Courageous and self-reliant, with a strong will of its own. It learns its hunting job easily but benefits from early, steady obedience training.123
how to spot oneGriffon Nivernais coat and colours
long, shaggy, rough
A lean but strong hound, slightly longer than tall and built for stamina. The coat is long, harsh and tousled, with bristly brows, a light moustache and hairy ears, giving a thoughtful, rather wistful face.12
Colourswolf greyblue greywild-boar grey (grizzle)fawn darkened with black hairstan markings on head and legs12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Griffon Nivernais. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksGriffon Nivernais exercise needs
Bred for long days after wild boar in difficult country, so it needs a lot of exercise and outlets for scenting.12
who they like aroundGriffon Nivernais with people and other pets
Traditionally hunts in small packs, so it is used to working alongside other dogs.21
the hands-on bitsGriffon Nivernais grooming and care
The shaggy, weatherproof coat needs regular brushing to stay neat; check ears and beard after walks.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Griffon Nivernais, and at what times?
Feed your adult Griffon Nivernais at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to set times each day, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Griffon Nivernais eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give human foods like these, and always consult your vet for a complete list.5
How often should I bathe a Griffon Nivernais?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their weatherproof coat.6Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Griffon Nivernais need brushing?
Brush your Griffon Nivernais weekly to keep their shaggy coat neat and free of tangles. Their long, harsh coat benefits from regular brushing, and Pet Wiki's plan recommends a weekly session.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Griffon Nivernais's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Griffon Nivernais need?
This breed needs a lot of daily exercise, as they were bred for long hunts. Plan for at least an hour of vigorous activity each day, including walks, runs, and scent games. A tired Griffon is a happy Griffon.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Griffon Nivernais's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth at least every other day, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.6Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Griffon Nivernais live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations. With proper care, many dogs live into their early teens. Regular vet checkups help ensure a long, healthy life.
Is a Griffon Nivernais good with children and other pets?
This breed is courageous and self-reliant, and traditionally hunts in packs, so they can get along with other dogs. Their suitability with children depends on training and socialization; early, steady obedience training is recommended. Always supervise interactions.123
Can a Griffon Nivernais be left alone?
This breed has a strong will and needs plenty of exercise and companionship. They may not do well left alone for long periods, as they can become bored or destructive. Provide mental stimulation and consider a dog walker if you're away.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Griffon Nivernais costs
Running costs for a Griffon Nivernais, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Griffon Nivernais legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Griffon Nivernais in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It was once called the Griffon-Vendéen-Nivernais.2
2
Admirers have called it a wild boar hunter without equal.2
3
Tan markings are bold in puppies and tend to fade as the dog grows up.2
4
Its rebuilders modelled it on the old Celtic hound type known as Canes Segusii.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the Nivernais region in central France, where it originated. It was originally known as the Griffon-Vendéen-Nivernais.2
I wake up to the smell of pine and damp earth. My human stretches, and I give a deep, happy bark that echoes through the hills. We set off into the woods, my beard brushing the undergrowth. I find a fascinating scent, a wild boar passed here hours ago. I follow it, my nose low, my tail steady. My human calls me, and I come, but slowly, because I'm a thinker. We walk side by side, and I show them a hidden stream. At the end of the day, I curl up by the fire, my coat smelling of moss. My human says I'm a good boy. I agree.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganGriffon Nivernais history
Shaggy hounds kept by farmers and nobles in central France hunted wolf and boar for centuries, but the old type seemed to disappear during the French Revolution. About a century later it was recreated from dogs preserved in the Nivernais, with Griffon Vendéen, Foxhound and Otterhound blood added in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the breed club was founded in 1925.132
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
Grand Griffon Vendéen
Otterhound