidelines for any added needs.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen needs only a weekly brushing with a slicker brush and comb to keep its shaggy, wiry coat in good shape. An occasional bath beyond that keeps it clean and looking sharp, which helps since this breed loves to explore outside.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen's strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Check its ears often to clear any buildup of wax and debris. Brush its teeth regularly. Trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush the teeth regularly.

GBGVs need plenty of exercise. Though quiet and docile at home, it will not thrive as a couch potato, and this breed needs higher-than-average activity to stay healthy and happy.

You need a securely fenced area for exercise, because these hunting dogs cannot resist the urge to chase. Their strong hunting instincts mean they should always be leashed or kept in a secure area outside, or they will chase whatever catches their eye.

They are sturdy and usually do not slow down with age, so plan to keep a regular, strenuous exercise routine going well into their teenage years.

Secure fenced containment should remain part of life with a Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen because it may follow its nose. Recall training should begin in puppyhood and continue consistently, while secure containment remains in use during adulthood. Recall and other skills should be taught with reward-based methods. Training can pair a cue with a marker for the wanted behavior, followed by a toy, treat, or another suitable reward. Clear everyday household rules should also be established, and a canine club can offer advice when further help is needed. Any training method that causes injury or unnecessary suffering should be excluded.

During the first three months, a puppy should encounter varied people, animals, stimuli, and environments at a safe pace. Excessive fear, withdrawal, or avoidance means the exposure should be reduced.