How to Identify a Griffon Nivernais

Author Info

Last Updated: July 26, 2021

The Griffon Nivernais was initially used by shepherds and farmers for wild boar and wolf control. They were bred for multiple centuries in the Central France Highlands and, originally, they were referred to as the "Griffon-Vendeen-Nivernais".^{[1]
X
Research source} While there are some characteristics that they have in common with other dog breeds, they also have a few characteristics that are unique to them. This wikiHow will make note of what those are, and help you figure out whether a dog is a Griffon Nivernais.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

Griffon Nivernais are typically anywhere from 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) tall, and they usually weigh somewhere between 50 to 55 pounds (23 to 25 kg).^{[2]
X
Research source}
The Griffon Nivernais should have a head that is light, clean and relatively long, though not small.^{[3]
X
Research source}
The Griffon Nivernais should have fine, supple ears that hang and are attached at eye level. At the end of the dog's ears, you should notice a little turn inward.^{[4]
X
Research source}
The Griffon Nivernais should ideally have dark-colored eyes, though they may also be light in color. You should also notice tight eyelids that are pigmented well.^{[5]
X
Research source}
Griffon Nivernais should have a relatively high-set tail that isn't excessively long. The dog should carry it in a similar manner to a saber, and you may notice that it is bent moderately forward over their back.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Overall, Griffon Nivernais should appear rustic, dry muscled and robust, with an easy, supple gait.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Coat

1
Analyze the dog's coat color. Griffon Nivernais ideally should be a color such as blue gray, wolf gray, or wild boar gray (gray grizzle), along with tan coloring on their legs and head, and fawn mixed in with black and white-colored hairs, which creates a dark-looking coat. There are frequently also tan-colored points marking the dog's coat which is more noticeable in dogs that are younger and should decrease as the dog gets more mature. Black-colored spots should also be noticed on the dog's body.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- The dog's coat should not be orange, black (despite black spots), wheaten or tri-colored, and they should also not have feet that are white in color.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
The Griffon Nivernais should have a coat that feels rough in texture.^{[10]
X
Research source}
Overall, the Griffon Nivernais should have a bushy, shaggy coat that is long. The dog should also have eyebrows that are marked well with hair, as well as hairy ears and a little mustache on their muzzle.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

Griffon Nivernais are known to be courageous, confident dogs who do not get intimidated when they are doing work.^{[12]
X
Research source}
Because this breed historically worked in packs, Griffon Nivernais are known to be able to tolerate other dogs well. However, they generally do not do well with other small animals.^{[13]
X
Research source}
Although they were originally working dogs, Griffon Nivernais are known to be friendly.^{[14]
X
Research source}
The Griffon Nivernais needs frequent exercise, and they tend to do best in a rural environment, with ample time outside. Failure to provide them with enough exercise may result in them becoming destructive and barking a lot.^{[15]
X
Research source}
While they usually can learn how to trail and scent well, Griffon Nivernais may not do well with obedience or agility training, since they can be independent and frequently follow only the commands they want to. For this reason, clear, firm and consistent training is essential for this dog breed.^{[16]
X
Research source}
The Griffon Nivernais typically does well as part of a family, and is devoted to them. However, it is important to be cautious when the dog is around young children, and they will need exposure to people of all ages starting from an early age so they will be more likely to accept them.^{[17]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Consider dog DNA testing if you're wondering about your dog's breed. DNA testing can help confirm whether your dog is a Griffon Nivernais.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0