The Griffon du Nivernais is a breed of dog originating in France, bred for hunting wild boar. It is characterized by its rustic and matted appearance, with a fawn-colored coat and darker tips. This dog is noted for its endurance in work rather than its speed. It is also known for its tenacity, courage and a certain independence.
General details
The Griffon du Nivernais is a medium-sized dog breed with a robust constitution. Males reach a height of between 55 and 62 centimeters, while females usually measure between 53 and 60 centimeters. They generally weigh between 21 and 23 kilograms, and their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years. This breed is classified in Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes hounds, scent hounds and similar breeds.
Breed history in brief
The Griffon du Nivernais is a breed of dog originating in France, historically used to hunt wolves and wild boar. It is believed to be descended from dogs used by the Gauls and gray dogs brought from the East by St. Louis in the 11th century. Although it suffered a decline in popularity during certain historical periods, the breed was recreated and improved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through crosses with other breeds such as the Vendean, Fox-hound and later the Otterhound. The Griffon du Nivernais Club was founded in 1925 and in 1995 it was recognized by the United Kennel Club. To this day, the breed continues to be appreciated for its ability to hunt wild boar.
Breed characteristics
The Griffon du Nivernais is a dog of rustic appearance and robust constitution, with slender limbs and muscles. It has a slender and slightly elongated head, with a muzzle of similar length to the almost flattened skull. Its eyebrows are prominent and it has dark eyes with a penetrating gaze. The ears are pendulous, thin and slightly elongated, with dense fur. At rest, its tail hangs below the horizontal line, but rises in a sabre shape when in action. Its coat is long, matted, harsh and rough, with a distinctive coloration: the tips of the hair are darker than the base, which is tawny but not orange. There may also be white hairs scattered throughout the coat, providing shades ranging from light to dark gray. The Griffon du Nivernais is a dog with an exceptional sense of smell, chosen for hunting in difficult terrain. It is brave but not reckless, and although it can be trained easily, it sometimes shows stubbornness and independence, so it needs an early education in obedience.
Common health problems
No specific diseases have been reported associated with the Nivernais Griffon breed, suggesting that it is generally a healthy and hardy breed.
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