Basset Fauve de Bretagne

What Does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne Look Like?

With a shoulder height of 32 to 38 centimetres and a weight of 14 to 18 kilograms, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne belongs to the medium-sized dog breeds.

Its short legs give it a somewhat stocky appearance overall, but it has a strong build. The body of this small hunting dog is very muscular, with a back that is relatively short and broad for a Basset.

Coat Colour and Texture

The fairly short coat of the compact French hound is rough, hard and exceptionally dense. Woolly or curly hair is undesirable. The typical coat colour is fawn, in French “fauve”.

However, this can appear in various shades: from wheaten to deer brown to brick red. A few black hairs on the back and a small white patch on the chest are not preferred but are tolerated.

Rhythmically Swinging Tail

This little Breton has dark brown eyes with a lively expression and drop ears tapering to a point.

Its sickle-shaped, medium-length tail is carried by the hunting dog in motion above the back line. The bristly tail swings rhythmically from side to side.

Character: Hunting Companion, Family-Friendly Nature

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a passionate and highly skilled hunter. Its speciality is rabbit and hare hunting. However, it also reliably tracks and flushes out larger game such as foxes, deer and wild boar.

When working, this little French dog shows courage, persistence and cunning.

Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Suitable for First-Time Owners?

As this breed needs to make independent decisions while hunting, its training is not straightforward and should be undertaken by experienced owners.

This intelligent, fearless Breton is not known for blind obedience, but for a pronounced hunting instinct, which must be channelled appropriately.

Training requires patience, consistency and plenty of sensitivity.

Chasing Prey

If the dog is not given enough opportunity to indulge its hunting passion, it may well find a task for itself – for example, during a walk it might run off. Once this keen hunter has caught a scent, it is often impossible to stop it.

The recall must therefore be trained early and work flawlessly.

As lively as it is on the hunt, this dog is calm and balanced at home. As a guard dog this breed is not suitable, even though it will announce strangers with barking. Any aggression is alien to it.

Keeping and Exercising the Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Regular hunting work as a flushing and tracking dog is the best way to give this little dog the right amount of exercise. It is therefore advisable to train and work the Basset Fauve de Bretagne for hunting.

With other breeds this sociable dog can live together without problems. Living with cats can be more challenging, as the Basset Fauve de Bretagne may see them as prey.

Which Dog Sports are Suitable?

In addition to hunting, it is suitable for various dog sports such as agility, obedience and scent work. It also makes a great, nimble companion for cycling and jogging. However, it should only be let off the lead if the recall works perfectly.

How Much Exercise Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Need?

In general, this French hunting dog needs plenty of exercise – at least two hours a day, whatever the weather. Simple walks are too boring for this intelligent, eager-to-learn breed.

It is therefore a good idea to make walks more varied with scent games or other activities.

City or Country Living?

Thanks to its small size and adaptability, it can in principle live in the city.

This sociable dog does not like to be left alone for long periods. It loves to accompany its family everywhere and take part in all activities.

© slowmotiongli / stock.adobe.com

Care and Feeding: What Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Need?

The hard, rough coat of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has plenty of undercoat and protects it from wind, rain and snow. It requires little grooming and only needs occasional brushing and trimming. After hunting trips or walks in the woods, the coat should be checked and, if necessary, cleared of leaves, insects and parasites.

During the moulting period the hardy coat should be combed daily with a dog brush to remove loose hairs. In general, this easy-care dog belongs to the breeds that shed little.

More Tips on Dog Grooming

• Dog dental care
• Cleaning your dog’s ears: Practical tips for home
• Cutting your dog’s claws: How to do it right

What does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne eat?

A working Basset Fauve de Bretagne can develop quite an appetite. It neither has a sensitive stomach nor tends to food allergies or obesity.

When it comes to feeding, it is very undemanding and can eat both nutritious wet food as well as high-quality dry food or raw food. Two meals a day are recommended.

Health: Robust, Hardy Breed

This small hunting dog is robust and resilient. No breed-specific diseases are known.

Only ear infections tend to occur repeatedly in this very hardy breed. To reduce the risk of painful ear infections, the hair inside the ear flaps should be kept short.

How Old Does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne Get?

The life expectancy of this French breed is around eleven to thirteen years, although some individuals live longer.

History: Where Does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Come From?

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was bred from another French hunting breed – the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne.

By crossing with Breton Basset Hounds in the 19th century, smaller, more agile dogs were developed that could cope well with the rough, hilly terrain of Brittany.

In particular, the many bushes and shrubs in the region often pose a problem for its larger, long-legged counterpart. The small, nimble Basset Fauve de Bretagne simply slips through.

Saved from Extinction

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was once mainly popular among nobles. Today, professional and hobby hunters especially value the qualities of this tough little dog – mainly in France, England and Germany.

During both World Wars, the breed was no longer bred, and it almost became extinct. Thanks to a few enthusiasts, this small hunting dog has survived as a distinct breed.

Since 1963, it has been officially recognised by the FCI, the international canine organisation, and is listed in Group 6 “Scenthounds, tracking dogs and related breeds”.

Buying a Basset Fauve de Bretagne: What You Should Know

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a relatively rare breed, still primarily bred in France. However, there are also responsible breeders in other countries dedicated to this hardy hunting breed.

Reading tips on adopting a dog:

• Important questions to ask a dog breeder
• 10 things you should know before adopting a dog
• Adopting a puppy from a shelter

Trip to the Animal Shelter

You will rarely find this breed in an animal shelter. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting your local animal welfare organisation. You may find other hunting dogs or their crossbreeds looking for a new home.

Often, they have been given up because their previous owners were overwhelmed by these agile, hunting-driven working dogs.

Conclusion: Lively Hunting Dog for Experienced Owners

A passionate hunting companion like the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is happiest when allowed to fulfil its purpose. It belongs in the hands of experienced dog lovers who can train it and take it hunting.

Those who keep this breed in a way that meets its needs will be rewarded with a cheerful, well-balanced dog whose lively nature keeps the whole family on their toes.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne at a Glance

Special characteristics:	Small, compact hunting dog that mainly hunts rabbits but also tracks and flushes other game.
Character:	independent, friendly, lively, intelligent
Shoulder height:	32–38 cm
Weight:	14–18 kg
Coat:	short, rough and hard
Colours:	solid fawn
Coat care:	easy to care for
Exercise:	high activity needs
Suitable for first-time owners:	no
Barking:	likes to bark
Life expectancy:	11–13 years
Typical health issues:	few known health problems
Origin:	France