Briquet Griffon Vendéen

The Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a medium-sized, rough-coated scenthound from the Vendée in France. The word briquet means a medium-sized dog in French. It was bred to hunt large game, usually working in a small pack, and the FCI recognized it in 1954.

History

Before World War I the Comte d’Elva bred the Briquet down in size from the larger Grand Griffon Vendéen. The breed was close to extinction after World War II and was restored through the efforts of Hubert Dezamy, a French dog show judge.

Appearance

The Briquet has a short head, low-set ears and a rough double coat. It comes in solid or mixed colors, including fawn, light brown, white and orange, white and gray, white and black, black and tan, and tricolor. Males stand 50 to 55 cm and females 48 to 53 cm.

Temperament

The Briquet is a keen hunter with plenty of stamina, expected to follow a cold trail as well as a fresh one. Like the other Vendéen hounds, it enjoys being outdoors with its family. It is lively and enthusiastic without being high-strung. Having been bred to work both in packs and alone, it gets along well with other dogs, is not possessive and is a good companion for children.

Griffons do not much like being ordered about. They respond better to coaxing, rewards and play.

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