The name is rather a mouthful but it is easy to remember once explained, 'Petit' meaning small and 'Grand' meaning large, 'Basset' is short legged and 'Griffon' means rough coated. They originate from the Vendee region of France, hence 'Vendeen'. The Griffon Vendeen comes in four distinct sizes and types :

• Grand Griffon Vendeen (60cm to the shoulder)
• Briquet (50cm)
• Grand Basset (39-43cm)
• Petit (34-38cm)

They are rough coated hounds going back to the 16th century. The Grand was used for hunting wolf and boar, the Briquet for the Roe deer and hares. Both the Grand and Petit Basset are used for driving wild boar and for hunting hare and rabbit by scent.

The two types imported into this country are the Grand and Petit Basset. They are not a hairy version of the Basset Hound but an entirely different breed of different descent. It was early in the 70's that the Petit was introduced into Britain in any numbers, with the Grand being a more recent addition. The Petit gained championship status from the Kennel Club in 1985. The Grand came off the 'Rare breed' register on to the breed register in March 2006.