Page 12 - ShowSight Presents - The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
P. 12
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Q&A
“the breed is just begiNNiNg its evolvemeNt iN the us.
THERE IS A DIVERGENCE OF STYLES NOW THAT WILL, HOPEFULLY, BECOME MORE REFINED OVER TIME.”
This is a subject that cannot be covered in a paragraph. There are numerous similarities between the two breeds, but there are also numerous differences that are extreme- ly important to know in order to properly differentiate between the two breeds when breeding and/or judging them. These differences go far beyond the more obvious size difference between the two breeds, though the top of the PBGV standard is 15" and the bottom of the stan- dard for GBGV bitches is 151⁄2"—not an easily discerned visual difference.
The heads on the two breeds should have significant dif- ferences, the Petit’s muzzle should be shorter from stop to nose compared to the distance from stop to occiput while the Grand’s muzzle should be about equal in length and the breed often has a “roman nose”. Petit ears are shorter than those of the Grand. The Petit’s should just reach the end of the nose (on the shorter muzzle) while the Grand’s should extend to the end or beyond. The skull on the two breeds is different as well, with the Petit’s being somewhat flat on top an oval shaped while the Grand’s is narrower and somewhat more domed.
The Grand has longer legs, longer body and longer tail than the Petit. Short tails and ears and a more compact body are all very desirable hallmark characteristics of the PBGV but faulty on the Grand. Neither breed, however, (especially the Petit) should ever look long and low. Even the smallest allowable adult Petit (13" at the withers) should have good leg length—the standard specifically states that slightly more than half the height at the with- ers should be from elbow to ground.
3. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring.
Because the two breeds could come from the same litter as recently as the 1970s, correct type must come first.
If the GBGV looks like a big PBGV, it’s automatically wrong! Second is the outline of the dog, which should show correct balance both in angulation front and rear and body parts fitting together properly. Third would be movement. Fourth would be correct coat quality and presentation. I don’t want to see either of these breeds so trimmed that they look like another breed—too often with a Terrier type of tightly presented coat. And lastly, temperament and showmanship.
4. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook?
Once the GBGV is fully recognized, correct type will have to be the paramount consideration. However, I do not like to fault judge, preferring to favor the dog with good type and balance over one with an outstanding part, but a lack of harmony and/or balance. With this in mind, I’m willing to forgive minor movement faults in dogs of superior type compared to a superior moving dog that is more generic in type. I’m willing to forgive a softer the desired coat in an otherwise quality example of the breed.
5. Has the breed improved from when you started judging? Which traits are going in the wrong direc- tion or becoming exaggerated?
The breed is just beginning its evolvement in the US. There is a divergence of styles now that will, hopefully, become more refined over time. My greatest concern is and will be that handlers (both owners and profession- als) will get too involved with coat presentation and forget about the dog underneath the coat. I’d hate to see what is a working and somewhat rustic breed in its home country become a stylized and over-groomed generic show dog rather than a breed that retains its ability to function as originally intended.
6. How should the breed be groomed?
The breed should be presented bathed and brushed out. Excessive trimming, barbering, stripping and grooming as practiced by some one Europe and the US should be avoided. The addition of product to the coat to enhance harshness (yes, I can tell it’s there) is contrary to AKC rules and really doesn’t fool the knowledgeable judge. This is not a Poodle or a Terrier and a totally perfect dog is not in keeping with the breed and its function. The correct coat is there to protect the dog when he is out hunting. Removing body coat and excessive fluffing and puffing is really undesirable and should be avoided. What owners and breeders decide should be permitted in the ring today will control the future presentation of the breed, either to its credit or its detriment.
