Griffon Nivernais

This rather mythological-looking dog is, in a sense, just that: Having become extinct around the time of the French Revolution, the creature was rebuilt from a number of other hounds regional to the Nivernais area one hundred years later. Thankfully they made him a little smaller than his conceptual ancestors, since they were reputed to be enormous. He’s a country fellow through and through, from his attitudes and preferred living arrangements, and will not take to city life. But he’s strong, brave, and (for the most part) stoic, making for a sturdy companion for the rural lady, gent, or rascal.
Key facts about the Griffon Nivernais
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Origins and history
His ‘ancestors’ ran with the Gauls, or came over with the Crusades, or both, depending on who you believe, mixing with grey Saint Louis dogs to create monstrous and hard-working dogs of almost mythological stature. But their numbers dwindled during the reign of Francis I, who preferred a white dog, and the Nivernais’ lineage was preserved only by the efforts of certain noblemen. When they lost their heads in the 18th century, the Nivernais’ breath was also cut. Later enthusiasts rebuilt the breed from scratch, using genetic elements of the Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Otterhound, and the Foxhound, although it is whispered that a soupcon of the original Nivernais made its way in, too, through the seed of a rare survivor of that ancient breed.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 2 : Leash (scent) Hounds
Physical characteristics of the Griffon Nivernais
Adult size
Female : Between 21 and 24 in
Male : Between 22 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 51 and 60 lb
Male : Between 51 and 60 lb
Coat colour
Fawn, darkening to bluish black at the tips, sometimes inter-sprouted with white, giving an overall appearance of grey; or fawn overlaid with black or blue. A white patch on the chest will not weaken the individual’s claim to the standard.
Type of coat
Shaggy and rough; what the French call Barbouillaud.
Eye colour
Dark.
Description
With his monsterish stature, variable bi-colour appearance, and unruly hair, you will never see two Griffon Nivernais that look quite the same. Brooding, indeed often occupying the same spectrum as a storm, this ersatz ancient creature is all the same adorable for his soulful eyes, perky eyebrows, swinging ears, and tousle-ability. His beard adds a certain affability to his otherwise moody countenance, while fringes to his tail add levity. His body is compact and powerful, arching appealingly about the spine.
Good to know
This dog’s most notable presence is in his native land of France; elsewhere, he may be considered rarer and more valuable.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Griffon Nivernais
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Is the Griffon Nivernais right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
The Griffon Nivernais is not a grooming-intensive dog, and requires brushing less than once a week. Just make sure his ears are clean after excursions.
Nutrition of the Griffon Nivernais
High quality dry food rich in protein should do the trick. He should fast before a hunt, so it’s best for him to eat in the evening.
Health of the Griffon Nivernais
Life expectancy
He is not noted for particularly bad health, and has an average life expectancy of 12 years.
Strong / robust
This dog tends to remain sturdy and fit – he is built to resist the trials of outdoor life.
Withstand heat
He prefers it cooler.
Withstand cold
He is very tolerant of the cold and harsh weather conditions.
Tendency to put on weight
He is active and generally not prone to weight gain.
Common illnesses
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Gastric torsion