Template:Short description Template:Infobox dog breed 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.<ref>"Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon Korthals" FCI-Standard N° 107, 3 March 2010];</ref> The hounds, Canis Segusius, used by the Gauls were griffons.<ref>"Griffon Nivernais" FCI-Standard N° 17, 2 April 2004 Template:Webarchive;</ref> 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.<ref>"Griffon Bruxellois, Griffon Belge, Petit Brabançon" FCI-Standards N° 80, 81 & 82, 5 May 2003;</ref><ref>van Lennep, John H. (1862) "Smousje" in Thomas, William John, et al. (eds.) (1862) Notes and Queries Bell & Daldy, 3rd Series, v. 1, p. 239;</ref>

Griffon breedsEdit

ScenthoundsEdit

Scenthounds (FCI Group 6, Section 1)

PointersEdit

Pointers (FCI Group 7, Section 1)

Companion/Toy DogsEdit

Small Belgian Companion Dogs, "Smousje" (FCI Group 9, Section 3)

See alsoEdit

NotesEdit

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External linksEdit

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