Griffon Nivernais vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison

Griffon Nivernais vs Chiweenie - Breed ComparisonChiweenie is originated from United States but Griffon Nivernais is originated from France. Chiweenie may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than Griffon Nivernais. Chiweenie may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Griffon Nivernais. Both Chiweenie and Griffon Nivernais has almost same life span. Both Chiweenie and Griffon Nivernais has same litter size. Chiweenie requires High Maintenance. But Griffon Nivernais requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
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United States
France
Height Male:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
13 - 33 cm
5 - 13 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 11 kg
8 - 25 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
1 - 6
Size:
Toy
Medium
Other Names:
Chiwee and Mexican Hotdog,, Chiweeni or Chiweeny
Chien Gris de St. Louis, Grey Dogs of St. Louis
Colors Available:
Black, black and tan , brown
Grey and fawn, black and fawn
Coat:
Medium, short, silky
Long, shaggy, coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chiweenieThe Chiweenie is a small dog developed in the 1960’s as a hybrid/cross between the Dachshund and the Chihuahua. Due to their small size and big personalities, they are an extremely popular designer breed. They are easy to care for and their personality and activity level is much like the Chihuahua side of the hybrid. The Chiweenie can look like either of its parents if it is first generation. If it is second or third generation it is likely to resemble the parents more as they already look like one of the two breeds. The second and third generations will look like the mix more than either of the originators.

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and they originated in Mexico. The Daschund is a hunting dog from Germany with a long body and short legs. The Chiweenie is a nice looking cross breed that loves people and is very affectionate. They were developed in the United States.

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

chiweenie puppy - descriptionA first-generation Chiweenie can look like either of the breeds they are crossed with. However, the second and third generations will have the hybrid look for the most part. No two will look exactly alike however. They have a thin snout that is long on a small, domed head. They can have floppy or pointed ears, eyes that are large and expressive, a moderate tail and small feet. They can vary substantially in their appearances.

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

chiweenie dog - characteristicsThis is an extremely popular hybrid or designer dog because they are so friendly, gentle, loving lapdogs. In addition, they love to play and cuddle. They are great for single or older people. If they live with a family it should be with older kids because younger kids might hurt them. Be careful how rough you play. They are small and can be hurt easily.

The Chiweenie is dedicated to their people and extremely loyal. They are also very cautious and can be nervous. They are always watching what else is happening in their environment and they will bark to alert you if they think there is something or someone out of place. They are not quiet dogs. They are great with other small dogs that they are raised with or used to but not with larger dogs, cats or other animals. They are jealous and protective. Train them out of or to avoid resource guarding. They can be stubborn about these things.

They will play constantly if you let them and they are great travel companions, although noises and activity around them does often annoy them. They are also courageous, clever, lovable and happy. Like most toy or small dog breeds you might have a difficult time housebreaking them and crate training is recommended.

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

chiweenie puppies - health problemsChiweenies are a pretty healthy crossbreed with their most prominent issue being allergies. At the same time this hybrid might inherit any of the problems of either of their two parental breeds. These conditions might include:

Hypothyroidism

This is an issue with an overactive thyroid and can be controlled by medication.

  • Dental Issues
  • Hydrocephalus

The tendency for this would come from the Chihuahua parental genes and can result in brain damage but normally is not that bad.

Degenerative Disc Disease

The tendency for this would come from the Dachshund parental genes and if your Chiweenie has a long back you will need to be careful of jump and overzealous playing.

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

Feeding

chiweenie dogs - caringChiweenies regulate their own food intake, even as puppies. They should be fed twice a day and they are prone to dental issues. Dry food is absolutely recommended.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above, the Chiweenie might inherit the issues that affect small dogs most often. This includes:

  • Diabetes
  • Some may become insulin dependent.
  • Seizures
  • There is medication to help control these if they occur. Hypoglycemia can cause these.
  • Hypoglycemia

A sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This can happen if the dog has diabetes and it is unregulated or stress and poor nutrition can also cause it.

  • And Luxating Patellas
  • Floating kneecaps can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Ear infections are common.

Exercise and games

These are little dogs with a lot of energy and they burn up a lot of energy. They need to walk every day or have a full-blown play session in the house. They don’t need much space to play in.

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. Griffon Nivernais vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Griffon Nivernais vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Griffon Nivernais vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Griffon Nivernais vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Griffon Nivernais vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Griffon Nivernais vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Griffon Nivernais vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  13. Griffon Nivernais vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
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  26. Chiweenie vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chiweenie vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Chiweenie vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Chiweenie vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Chiweenie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Chiweenie vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Chiweenie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Chiweenie vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Chiweenie vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Chiweenie vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Chiweenie vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Chiweenie vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Chiweenie vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Chiweenie vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Chiweenie vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chiweenie vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chiweenie vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chiweenie vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chiweenie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chiweenie vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Chiweenie vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Chiweenie vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Chiweenie vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Chiweenie vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Chiweenie vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison