Huntaway vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

Huntaway vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed ComparisonGrand Griffon Vendeen is originated from France but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Grand Griffon Vendeen may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Huntaway. Grand Griffon Vendeen may weigh 26 kg / 57 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Grand Griffon Vendeen and Huntaway has same life span. Grand Griffon Vendeen may have more litter size than Huntaway. Grand Griffon Vendeen requires Moderate Maintenance. But Huntaway requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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France
New Zealand
Height Male:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
GBGV, Basset Griffon Vendéen (Grand)
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
tri-color , White with orange markings
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Medium length, shaggy, wiry
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

Description

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.

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems

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.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Huntaway vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Huntaway vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  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