Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison

Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed ComparisonFlat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom but Grand Griffon Vendeen is originated from France. Flat-Coated Retriever may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Grand Griffon Vendeen. Flat-Coated Retriever may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Grand Griffon Vendeen. Flat-Coated Retriever may live 4 years less than Grand Griffon Vendeen. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Grand Griffon Vendeen has almost same litter size. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Grand Griffon Vendeen requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
59 - 61 cm
23 - 25 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Flatcoat, flatt, Flattie Flatte (Sweden)
GBGV, Basset Griffon Vendéen (Grand)
Colors Available:
liver and yellow (blonde, black
tri-color , White with orange markings
Coat:
double, glossy and smooth
Medium length, shaggy, wiry
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

flat coated retrieverThe Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

grand griffon vendeenThe Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French scenthound that has changed over many centuries. Today the area in France where they originate from, has contributed to the dog's looks.

The rocky and thorny region of Vendeé required a hardy breed of dog. Also, hunters wanted a slower hound that they could keep up with and the idea was to shorten the legs of the dog.

By the end of the 19th century, the Basset Griffon Vendéen was developed. By the 1950s, the Grand was considered a separate breed.Today the dog is a long-backed and short-legged hunting dog.

Description

flat coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

grand griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionKept today essentially as a domestic pet, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a strongly built dog, a rough-coated scent hound of medium size standing at roughly 39 to 45cm in height and weighing 18 to 20kg.

The coat is medium length, shaggy and wiry. It is essentially white with orange markings. Sometimes he can be tri-colored, having a combination of orange, black or tan markings. The double coat is actually regarded as his defining characteristic, being shaggy with a wiry texture that sets him apart from other hound breeds.

His legs are straight, and he is longer than he is tall. He is a deep chested dog with long ears and a long tail. He is also noted for his mustache and beard with long eyebrows.

Temperament:

Your Grand Basset is a courageous, happy, confident dog. He is active and has great stamina. As a social, pack dog, he likes plenty of time spent with his owner, failing which the owner should invest in another dog too so as to be part of a pack. He will get on great with children and he is also a pet-friendly breed who will get on well with cats too. He is sharp and alert and responds well to training and socialization.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

flat coated retriever dog - characteristicsThe Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

grand griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThis long-backed, short legged hunting dog has a happy, confident personality. While he was used originally for hunting, he is now commonly kept as a companion.

He is energetic and independent and will require you having him join you for walks and a ball game too.

Non-aggressive and adaptable he can live in the city or in the countryside so long as he receives plenty of attention and love – then he'll be a splendid pet.

Health Problems

flat coated retriever puppies - health problemsFlat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

  1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
  2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
  3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
  4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
  5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

grand griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThere are some Basset Griffon Vendéens that have reached 17 years of age. This is excellent for these dogs, and lifestyle, nutrition and exercise can all play a part in the longevity of any dog. While he is a pretty robust canine, you'll want to be aware of some of the diseases which may require veterinary intervention.

Cancer:

Cancer is a major cause of death in elderly dogs, but if caught early, the dog can be cured. These cancers can be malignant lymphoma, skin cancer, bone cancer or soft tissue sarcomas. You'll notice a lump on your pet or a wound that won't heal. When you notice your dog not feeling well, get him to the vet.

Cardiac Problems:

Common forms of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, heart-worm disease and myocardial disease. The signs of heart disease in your pet will depend on the severity of the disease and type.

As heart disease moves on to congestive heart failure, you'll notice symptoms such as difficulty with breathing, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. You need to get your dog immediately to the vet.

Dermatitis:

Dog allergies can be caused by pollen, medications, food or insects. Your pet will be scratching, he'll have watery eyes and inflamed skin. This inflammatory condition can cause a lot of agony for your pet, driving him mad with the itch and pain. Relieve his discomfort by getting him to the vet as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

flat coated retriever dogs - caringHe will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.

Diet:

grand griffon vendeen dogs - caringIf you are going to be feeding your Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen kibble, there are manufacturers who bring out excellent foods which are breed-specific formulas for age, size and energy levels of dogs.

Feeding a dog is an individual choice, but good food can increase his longevity. A bit of raw meat mixed into his kibble, or some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken will be excellent for him and can add some tasty variety to his diet.

Fresh, cool water must always be available at all times.

Grooming:

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen’s coat is double and the rough, harsh coat will need brushing twice a week and stripped once a year.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Flat-Coated Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Flat-Coated Retriever vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Flat-Coated Retriever vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison