If you like dogs who have minds of their own but are also friendly and loyal, get to know the Griffon Nivernais temperament.
This breed is not for the first-time dog owner. But if you’re not daunted by the training challenge, he could be just the breed for your family.
Table of Contents
Griffon Nivernais Temperament
1. Intelligent
The Griffon Nivernais is a very smart breed. He is easy to train, quick to learn, but he can be stubborn at times.
2. Independent
The Griffon Nivernais temperament can be willful. This independent streak can make obedience training challenging.
It’s very important that this breed gets early and firm obedience training because of its independent nature.
If they’re trained properly, these dogs make obedient and devoted family pets.
3. Dominant
The Griffon Nivernais temperament tends to be dominant. He needs a strong leader and early socialization.
If he doesn’t get this, he is likely to develop unwanted behaviors. He will always believe that he should be in charge, and he will be hard to manage.
For this reason, he is not a good choice for an inexperienced dog owner.
4. Devoted
The Griffon Nivernais temperament is very loyal to its owner and its family. With the right training, he’s a great family dog.
5. Mischievous
This mischievousness can be playful and charming, or it can be destructive. The key is to see that he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation.
6. Affectionate
The Griffon Nivernais loves to give and receive affection. Most love to cuddle.
7. Adaptable
The Griffon Nivernais temperament is well suited to life as a hunter and a family dog. He is content to go from a day of hunting to relaxing at home.
However, he is not as adaptable when it comes to weather. He doesn’t do well in the heat, so he needs to live in a cooler climate.
8. Lively
The Griffon Nivernais is spirited and energetic but not hyperactive.
9. Friendly
He appears a little reserved, even aloof. However, the Griffon Nivernais temperament is actually very friendly, even to strangers.
10. Noisy
This guy is a barker, especially if left alone and bored for too long. He has a “melodious” bay, but not everyone will appreciate it.
11. Pack Hunter
Because of his pack-hunting history, the Griffon Nivernais temperament is usually friendly toward other dogs. He would be very happy in a home with other dogs, but it’s not necessary.
12. Brave
The Griffon Nivernais is traditionally a wolf and boar hunter and guardian of livestock. He is fearless and confident when facing a threat.
13. High Prey Drive
As a hunting dog, he has a high prey drive. He will generally do okay with cats if he grew up with them. However, he is not trustworthy around other small animals.
14. Hardy
The Griffon Nivernais is a robust breed. He has great endurance and good speed over rough terrain. His rough coat protects him from the dense brush.
Griffon Nivernais History
The Griffon Nivernais is a scenthound from France. His origin can be traced back to the 13th century in central France.
His lineage isn’t well known, though. Theories are that he could have descended from Balkan dogs, from the Bulgarian Barak, or from the Gallic Hound, an ancient dog that the Romans brought to France.
The Griffon Nivernais was a popular breed with both French nobility and farmers. He was once called the Chien Gris de St. Louis (in English, the Grey Dog of St. Louis) because King Louis IX is believed to have owned them.
Originally, farmers and shepherds used the Griffon Nivernais to guard livestock and property against wolves and boars. Later he was also used as a hunting dog for