Griffon Nivernais

The Griffon Nivernais is a type of scent hound. This breed originated in France. The Griffon Nivernais is a versatile breed. It is a hunting dog used for small and large game. They are used individually or in packs. The current breed is the modification of the original ancient dog which came from the region of Nivernais. This breed is medium sized and the height is approximately 21.7-23.6 inches (55 to 60 cm) at the withers. They have a rough coat and droopy and long ears. They have a long tailed which is carried up and is slightly curved. The Griffon Nivernais has a long body as compared to other French hounds. Their bodies are developed more for the endurance rather than for speed.

This breed has a head that is emaciated, light and long. The chin has a slight beard. The eyebrows are thick. Their skull is almost flat. Their eyes should be preferably dark. The ears are smooth, hairy but of average length and width and wrinkled towards the end. The neck is light and lean and is devoid of papada. Their shoulders are slightly inclined, lean well and are beaten to the body. They have an extended back and a relatively oblique Grupa. They have lean and flat thighs.Their feet are slightly extended with solid fingers. The tail is not very long.

The color of its coat is boar grey to light grey. The hair on the coat is dark at the base as compared to the tip. White hair is unevenly scattered throughout the coat. The colors of the coat are fawn which is mildly over laid with black and sable which is again over laid with black. Also, fawn over laid with blue or grayish blue. It is not uncommon to see a small white spot or mark on the chest. The Griffon Nivernais was owned traditionally by the noblemen in France who disappeared post the French Revolution. The breed was then developed again in 1925, by a group of hunters in Morvan. In the fourteenth century these dogs were originally used to hunt down wolves or wild boar. They were much larger than the current breed.

The breed was developed again primarily from the basis of the Grand Griffon Vendeen. However, breeds like the Foxhound and Otterhounds were also used. For a number of years the breed was not very popular but is currently experiencing a revival. The Griffon Nivernais has a good voice and a good sense of smell. It is very alert and thus ideal for hunting in difficult terrain and thickets. They are a rare breed and are exported for the benefit of those who seek a pet that is unique. They do not have any health problems that are unusual. They are believed to be a breed of excellent health. They are known to be independent, obstinate and very courageous. Individual dogs show varying temperaments. In general the aspect of this breed is characterized primarily, by the layer of dense and in some cases long, hard and strong hair. The movement of these dogs is smooth, elastic and not very fast.