From the side view it looks like it could be a griffin or something. It doesnb’t look like a dragon, though there is a scaly pattern on the side. I’m pretty sure this critter was seen on some 19th C. European violins. What is it?
Walden!! How ya doin’ stranger??
I’d say it’s a lion’s head. Not sure what to make of the scales on the neck – maybe it could be a particular kind of dragon.
Cheers, Charlie
The obvious answer is “Excellent Special Animal”.
Fine and dandy.
That was my original thought.
Yes indeedy!
The Chinese have been breeding special decorative lions for 1000 years.
http://arts.cultural-china.com/en/31A2138A7378.html
They are difficult to breed as they only eat dragon-flavoured catfood.
Can’t you read? It’s an Anmial!
Actually it looks like a sea-beast with the head of a lion to me, in a sort of composite Irish/Norse style.
Long time no see, Aaron!
I’d go with a poisson-lyon an old architectural decorative feature. I caught one a few weeks ago, we call 'em catfish 'round here.
3rd pic down: Are fiddle necks supposed to be crooked like that?
I dunno, but it’s got Donald Trump’s hair.
Edited: Which might also be why it’s crooked, come to think of it.
It looks a wee bit like a Chinese Dog actually… 
I’ll vote for dragon. This one was listed as such,
and it’s somewhat similar.
From the nose, that is clearly a caucasian dragon.
That looks more like a kirin to me.
It’s a Scandinavian sub-species of a chupacabra! 
With best regards.
Pfreddee(Stephen)