# Griffon Nivernais Also known as: Nivernais Griffon, Chien de Nivernais - **Group:** Scent Hound (FCI group 6) - **Size:** Medium - **Origin:** France - **Height:** 53–62 cm - **Weight:** 20–25 kg - **Life expectancy:** 10–14 years - **Temperament:** Courageous, Independent, Obstinate, Hardy, Tenacious - **FCI standard:** No. 17 A shaggy, grizzled French scenthound rebuilt in the 1920s from ancient Nivernais hunting dogs. Built for endurance, it works hare and boar alike, alone or in a pack. ## Overview The Griffon Nivernais is a rough-coated French hound from the Nivernais region. It is a versatile hunter, used on small and large game, working either alone or as part of a pack. Its grizzled coat, long drop ears and long curved tail make it easy to recognise. It is still uncommon, but its numbers are slowly recovering. ## History The breed was kept by French noblemen in the Middle Ages and was used on wolf and wild boar, but it vanished after the French Revolution. In 1925 hunters in the Morvan began rebuilding it, using ancient hound types as their model. The Grand Griffon Vendéen formed the base of the work, with Otterhounds and Foxhounds added. The modern dog is smaller than its medieval ancestors. For many years it was very rare, but it is now enjoying a revival. ## Appearance A medium-sized hound standing about 55 to 60 cm at the withers, with a body longer than in most French hounds and built for stamina rather than speed. The ears are long and drooping, and the tail is long and carried up in a gentle curve. The rough, shaggy coat has a grizzled look, with each hair darker at the base. Light grey, boar grey, wolf grey and hare shades occur, sometimes with a small white spot on the chest. ## Temperament The Griffon Nivernais is courageous and determined in the field, and also independent and sometimes obstinate. It follows its own nose and does not always wait for instructions. At home it can be a calm, loyal companion in the right hands, but it is first of all a working hound that needs purpose and activity. ## Care and exercise This is an active hunting hound that needs plenty of daily exercise and a securely fenced garden, as it may follow a scent for miles. It suits experienced owners who can offer firm, patient and consistent training. The rough coat needs brushing a couple of times a week and occasional tidying. Check the long ears regularly for dirt and moisture. ## Health No particular health problems have been documented for the breed, and it is generally regarded as hardy. As with other drop-eared hounds, regular ear checks are sensible. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 4 - Exercise needs: 4 - Grooming: 3 - Shedding: 2 - Trainability: 2 - Barking: 4 - Good with children: 3 - Good with other dogs: 4 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/griffon-nivernais Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffon_Nivernais · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38409 Photo: Alephalpha (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Griffon_nivernais.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.