Briquet Griffon Vendéen
Also known as Briquet vendéen
- Height at the withers
- 48 to 55 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 24 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A medium-sized, rather compact griffon with a coat that is long without excess and rough to the touch, the Briquet Griffon Vendéen is a keen hunter, fast, tireless and full of initiative. Used in packs for hunting with guns, on roe deer and wild boar as well as hare and fox, it needs an owner who can command obedience, and it remains a hunting dog first and foremost.
History and origins
“Briquet” once meant a medium-sized scent hound, and this is the only breed to have kept the name. Bred before World War I by the Comte d’Elva as a well-proportioned, scaled-down Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Briquet type was nearly wiped out by wars several times before reappearing in Fontenay-le-Comte in 1946. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 19), it shares its club with the three other Vendéen griffons, and its packs shine in field trials, as shown by a Coupe de France on roe deer won in 1995. Its numbers remain modest but are growing (174 dogs registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025).
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin problems (dermatitis)
- Hunting injuries and tick-borne diseases
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, wiry coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: white and black, black and tan, black with sable markings, white and orange, tricolor, fawn with black overlay, sable with black overlay.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Briquet Griffon Vendéen FAQ
How big does the Briquet Griffon Vendéen get?
The Briquet Griffon Vendéen stands 48 to 55 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 24 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Briquet Griffon Vendéen shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Briquet Griffon Vendéen live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Briquet Griffon Vendéen need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Briquet Griffon Vendéen good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Briquet Griffon Vendéen live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and hip dysplasia.
