Distinctly GRAND by corey BeneDict GbGvc A President
W hen I was asked to write this article to help educate US judg- es, my first and fore- most thought was what an honor it is to share what I have learned about these noble French hounds that are dear to my heart. As a founding member and President of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America, as well as having bred 15 litters since 2004 with my partner Brent Humphrey, we have learned and gained so much knowledge in regards to correct type, soundness and best breeding practices. Our Dutch mentor and friend, Jolanda Husiman, who has bred and shown some of the top win- ning dogs in Europe since the early 1970s, has been a wonderful asset in helping to found the breed in the US. The old saying, “there is no perfect dog,” echoes each time I evaluate one of our litters for I have learned what faults I am willing to accept and which ones I cannot. No matter if it’s a show prospect or a family companion, we strive to reproduce the best examples of the breed. The breed does have several distinct characteristics which should always be obvious to anyone judging them. If someone were to ask for four things to look for in a Grand Basset, I would have to begin with balance. To me this is very important. Although the word Basset means low to the ground, they should not appear to be too low or stubby. They should never look like a
hairy Basset Hound and you should be able to see air between their body and the ground. Always keep in mind what they were bred to do in their country of origin. Hunters bred them to hunt roe deer, boar and hare through the rough terrain of the region of Vendéen in France and if they are too low they cannot keep up with the game. If they are too low on leg they have a tendency to be too long with a long loin and if
they are too tall they have a tendency to look too square with a short loin. The breed should be slightly longer than tall. Please keep in mind there is no DQ in our breed other than solid in color. The US standard is 15 ½ to 18 ½ inches for males and females. Current- ly there is much debate, even in the original French kennel club the Club Du Griffon Vendéen, about the correct size. I personally feel that I would rather
“if someone were to ask for four things to look for in a granD Basset, i woulD have to BEGIN WITH BALANCE.” t4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& 0 $50#&3
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