Briquet Griffon Vendéen

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized rough-coated French scent hound from the Vendée region of western France — “briquet” being the French word for “medium”, distinguishing it from the larger Grand Griffon Vendéen and the smaller Basset Griffon Vendéen breeds. Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the FCI, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a passionate hunter of large game developed to work in small packs across the bocage country of western France. One of the rarest French hound breeds in the United States, it is primarily known and owned by serious European hound enthusiasts.

The Griffon Vendéen family of breeds traces its origins to the Vendée region of western France, where rough-coated hounds descended from the ancient “Gris de Saint-Louis” were developed over centuries for hunting boar, deer, and roe deer across the thick bocage hedgerow country that characterizes the region. The medium size of the Briquet was developed to produce a versatile pack hound capable of hunting large game without the extreme stamina demands of the full-sized Grand Griffon.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen nearly went extinct during the upheaval of the 20th century, when wars and changing hunting practices decimated French hound populations. Dedicated French breeders revived the breed from the 1970s onward. The FCI, UKC, and several American canine registries recognize the breed, but it remains exceptionally rare in the United States.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized hound standing 48 to 55 cm at the shoulder and weighing 14 to 24 kg. The build is well-balanced and working-functional, with a deep chest, level topline, and moderate bone structure suited for sustained work across varied terrain. The head carries the characteristic Griffon family feature: a harsh, bristly eyebrow and mustache that gives the breed its shaggy, distinguished expression.

The coat is dense, wiry, and rough — harsh to the touch, lying close to the body, and providing natural protection in the field. Colors include fawn, orange and white, tricolor (black, white, and tan), and grizzled combinations. The overall impression is of a capable, enthusiastic, and pleasingly rough-hewn working hound.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is passionate in the field and sociable at home. These dogs are friendly and affectionate with their family, typically good with children and other dogs, and genuinely enthusiastic about all aspects of life — hunting with equal passion to playing and relaxing with their people. The hunting drive is primary: the Briquet’s nose controls much of its outdoor behavior, and its voice carries the characteristic hound melodiousness at considerable volume when on a trail.

Pack instinct is strong; the Briquet tends to do better in multi-dog households and can develop significant separation anxiety or vocal behavior when kept alone. At home, it is affectionate, lively, and good company for active families.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is intelligent but responds to training in the characteristic scent-hound manner: engaged when the context is relevant to its instincts, selective when it finds commands less compelling than its nose. Positive reinforcement with food rewards works well for basic obedience. Recall in field environments is unreliable on a live trail. Early socialization is straightforward given the breed’s naturally friendly disposition. For hunting households, French hunting pack training and UKC-style field events provide appropriate structured outlets for the breed’s hunting capabilities.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is generally good-natured and friendly with children, reflecting its cooperative pack hunting heritage and sociable temperament. Families with active older children who enjoy outdoor activities alongside the dog will find it an enthusiastic companion. Its large voice and energetic outdoor nature mean supervision is appropriate around toddlers. With appropriate management and exercise, the Briquet is a loyal and engaging family working dog.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen faces several health concerns that require proactive screening. Epilepsy is documented in the breed at elevated rates; buyers should inquire about epilepsy history in the parent lines. Congenital deafness has been recorded; BAER testing of breeding animals is advisable. Hypothyroidism occurs in the breed; thyroid function assessment of breeding animals is recommended. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) has been documented; OFA CAER evaluation of breeding animals is advisable. Hip dysplasia can occur; OFA hip evaluation is recommended. A healthy Briquet Griffon Vendéen typically lives 10 to 12 years.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen requires a rural or semi-rural property with access to hunting or large outdoor exercise areas. It is not suited to apartment living or urban environments given its exercise demands and vocal hunting nature. Secure fencing is essential. For the rare American owner seeking this breed, connection with French hound enthusiast communities provides the most reliable support network for health, breeding, and care guidance.

The Briquet’s wiry, rough coat requires brushing two to three times weekly and occasional hand-stripping or trimming to maintain correct coat texture and length. Bathing every six to eight weeks. Ears should be cleaned weekly. Nail trimming and teeth brushing complete a moderately demanding but manageable grooming routine for this field hound.

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen requires at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. As a hunting pack hound, it has genuine field endurance and needs substantial physical and olfactory stimulation. Off-leash exercise must be in safely enclosed areas. Hunting, trailing, and field sports provide the most natural and complete outlets for this breed’s working capabilities.

Briquet Griffon Vendéen puppies in the United States typically cost between $400 and $800 when available domestically. Given the breed’s rarity in the US, many buyers will need to import from France or Europe, which adds substantially to the total acquisition cost. Annual imports to North America are very limited.

Ongoing costs are modest given the breed’s hardy constitution and simple care needs. Total lifetime costs over a 10 to 12 year lifespan are among the lowest of any recognized hound breed.

Contact the Griffon Vendéen Club of America or FCI-affiliated French breed clubs to identify the small number of breeders in North America or reputable importers in France. Request BAER hearing test results, thyroid and OFA CAER assessments, OFA hip evaluations, and documentation of epilepsy-free family lines for both parents. Given the breed’s rarity, thorough due diligence and patience are essential. Lancaster Puppies occasionally features Briquet Griffon Vendéen listings from specialized hound breeders.