Overview
The Vendée region of western France produced a family of rough-coated hounds in four sizes, and the Briquet sits between the Grand Griffon and the two bassets. It was bred as a smaller, handier hound for hunting hare and boar in thick cover, and nearly vanished after the Second World War before being revived.
Like its relatives it is lively, independent and hardy, with a harsh coat that shrugs off brambles and a voice that carries. These are not common in Britain, and most owners here have a hunting or breed-club background and strong views on how the dog should be walked.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and forty minutes a day suits an adult, with the emphasis on terrain and scent rather than speed. Woodland, heath and hedgerow give the dog what it needs; a flat park does not.
They can keep going for hours, and tiredness is rarely the thing that brings them back. Set the length of the walk yourself.
On the walk
- Recall: Poor on scent, as with all the Vendéen hounds. Off lead only in a secure field, and even there a long line is a wise start.
- Pulling: Strong for the size. The rough coat makes a harness the more comfortable choice.
- Other dogs: Pack-bred and sociable. Rarely confrontational, though the baying can unsettle quieter dogs.
- Coat: The wiry coat traps burrs, twigs and seeds. Look through the beard, ears and armpits after cover.
Tips for professional walkers
- Use a long line in parks and let the dog work scent on it; that is the walk from the dog's point of view.
- Keep the dog away from deer, sheep and rabbits; the hunting drive is strong and the voice announces it.
- Towel the beard after the dog drinks from puddles.
- Walk at a steady pace with a couple of sniffing stops rather than hurrying the dog along.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog hunted, and how does it react to deer and livestock?
- Is it used to walking alone, or does it normally go out with other hounds?
- Any ear or skin problems under the rough coat that need watching?