Is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Silken Windhound better for families with children?

Both the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Silken Windhound are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Silken Windhound?

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Silken Windhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Silken Windhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Silken Windhound bigger?

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Silken Windhound are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Silken Windhound?

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Silken Windhound is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Silken Windhound?

For apartment or flat living, Silken Windhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Silken Windhound: Quieter?

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Silken Windhound: full comparison

Trait	Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen	Silken Windhound
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a garden are welcome. By comparison, the Silken Windhound is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a garden are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Silken Windhound needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Silken Windhound needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and suits families with children particularly well. The Silken Windhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Silken Windhound shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Silken Windhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Silken Windhound are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Silken Windhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Silken Windhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Silken Windhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Silken Windhound on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Silken Windhound if you want a more adaptable dog, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Silken Windhound better for families with children?: Both the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Silken Windhound are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Silken Windhound?: The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Silken Windhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Silken Windhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Silken Windhound bigger?: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Silken Windhound are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Silken Windhound?: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Silken Windhound is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Silken Windhound?: For apartment or flat living, Silken Windhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Silken Windhound