Basset Griffon Vendeen Welfare and Rescue

The size of the problem
On average 10-15 BGVs are re-homed each year. They come through rescue for various
reasons but the main one is the fact that they are hounds. People are taken in by that lovely,
cute puppy seen in magazines, in books, on the internet and even occasionally in TV
programmes. However the BGV is a hound and is therefore not the ideal family pet for
everyone. The new owner may find out the hard way, especially if a breeder has not been
completely frank or has failed to give enough information. The hunting instinct in a BGV is very
strong and the nose tends to take over from the brains. One small scent and the hunter will be
off on the chase. If you stand your ground, your dog will eventually return – but how long are
you prepared to wait? Understanding at the outset that these are scent-hounds who, given half a
chance, may be off on the track of something will help potential owners to decide whether this
is the right breed for them – and possibly prevent a BGV from ending up in rescue.

Do your homework
No-one likes to see a BGV going from one home
to another because the new owners didn’t realise
what having one was all about. So, if you are
considering having this breed, please don’t rush
out and buy one. Do your homework first so that
you know exactly what you are buying. There are
information leaflets available and reputable
breeders will be only too happy to tell you all they
know about the BGV or invite you to see their
hounds.

How the Club raises funds to help
The Basset Griffon Vendéen Welfare is financed by the Club’s monthly Limited Odds Draw,
donations and fund raising events. For the Limited Odds Draw, each participant contributes £12
a year and is allocated a number. Each month a draw takes place and three numbers are
selected. If the participant’s number is chosen, a cash prize is won. The profit from this goes to
the Welfare/Rescue fund. For further details of the LOD, contact Audrey Herring on 01923
283367.

Another way that the BGV Club raises money is to have one or two Fun Days each year. These
are always highly enjoyable, giving pet owners and especially those who own rescued hounds
the opportunity to meet other people with the same breed. It is always good to hear everyone
comparing notes about what their hounds have got up to!

In September 2006 the BGV Club Committee made some changes to the organisation of the
Breed Rescue service. As encouraged by the Kennel Club, the committee implemented a Code
of Practice for Breed Rescue with a Trustee/Rescue Co-ordinator and two additional Trustees.
There is also a back-up of a nationwide network of BGV kennels, where hounds can be taken in
temporarily before being moved for boarding and assessment with a breed specialist until
re-homed.