Griffon Nivernais vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Griffon Nivernais vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBoykin Spaniel is originated from United States but Griffon Nivernais is originated from France. Boykin Spaniel may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Griffon Nivernais. Boykin Spaniel may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Griffon Nivernais. Both Boykin Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais has almost same life span. Both Boykin Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais has almost same litter size. Both Boykin Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
undefined
United States
France
Height Male:
39 - 46 cm
15 - 19 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
36 - 44 cm
14 - 18 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
1 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Swamp Poodle, Little Brown Dog
Chien Gris de St. Louis, Grey Dogs of St. Louis
Colors Available:
Chocolate Brown, Liver
Grey and fawn, black and fawn
Coat:
Medium length, wavy or curly
Long, shaggy, coarse
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

boykin spanielThe Boykin Spaniel was originally bred by South Carolina hunters as the perfect dog for hunting wild bird during the early 1900s. Alexander White of Spartanburg found a short, well built dog and named him Dumpy. The dog was given to a certain L. Whitaker Boykin and a similar dog in looks was found and mated with Dumpy on Boykin’s Pine Grove plantation. Whitaker Boykin was particularly looking for a special kind of hunting dog breed that could wade into swamplands and into water.

Boykin’s spaniels were popular in South Carolina before World War II and later, in 1977, the Boykin Spaniel Society was founded to ensure the breeding standards of the dog. In 1985, the Boykin Spaniel was declared the state dog of South Carolina and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.

griffon nivernaisThe Griffon Nivernais is a working breed dog originating in France and used as a hunting dog because of his exceptional scent skills and his alertness with hunting.

The idea was to develop a dog that looked much like the hunting dogs of the Middle Ages. French noblemen kept these dogs but the breed disappeared somewhat after the French Revolution, being restored again in 1925.

The restoration of the breed was done based on the Grand Griffon Vendeen but other breeds were also used such as the Otter- and Foxhounds. The breed has yet to receive official recognition by the AKC but it is recognized by both the FCI and the UKC.

Description

The Boykin’s Looks:

boykin spaniel puppy - descriptionYou can’t miss the medium-sized Boykin Spaniel with his magnificent coat in different shades of brown. When he gleams in the sun he looks like chocolate. This type of Spaniel is a bit bigger than the English Cocker Spaniel, but he is heavier, weighing between 13 to 18kg. He has large, floppy feathery ears and the tail has always been docked to give him that distinct look, but now with rules and regulations, the tail is often left so that it is long and feathery. The height of this dog at the withers is 39 to 43cm.

The length of the dog’s coat varies somewhat because of the different breeds from the past. Essentially the coat is medium length and wavy to curly with light feathering around the legs, ears, chest and stomach.

Temperament:

The Boykin Spaniel is social and he makes an excellent family pet. He is good around children and other dogs, and with training and socialization he becomes even more amicable and obedient.

griffon nivernais puppy - descriptionAs a medium sized dog, the Griffon Nivernais stands at 55 to 62cm in height and weighs between about 22 and 25kg.

He is recognized easily by his distinctive rough or shaggy coat which is a grey with fawn around the muzzle and legs. Other colors can be black and fawn. Sometimes this blend of colors gives him a grizzled look in appearance.

He is also noted for the hairy eyebrows, a beard and mustache. He has dark brown eyes, black nose, long floppy ears and a tail that is held upright and with a slight curve. He is a muscular dog with a deep chest and a slight arch in the back.

Temperament:

Stubborn, courageous and independent, the Griffon Nivernais is a hunting dog with amazing scenting abilities. He is a dog used to working in a pack with other dogs so he tolerates other dogs well. He is a friendly dog, getting on well with children as well.

Characteristics

boykin spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Boykin Spaniel is a diverse breed. The characteristics of the dog aren’t set in stone. He is a hunting dogs with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He is an intelligent breed and responds well to training and is obedient to your commands. He is all about fun and excitement and he is guaranteed to make a splendid companion.

Active and social, he is going to need input from his owners in terms of exercise and mental stimulation. He isn’t a dog to just ignore and in exchange for love and care, he is going to be a loving, loyal and fun companion for you.

griffon nivernais dog - characteristicsYour Griffon Nivernais is a sociable, stubborn, independent dog who loves to be around his human family members.

Socialization and training will do him good and round him off, making him obedient and responsive to your commands. He isn't an aggressive dog, but is even tempered and confident.

Exercise him well, feed him quality food, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep, just like any other family member of yours, and you'll be rewarded with the companionship of a faithful, loving friend.

