BA Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen 300x230 1

Grand Basset Griffin Vendeen

The lively Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, a French scent hound of ancient origin, is a compact, bold hunter with an overall rough, unrefined outline. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is derived, like all bassets, from hounds of superior size in this case the Grand Griffon. The first selections were made at the end of the 19th century by Comte d’Elva who was looking for subjects with straight legs. But it was Paul Dezamy who was especially responsible for fixing type. He understood that in order to catch a hare, dogs of a certain size were needed. He fixed that size at about 43 cm.

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The Grand Basset Griffin Vendeen

The lively Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, a French scent hound of ancient origin, is a compact, bold hunter with an overall rough, unrefined outline. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is derived, like all bassets, from hounds of superior size in this case the Grand Griffon. The first selections were made at the end of the 19th century by Comte d’Elva who was looking for subjects with straight legs. But it was Paul Dezamy who was especially responsible for fixing type. He understood that in order to catch a hare, dogs of a certain size were needed. He fixed that size at about 43 cm.

With the emphasis on a rough, harsh, tousled, unrefined outline, there has been a temptation to present this breed as rough and harsh as can be and a good number are shown unwashed or washed well before show day to allow the coat to regain its harshness.

A Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen coat is harsh but not too long, never silky or woolly. They come in black with white spotting (white with black). Black with tan markings (black and tan). Black with light tan markings. Fawn with white spotting (white and orange). Fawn with black mantle and white spotting (tricolour). Fawn with black overlay. Pale fawn with black overlay and white spotting. Pale fawn with black overlay. Traditional names: hare colour, wolf colour, badger colour or wild boar colour.

The issue has been with many harsh coated breeds is bathing often softens a coat and allows the coat to sit open rather than laying down. You can resolve this by using Plush Puppy Texture + Shampoo. It is formulated to retain and improve coat texture. This shampoo thoroughly yet gently cleanses and deodorises the coat of Terriers and other wire, harsh or coarse coated breeds without softening or compromising texture. It’s ideal for boosting body and coarseness in coats of all colours and coat types. It is low irritant, pH controlled and is easy to rinse out. It is full of beneficial and powerful extracts from the Gentian Root, Juniper Fruit, St John’s Wart Leaf, Hay Flower, Lemon Balm Leaf and Arnica Flower that combine to nourish and vitalise the skin. Use diluted up to 1:10 or apply undiluted directly to areas requiring intensive cleansing. Rinse thoroughly.

Now the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen loves getting dirty and their coat can require that added deep cleaning shampoo to get through the grime. For those times first bath using Plush Puppy Deep Cleansing Shampoo which is a clarifying shampoo designed to remove grease, grime and any product build-up in a dogs coat.

By clarifying we mean cutting through ANY impurities to leave the coat in an ultra-clean natural state. This shampoo has extra surfactants that open the cuticle deeper to allow the deep cleaning and clarifying process. It will provide the deepest coat clean available leaving the coat reset and refreshed. Not only will it spruce up dull whites, but it can also be used on any colour coat for a thorough and intensive clean. Deep Cleansing Shampoo will assist in reducing unwanted coat stains. It is rich in extracts that help to strengthen the coat and retain moisture. Use at 1:5 dilution rate. Lather well where needed (legs, around the neck and ears generally) and rinse.

On any white areas use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo which will give you a crisp white finish. This will not lighten or bleach but instead tone with optical brighteners. This is the same for darker colours as it reduces any warm tones hence intensifying the depth of colour. Use at a dilution rate of 1:3 (1 part shampoo to 3 parts water) for the white areas. This has great tonal effect for reducing unwanted warm tones.

The magic of Plush Puppy products is that you can combine them to save time. You can mix the Texture+ Shampoo and Herbal Whitening Shampoo and use in the one bath, and get all results at once!

For difficult stubborn stained white areas switch to Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. It helps to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin.

This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm or red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp or wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing 5-10 minutes and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.

The face, head and eyes are key to this breed. Those expressive eyes need care so use for faces always use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning.

Never, never, never use a conditioner. This will flatten and soften the harshest of coats – the last thing you want for your PBGV. Use instead for hydration, healthy vigour and shine, Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil in your final rinse. Use at the ratio of 1 teaspoon to 1 gal/4 L of water. Sponge well through the coat to the skin and LEAVE IN – DO NOT RINSE. This will not soften nor flatten the coat but allow you to moisturise and maintain a healthy continuity with the coat.

