At a glance
Basic requirements and commitment level
Daily requirements
Context & compatibility
Is this right for you?
Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well
A good match
- Enjoy nose-led exploring with lots of variety
- Are comfortable with a chatty hound voice in daily life
Not ideal
- Want brisk walks with minimal sniff stops
- Need quiet living with shared walls and close neighbors
Care & health
Setup, routines, and health considerations
Care overview
Lively, social, and stubborn in classic hound style—often comedic at home and laser-focused on scent outside. Many enjoy “narrating” the neighborhood.
Environment & space
Best where daily activity is consistent and neighbors can tolerate hound commentary. They often do well with secure outdoor access or frequent adventure walks.
Daily routine
Sniff-rich walks, short training sessions to keep leash manners civilized, and enrichment that lets them search and track without turning the house into a chaos zone.
Health sensitivities
Ear care and weight stability are common priorities; consistent conditioning supports long-term joint comfort.
Grooming / coat
Wiry coat with moderate grooming—regular brushing and occasional stripping/trimming.
Background
Origins and how that history shapes what you see today
Origin region
Vendée, France
Background
Developed in France’s Vendée region as a longer-legged basset for pack hunting hare, the GBGV was made to move through brush while staying glued to scent. Think “basset with more stride and more momentum.” In everyday life, they’re often lively and persistent, and they don’t forget a good smell once they’ve found it.
Social & behavior
Temperament and interaction style
Personality & activity
Outgoing, determined, and scent-led, with a confident “keep going” attitude. Often happiest when walks include lots of sniffing freedom.
Handling & social style
Social and sturdy, but not always quick to stop the fun. Clear boundaries + rewarding calm behavior works best.