ETYM French.
1. Breed of medium-sized long-headed dogs with downy undercoat and harsh wiry outer coat; originated in Holland but largely developed in France; SYN. wire-haired pointing griffon.
2. Breed of various very small compact wiry-coated dogs of Belgian origin having a short bearded muzzle; SYN. Brussels griffon, Belgian griffon.
Small breed of dog originating in Belgium. Red, black, or black and tan in color and weighing up to 5 kg/11 lb, griffons are square-bodied and round-headed. There are rough-and smooth-coated varieties.
The name is also applied to several larger breeds of hunting dogs with rough coats, including two bred in northern France to pursue wild boar.