Let's talk Basset Fauve de Bretagne Dogs
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne dates back to the 16th century and counts the Fawn Hound of Brittany, now sadly extinct, as an ancestor. This is a small to medium-sized dog, who won’t feel cooped up in an apartment. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne does have plenty of energy however, which they like to burn off by running around outside. Indoors, they are a devoted companion who will protect their family at all costs while being equally content to curl up close to you.Official name: Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Other names: Fawn Brittany Basset
Origins: France
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? | |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | Moderate | Family pet? * |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone? * | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
32 - 38 cm
Height
12 - 16 kg
Weight
Female
32 - 38 cm
Height
12 - 16 kg
Weight
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Get to know the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
All you need to know about the breed
Those floppy ears are just the start to the adorable Basset Fauve de Bretagne. This is a breed that tends to shine in whatever they do. Whether that’s being an affectionate family dog or a courageous sporting hound, the Basset Fauve knows how to put their skills and personality to great use.
With origins that can be traced back to 16th century France, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne of today is completely devoted to their humans and a cheerful presence to have around. Highly adaptable, the breed gets on well with other furry animals, as well as children once trained—but none of these are a necessity to lead a full life. You will be more than enough for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
This is a dog initially bred for hunting, which means that the breed is fairly active and likes nothing better than being outside to explore. Daily exercise for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne should consist of one to two walks – always on a leash, because of their excellent nose – as well as play sessions with a ball or learning new tricks. Mental and physical stimulation, please.
The only trouble you may run into with the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is their strong-willed nature. However, consistent training should set everything straight. Other than that, this is a smart dog that likes humans—a lot. For the time being, they remain rare outside of France but are becoming more popular over time. Watch this space.
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2 facts about Basset Fauve de Bretagne Dogs
1. Un, deux, trois
The breed is one of three hound dogs to originate from Brittany. The Grand Fauve de Bretagne was the first and largest dog, which is now extinct. The second is the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, still alive and larger than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. But those adorable droopy ears give away the ‘family’ resemblance.
2. Walk this way
Their hunting ancestry means that it is necessary to keep your Basset Fauve de Bretagne on a leash when out and about. Once they catch a scent, there is no stopping them. If you have a garden, make sure there is a fence for the exact same reason.
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History of the breed
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne can be traced back to 16th century France. King Francis I would go out sporting with his pack of Grand Fauve de Bretagne dogs, the now-extinct canine ancestor of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
Only the rich were allowed to own hound dogs, until 1789 when the fallout of the French Revolution did away with such privileges. It is believed that the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has smaller physical characteristics than their ancestors because land-workers couldn’t afford to own horses—they required a shorter-legged hunting dog that they could better keep up with.
Like many canine breeds, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne faced extinction in the aftermath of World War II. But, there’s a plot twist. Thanks to the efforts of a determined French breeder called Mr. Marcel Paumbrun, the Basset Fauve survived, with some help from the Vendée Basset and the Dachshund.
Since the 1970s, the breed has been popular in its home country, as both a family dog and hunting hound. Outside of France, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is less well-known but their popularity appears to be on the rise, especially stateside.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Basset Fauve de Bretagne Dogs
1. Ears
Ears face inwards with a gently pointed tip.
2. Eyes
Dark brown eyes with an alert expression.
3. Body
Small, sturdy body with rounded ribs and a broad chest.
4. Coat
Coat is short, wiry to the touch, never curly.
5. Tail
Medium-length tail that tapers at the tip.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Basset Fauve de Bretagne
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Caring for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Grooming, training and exercise tips
A weekly brush will suffice when it comes to grooming your Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Their coarse coat is resistant to matting and does not really attract dirt. Teeth should be brushed on a daily basis, and nails can be trimmed once or twice per month.
Exercise-wise, the playful Basset Fauve de Bretagne requires at least an hour a day, ideally split into two outings. A play session or two will keep them extra content and in excellent shape.
Training is usually a walk in the park, as Basset Fauve de Bretagne dogs are intelligent. They enjoy learning new tricks, playing hide-and-seek, as well as agility and obedience exercises. As a Hound dog, they can pick up any scent so will benefit from training to control this skill. Like all dogs, early socialisation is also recommended for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
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All about Basset Fauve de Bretagne Dogs
This is a generally sturdy breed with a healthy constitution, so the average lifespan of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is between 12 to 15 years. This gives you plenty of time to make great memories as a family, and go on many adventures together. In between snuggles on the sofa.
For a few hours, your Basset Fauve de Bretagne will find non-destructive ways to stay busy. But they much prefer to have their humans around, so if left alone for extended periods of time, they will become unsettled, which could lead to stress relief exercises, such as slipper-eating.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/