Griffon Nivernais

FCI 17 - Medium-sized Hounds

These dogs were crossed with those brought from the Crusades by San Luis to give the greyhounds, probable ancestors of the Griffon Nivernais.

They were big dogs, fine-nosed, clogged, excellent closers, very difficult to discipline, fast but tough, very scathing, specialized in strong and straight lines.

They were highly valued at that time for hunting wolves and wild boars.. The Greyhound was very fashionable during 200 years, until the reign of Louis XI, then he was abandoned from the royal packs by Francisco I in favor of the “White dog”.

But, some knights of the “Nivernais” they kept it until the French Revolution, when the race seemed to have disappeared. A century later, the last representatives of the greyhounds, kept in the cradle of the breed, were probably crossed with “Griffons de Bresse” to give the Griffon Nivernais.

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, received blood from English Foxhound and Grand Griffon Vendéen to give it size and speed.

The “Vendéen-Nivernais”, in particular, crossed paths with Bloodhound to create the Otterhound. The latter was used to soak the “Nivernais“, giving them a rustic nose and wisdom, and improved the ability to approach.

Closer to our time, after having been through wars with difficulty, and thanks to the development of wild boar populations, their number grew steadily from the 1980s onwards. 1970. More recently, some users injected blue blood to give him throat and application at work, often at the expense of his love of hunting wild boar.

Photo: This dog is a french Griffon Nivernais by Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Griffon Nivernais is recognizable in particular by its furry appearance with its long, well stocked and messy fur. The latter, which is rough and hard, it is always charcoal color, that is to say, sandy or leonado with black spots, but there are also white hairs here and there in its fur that draw shades from light gray to dark gray.

Sad expression, almost shy, giving dark eyes and pronounced eyebrows is also a characteristic of this breed.

The Griffon Nivernais it is a medium-sized dog with a robust gait and dry limbs. His tail is not very long, but they carry it tall and even saber-shaped when in action.

The Griffon Nivernais has a well marked character, sometimes stubborn, which makes it a highly prized hunting dog for its value, resistance and initiative.

It is generally reduced to its simplest expression: It is a dog used almost exclusively for hunting wild boar.

They are made to live in a herd where they must excel to have their place. But, for this reason, it is also a dog that can be difficult to train. So, best suited to an already experienced master of dog breeding.

Nonetheless, the Griffon Nivernais is calm and obedient when well trained. He is also a dog full of energy. He is very close to his teacher.

The Griffon Nivernais It is an outdoor dog that needs physical exercise. That's why it doesn't adapt to city life, and above all it is not made to live locked in an apartment.

Regarding maintenance, the Griffon Nivernais does not require any particular care apart from a normal brushing once a week and another, more thorough, with an iron brush to thoroughly clean dead hairs and your skin, At least once a year.

The Griffon Nivernais It is a dog resistant to cold and humidity. On the other hand, afraid of heat.

It is a dog prone to stomach twists. That is why you should not do intense physical exercise before and immediately after your meals.. Otherwise, there are no known breed-specific diseases.

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed "Griffon Nivernais" you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, you must take into account his character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

• FCI CLASSIFICATION: 17
• Group 6: Scent hounds, and related breeds.
• Section 1.2: Medium-sized hound-type dogs.. With proof of work..

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 6: Scent hounds, and related breeds. – Section 1.2: Medium-sized Hounds. ⓘ
• – UKC – Scenthounds ⓘ
• – Central Canine Society ⓘ

FCI - Griffon Nivernais

1. Griffon Nivernais (English).
2. Griffon Nivernais (French).
3. Griffon Nivernais (German).
4. Griffon Nivernais (Portuguese).
5. Griffon Nivernais (español).