Briquet Griffon Vendeen

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

Briquet means “medium sized dog” in French, and this is the only breed to retain that name. The Briquet Griffon Vendeen was bred down in size from the Grand Griffon Vendeen, beginning before the First World War. They are used as pack animals on roe deer, wild boar and also on small game.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

A Griffon of medium size, well proportioned, and somewhat stocky.

Characteristics

The Briquet is a headstrong, robust breed that hunts with stamina and enthusiasm. It is a passionate hunter, and not quick to obey.

Head

The head is quite light. The toplines of the skull and muzzle should lie in parallel planes.

SKULL

The skull is rather narrow, not too long, and slightly domed on top. The stop is well defined.

Fault: Broad skull.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is the same length as the skull, and not too broad at the tip. The nasal bone is straight. The lips cover the lower jaw but are not pendulous.

TEETH

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Fault: Level bite.
Disqualifications: Undershot or overshot bite.

NOSE

Large and black, except in the orange and white dogs, where a brown nose is acceptable.

Fault: Lack of pigment.

EYES

Large and dark, with a lively expression. The eyerims are tight and fully pigmented.

Fault: Light eyes.
Disqualification: Wall eyes.

EARS

Set low, supple, narrow and fine, rolling inward, and not long enough to reach to the nose.

Neck

Long and elegant, with no dewlap.

Forequarters

Strong, but not heavy, with long, clean, sloping shoulders.

FORELEGS

The legs are straight and strong. The elbows set close to the body, and the pasterns are strong.

Body

The chest is quite deep, but not too wide. The ribs are moderately rounded. The back is short and solid, either level or rising slightly towards the hindquarters. The loin is straight, muscular and short coupled, and the croup is flat. The flanks are full, and there is little tuck up.

Hindquarters

Well developed, with legs that are vertical and parallel.

HIND LEGS

The upper thigh is long and muscular. The hocks are moderately bent.

Feet

Hard pads, with well arched, tight toes. Nails and pads should be well pigmented.

Tail

Set high, thick at the base, and tapering towards the tip. Carried up in saber fashion, but never curled over the back.

Coat & Skin

Fairly long, but not exaggerated, the outer coat is harsh and sometimes bushy. There is good undercoat. The eyebrows are well pronounced, but should not cover the eye. The muzzle is covered with a mustache. The skin is rather thick.

Faults: Soft, fine or sparse coat.

Color

White and black, white and orange, black and tan, tricolor or fawn of any shade with black overlay, with or without white markings.

Disqualifications: Color that is solid white or solid black, without markings.

Height

Height at the withers for males is 19.5 to 21.5 inches. For females, it is 19 to 21 inches.

Gait

Active and supple.

Eliminating Faults

(An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)
More than one half inch over or under the allowable size.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Undershot or overshot bite.
Wall eyes.
Color that is solid white or solid black, without markings.