To increase texture and harshness, blow dry and spray with Plush Puppy Ruffy Tuffy Coat Spray layer upon layer – in other words, spray and allow a few seconds to pass and spray once again and keep repeating till the desired level of harshness is achieved. This product is neither sticky nor difficult to work with and is totally water soluble without buildup to the coat. It does however allow you to gain the correct texture instantly.

The other option to increase texture is to use our innovative Plush Puppy Powder Puff Terrier. There really is nothing quite like it anywhere and we have had resounding success with all the coats we have used it on. It just gives you the chance to keep the coat clean, smelling fresh and have a rock hard coat. Truly! It’s unbelievable the amount of texture you can create with this product.

A wondrous powder that has no talc nor chalk in its formulation. Simply apply a light sprinkle through the coat using enough to reach down to the skin by ruffling with your fingers or brush and either keep brushing till you remove excess residue or even better, blow it out with the blow dryer. Bingo! Instant clean and amazing texture. Perfect for use before stripping the coat.

Always have on hand Plush Puppy Wonder Wash which is a self-rinse spray shampoo that really does clean sparkling white and has been the mainstay so far for the GBGV’s. Just spray foam with the fingers and towel off.

Wonder Wash is a brilliant quick self-rinsing bathing alternative solution for quick and easy cleaning without the need for a complete bath. In moments when regular shampooing is not an option, Wonder Wash will clean, whiten and brighten problem areas on all coat kinds.

On any stains use Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream with a light dab onto a barely damp sponge and pat lightly onto any stained or less than white areas that ought to be white. Add a flurry of chalk to dry and then brush.

For legs use Plush Puppy Chalkestral. Apply evenly to areas before chalking. Either put a small amount into your hands and rub together to “warm up” and then rub into the area. Or swipe a small amount into a damp sponge and evenly rub or wipe into the area. A unique product that conditions the coat to minimise chalk dry out plus adheres chalk to coat. Totally water soluble.

Then apply some Plush Puppy Fairy Frost Powder. This ultra-fine and bright white powder that is more effective and innovative than the usual methods of white chalking and adding powder to coats. Fairy Frost will create the brightest white tone that clings all day. Plus, it covers all coats without creating harshness. Fine and easy to use, our formulation means a little goes a long way. Fairy Frost Regular is naturally sourced and contains no chalk or talc. Use this product instead of chalk or mix with your usual white powder.

Brush the coat up the furnishings using a Plush Puppy Ultimate Soft Slicker Brush which is an oval cushioned pin brush. For the jacket switch to a Plush Puppy Anti-Static Brush for a smoother look from the half bristle/half nylon cushioned action.

Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins will reduce drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use for this breed of dog.

Plush Puppy HOLD is a strong sculpting spray scientifically formulated for shaping all types of coats on Show Dogs. The quick drying formulation won’t become sticky and will not build-up. HOLD can be removed with ease by simply shampooing the coat. Contains Pro Vitamin B5 to improve elasticity, moisture retention and flexibility in their coat hair. We recommend using and storing at normal room temperature for a perfect mist spray. Optimum spray distance is approximately 30cm (12 inches). Remember it’s a concentrated spray so you only need a light spray to achieve amazing results.

So, lastly, you are almost ready with your “easy option” dog. Nothing is work free after all, but we have endeavoured to give you what you seek to achieve and to do it as quickly and readily as possible.

Don’t forget a good light spray of Plush Puppy Odour Muncher prior to ring time. I am of the school that believes that judges use more than their eye to judge, using their hands and nose too. Let their hands be clean and their noses not offended is my golden rule.

For the final flourish, spray with Plush Puppy Shine and Comb, a magical shine spray that is non greasy and water soluble. A light burst onto the coat or onto your hands and smoothed over the top and flanks just works like a charm. Try spraying just one side first and see the difference. It’s amazing. Your dog especially will just glisten with glowing good health.

You will be so confident with your hardy, hunter of robust construction that should be able to work through a days hunting hare and rabbits or even feathered game if called to do so. It is the perfect assistant for the hunter in territories of moderate size. Fastest of all scent Hound Bassets, tenacious, courageous, and a little stubborn.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a key player of the dog world with his unkempt tousled coat and longer legs powering free at all speeds with great drive from the rear, will satisfy the most discerning of judges with his perfectly correct coat texture.

No longer do you need feel nervous of having to clean and groom this wonderful dog.

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