Health Problems

boykin spaniel puppies - health problemsThe Boykin Spaniel is a healthy breed with a life span of 14 to 16 years. There are some diseases that you want to be aware of with your Boykin Spaniel.

Hip Dysplasia:

Always be aware of Hip Dysplasia as it can reduce your pet’s quality of life.. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the hip joint doesn’t to develop properly and deterioration sets in and your pet can lose function of the joint. You’ll notice your pet battling to stand up after lying down. The frightening this is that some dogs begin to show signs of hip dysplasia as early as 4 months of age.

Most Common Health Problems:

The Boykin Spaniel’s most common health problems apart from hip dysplasia are patellar luxation and juvenile cataracts.

griffon nivernais puppies - health problemsThe typical lifespan for your Griffon Nivernais is 10 to 14 years. Even though you're highly unlikely to spend much time with him at the vet, there are one or two common dog illnesses worth knowing about -

Ear Infections:

It is the fate of many dogs with floppy ears that they are prone to developing ear infections. You may notice him shaking his head canine, his ears may be red and there could even be a discharge.Get him to the vet as ear infections can be promptly treated with a course of medication.

Immunizations:

Remember to have your Griffon Nivernais puppy vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. Puppies are vulnerable to horrible diseases which can sap the very life from them. These diseases are distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus as well as rabies. The puppy’s first vaccinations should be at 6 weeks of age followed by a second vaccination 2 to 4 weeks later.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

boykin spaniel dogs - caringThe Boykin Spaniel has been a gun dog and because he is energetic, he will need plenty of exercise and activities. Take him for walks or allow him to swim in the farm dam if you live in the country. He isn’t a dog to leave on his own in your backyard as he needs exercise as well as mental stimulation to keep him from becoming frustrated and developing destructive habits.

Grooming:

The Boykin’s hair will need to be brushed as least twice a week to prevent it from matting, particularly if he is a country-living dog, in and out of water and running through long grass. He is not a heavy shedder but his shedding is seasonal. As a long eared dog, he will need to have his ears checked to prevent infection.

Other grooming habits to get used to with your Boykin Spaniel are having his nails trimmed and brushing his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

Boykin Spaniel owners who know the breed well say that there is nothing better than feeding your dog raw meat with vegetables and rice. Of course, not everyone can afford to feed their pets raw meat every day, and that’s alright. Just make sure that every now and then you include raw meat into your pet’s diet.

The very best commercially produced dog foods can also be good for your pet. If in doubt, speak to your veterinarian about the best food for your active, energetic pet. Never, ever deprive your pet of fresh, cool water throughout the day and night.

Exercise:

griffon nivernais dogs - caringThis breed needs to be walked daily, and he needs a large space to run and play. Take him on walks, to the park, or give him a good game with ropes and balls.

Grooming:

In spite of his long, shaggy coat, the Griffon Nevernais doesn't need any special grooming and his shaggy coat will require brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. When you brush him, you can also check for fleas and ticks.You get special flea combs for this. You can speak to your vet about recommendations too.

Because his coat is of a harsh texture it doesn't tangle or matt. Bathing will only be necessary when he becomes super dirty as too much bathing removes natural oils. He will need to have his nails trimmed if they don't wear down naturally, and he will also need to have his ears cleaned to keep them free of wax and dirt and to prevent ear infections.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week will also help towards preventing dental disease.

Diet:

He is a high energy dog so he will need to get top quality food. You can feed him the best commercially manufactured food but its to his advantage to include some home-made food too such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. He'll also need some raw meat from time to time and a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Boykin Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Boykin Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Boykin Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Boykin Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Boykin Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Boykin Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Boykin Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Boykin Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Boykin Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Boykin Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Boykin Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Boykin Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Boykin Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Boykin Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Boykin Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Boykin Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Boykin Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Boykin Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Boykin Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Boykin Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Boykin Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Boykin Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Boykin Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Boykin Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Boykin Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Griffon Nivernais vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Griffon Nivernais vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Griffon Nivernais vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Griffon Nivernais vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Griffon Nivernais vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Griffon Nivernais vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Griffon Nivernais vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Griffon Nivernais vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Griffon Nivernais vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Nivernais vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Griffon Nivernais vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Griffon Nivernais vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Nivernais vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Griffon Nivernais vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Griffon Nivernais vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Griffon Nivernais vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Nivernais vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Griffon Nivernais vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Griffon Nivernais vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Griffon Nivernais vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Griffon Nivernais vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Griffon Nivernais vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison