Breed History:

The Griffon Nivernais is a rustic French scent hound with a deep-rooted hunting legacy tracing back to the 13th century. It descends from the Chien Gris de Saint-Louis, a tall, wiry-coated hound used by French nobility for hunting wild boar and wolves. The original type was eventually lost, but in the early 20th century, breeders in the Nivernais region of central France began reconstructing the breed using Grand Griffon Vendéen, Otterhound, and Foxhounds, aiming to recreate the medieval look and function of the original dogs.

The modern Griffon Nivernais was stabilised in the 1920s and is still used today for boar and deer hunting. Although rare outside of France, it is appreciated for its grit, vocal presence, and rough, wolf-like appearance.

Height: 55-60 cm

Weight: 23-27 kg

Size: Medium to Large

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Griffon Nivernais is a medium-to-large, rough-coated hound with a lean, athletic build and a distinctly unrefined, wolfish appearance. Its skull is long and narrow, with bushy eyebrows, a mustache, and beard giving it an expressive and rustic look. Ears are long, drooping and fringed, adding to its houndy profile.

The coat is coarse, dry, and tousled, about 5–6 cm long, usually in a dark grizzled mix of black, gray, and fawn, often with a hint of black overlay or saddle, and tan highlights on limbs and eyebrows. This coloring contributes to its unique, wild look.

Breed Type – Scent Hound:

Primarily a driven and determined scent hound, the Griffon Nivernais is built for endurance tracking of large game. It has a deep, musical voice, a persistent nose, and a bold temperament in the field. Though best in rural hunts, it has found a niche as a loyal companion in active homes.

The breed’s pack-friendly nature and hardiness make it reliable on long hunts in difficult terrain.

Training:

While intelligent, the Griffon Nivernais is independent and scent-driven:

• Requires early obedience training and socialization

• Works best with positive reinforcement—harsh methods are counterproductive

• Recall can be difficult, especially when following scent

• Needs consistent leadership and mental engagement

• May respond well to mantrailing, nose work, or search games

Training requires patience and an understanding of hound instincts.

Health & Care:

Generally robust and healthy, but owners should watch for:

• Ear infections (due to droopy ears and outdoor activity)

• Hip dysplasia (moderate incidence)

• Bloat (gastric torsion) in rare cases

• Minor skin issues from underbrush exposure

Routine veterinary care, grooming, and joint support are recommended for long-term health.

Living Conditions:

Ideal for rural or semi-rural homes:

• Needs space to roam or a secure yard

• Not suitable for apartment life or urban settings

• May get along with other dogs, especially in a pack structure

• Bonds closely with its family but remains somewhat aloof with strangers

• Should not be left alone or unstimulated for long periods

Thrives in homes where it can have a job or regular field time.

Exercise:

A high-endurance working breed:

• Needs 1.5–2 hours of daily exercise

• Prefers long hikes, forest walks, or large outdoor spaces

• Enjoys scent work, hiking, or tracking activities

• Will become restless, noisy, or destructive without enough activity

This is not a couch dog—it thrives when physically and mentally engaged.

Grooming:

Moderate grooming needs:

• Brush 2–3 times per week to remove debris and prevent matting

• Hand-stripping or light trimming helps maintain coat health (if needed)

• Clean ears regularly to prevent infections

• Maintain dental hygiene and nail trims

Sheds moderately and may track in dirt due to coat texture.

Advantages:

• Tough, tenacious scent hound with a rich heritage

• Rustic, unique wolf-like appearance

• Loyal to family, calm indoors when exercised

• Excellent nose and working ability

• Generally hardy and long-lived

• Well-suited for experienced handlers or rural life

Disadvantages:

• High energy—needs significant exercise and engagement

• Independent—may ignore commands when on a scent

• Not ideal for small homes, novice owners, or urban settings

• Needs regular grooming and ear care

• May be vocal and prone to howling if under-stimulated

• Rare outside France—hard to find from reputable breeders