This utterly appealing face belongs to the Briquet Griffon Vendeen, not to be mistaken for a Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen (which is typically ten pounds lighter) or a Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen (which can be up to ten pounds heavier). News flash: This is the medium sized dog in the Griffon family, and thus is sometimes called the Medium Vendeen Griffon. It’s also the least well-known of the Griffon Vendeens, at least in America. The FCI recognizes the breed, as does the United Kennel Club, but not the AKC thus far.
Most believe that the Briquet has as its direct ancestor the Grand Griffon Vendeen, but some sources maintain that it is the descendent of the Vendeen hounds of Gris de St. Louis, while others believe the Briquet has in its bloodlines coarse coated Italian dogs crossed with white Southern Hounds. Be that as it may, when hunters wanted a smaller dog better suited to hunt smaller game, such as rabbits, they set out to “shrink” the Grand Griffon Vendeen in the 1600s. Two Frenchmen greatly influenced the breed: The Comte d’Elva in creating it, and the French dog fancier and show judge, Hugh Dezamy, who saved it from extinction after WWII, but in between, the breed was almost lost during the French Revolution.
We who live in the US may be unfamiliar with the Briquet, but it is highly esteemed in France for its abilities in the field. In fact, in 1995, a team of Briquets won the trophy of France for roe deer hunting. Short of a bomb, it’s said that very little can distract a Briquet who is on a scent. These dogs have even been known to navigate a flooded area in order to pursuit their prey, such is their one track mind.
Intelligent, eager to please, enthusiastic, but sometimes stubborn (this is, after all, a hound), the breed is tenacious as a hunter in all kinds of terrain. He is playful and said to get along well with children, as well. Because of his cheerful demeanor and a propensity to wag his much of his wakeful hours, the British dubbed the Briquet as the “Happy Breed.”
Image found on Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information.
I have a dog which I believe mat be a briquet. Can you tell?
Danny, it’s notoriously difficult to tell from a photograph, and in particular, one in which the dog isn’t standing. That said, we can think why you might think so from his face and coat!