Griffon Nivernais

Rooted in the Nivernais and Morvan regions of France, the Griffon Nivernais is a rough-coated scenthound associated with old French pack-hunting traditions. The modern breed was revived from surviving griffon-type hounds and selected for a rugged, somewhat tousled appearance. Its wiry coat is often grizzle, wolf-gray, or fawn with dark overlay, and the dog carries long ears, a lean frame, and a determined expression suited to boar hunting.

A Griffon Nivernais usually fits best with hunters or handlers who appreciate a loud, independent hound. It needs regular conditioning, space to use its nose, and fencing that accounts for a dog willing to pursue scent through difficult cover. Grooming is practical rather than fancy: brushing, removal of debris, and ear care after field work. Because the breed is uncommon outside its homeland, careful selection means asking about hunting style, steadiness with other dogs, health history, and whether the line has been bred for real work.

Colors: Albino, Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Grey, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Leucistic, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Melanistic, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow