Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a pin brush and wide-toothed comb to work through the long, rough, harsh double coat. The GBGV's coat should look naturally tousled and rustic -- never over-groomed into a polished look. Use a mat splitter on tangles that form behind the long, pendulous ears and in the leg furnishings. Hand-strip loose dead coat every few months.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 4-6 weeks with a texturizing shampoo that preserves the coat's rough, casual texture. Avoid heavy conditioners that flatten the naturally full, tousled coat. The GBGV should look like an elegant but rugged French hound, not a salon dog. Clean the long ears separately during every bath.

Common Issues

• Ear infections from the extremely long, hairy, pendulous ears
• Matting in the dense undercoat, especially behind ears and in the armpits
• Beard and mustache matting and odor from food and drool
• Hound odor intensifying in humid conditions
• Debris collection in the rough coat during outdoor activity

Extend Your Grooming Results

Clean ears every 2-3 days -- the GBGV's exceptionally long ears are among the most infection-prone of any breed. Comb the beard after every meal. Trim excess ear hair to improve airflow. Keep foot pad hair trimmed. Pull loose dead coat by hand between professional grooming sessions to maintain the correct harsh texture.

Seasonal Care

GBGVs shed moderately in spring and fall when the undercoat loosens. In Houston's humid climate, the long ears are extremely prone to yeast and bacterial infections -- increase ear cleaning to daily during summer months. The rough coat provides some heat insulation but monitor for overheating. Winter care is minimal.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily beard cleaning, ear cleaning every 2-3 days (daily in summer), foot pad trimming bi-weekly, hand-strip loose coat as needed, nail trims every 3 weeks, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.