| Griffon | |
| Coat: | Rough, wire-haired |
| Color: | --> |
| Notrecognized: | --> |
Griffon is a type of dog, a collection of breeds that were originally hunting dogs. There are three lines of the griffon type recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): the Griffon Vendéens, the wirehaired pointers, and the smousje (Belgian companion dogs or Dutch Smoushond). The griffon type is characterized by rough- or wire-hair.
The griffon is mentioned as early as Xenophon.[1] The hounds, Canis Segusius, used by the Gauls were griffons.[2] Among the oldest breeds are the Italian Wirehaired Pointing Dog or Spinone Italiano (FCI #165) and the breeds bred by Eduard Karel Korthals originating in the Low Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, northern France) which have a short, bearded muzzle. The smousje, a small dog mentioned since the Middle Ages in the Low Countries known for its firm, even temperament and rough coat, was the initial breeding stock for the Brussels Griffon.[3] [4]
Scenthounds (FCI Group 6, Section 1)
Pointers (FCI Group 7, Section 1)
Small Belgian Companion Dogs, "Smousje" (FCI Group 9, Section 3)