Page 11 - ShowSight Presents - The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
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Notes oN the
GRAND BASSET GRIFFON VENDÉEN
JEAN & FRAN FINNEGAN
1. Please tell us about your background with the GBGV.
My sister and I got our first PBGV in 2001. In 2006, I went to the French Griffon Nationals, where I met my first GBGV. I became friends with Gwen Huikeshoven of the v. Tum-Tum Kennel. She sent me our first GBGV, Venue Bien V. Tum-Tums Vriendjes in 2006 followed by Saxo Du Barbillot Des Maladieres in 2007. We had our first litter in 2007. CoolSpring’s Pavarotti was the first GBGV in the US to earn a CD.
2. Besides size, what are the differences between the Grand and the Petit?
PBGVs are like a circus of flying monkeys—always busy, very inquisitive, “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”. GBGVs are much calmer, “the Prozac of dogdum”—more hesitant, careful, reticent and questioning of
anything new.
3. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring.
Proportion, length to height; long rib, short loin; gait and movement; substance, well boned; harsh coat.
4. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? Shortcomings: a slight turn out of one leg. Faults to over- look: too tall, long legs.
5. Which traits are going in the wrong direction?
Length to height ratio.
6. How should the breed be groomed?
Undercoat stripped out, brushed and combed;
no scissoring.
7. What previously campaigned GBGVs come close to your ideal?
Saxo Du Barbillot Des Maladieres.
JEFFERY PEPPER
1. Please tell us about your background with the GBGV.
I have known GBGVs since about 1989, when I saw my first while attending Houndshow in Great Britain. I have had extensive contact with the breed both in Great Brit- ain and Europe as well as, to a much more limited degree, in this country. I have know one of the top BGV breeders in England and one in Holland quite well for more than 25 years and have not only discussed the breed at length with them, I have had the opportunity to go over large numbers of the breed at their homes. I have also attended the French Griffon Vendéen Club Championship Show
in France on two separate occasions in the past. I have judged the breed at FCI shows since 1995 and have given CC awards at two FCI Champion Shows in Denmark over the years, as well as a club Open Show in Holland. I also judged the first American National Specialty last Decem- ber in Orlando, Florida.
2. Besides size, what are the differences between the Grand and the Petit?
