Hi,

My Husband and i live in North Wales, UK, along with our 3 Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, JJ, Georgie & Jesse and our Lurcher, Toby.

First and foremost our dogs are family pets, but in 2005 we ventured into Dog Showing with JJ. He did very well and even managed to qualify for Crufts 2006 and also for Crufts 2007. JJ didn't take to showing so we decided to retire him, so now we just show Georgie.

We treat show days as days out with a chance to see lots of other dog breeds we perhaps wouldn't get to meet in every day life and also as a chance to meet new people, and catch up with friends who we've been lucky enough to meet through the dog showing world.

Toby is our Lurcher and he's the sweetest dog you could ever meet. We've had since he was 9 weeks old and he was from a local rescue centre. I think you can safely say that we are Hound fans and couldn't imagine owning a breed from another group at the moment.

The GBGV originates from France, where the BGV history can be traced back to about 400 years. Although there are four different sizes in the BGV family the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen & the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen are the ones known here in the UK. The other two BGV sizes being the Grand Griffon Vendeen and the Briquet Griffon Vendeen (Medium).

The GBGV are scent hounds and once they've got a scent they can become oblivious to everything else including you, so great care must be taken with them

GBGV's are a happy, bouncy, friendly breed, they love the outdoor life and all it brings. Lots of exercise is a must in order for them to stretch their minds and legs.

They are not maintenance free and you must check their claws every week for length as well as their ears as the insides can get rather dirty, mucky & hairy.

They're coat also needs care and attention to stop matts & tangles forming. A slicker brush and a comb are the tools i find invaluable.

I find that they can be a little stubborn, so you must make sure they know you are the pack leader in a kind, but firm way.

We're totally in love with the breed and have found if you give them all the attention, fun and set the boundaries along the way they will repay you tenfold with love, fun & licks!

Please if you have time don't forget to sign my guestbook, your comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks for visiting!