Basset Fauve de Bretagne: Your Complete Guide
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are scent dogs that have a history that dates back to Brittany. The breed is a short-legged hunting dog and they’re social, affectionate, and great companions to have around the house, farm, or out on a hunt.
While basset fauve de Bretagnes used to be work dogs in the past, that doesn’t mean they have to be work dogs today, and the breed has become more popular over the last few decades.
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are also similar to other basset hounds but with a few subtle differences, you need to note. For example, their coat is lighter and their hair is rough to the touch. Their temperament is similar but you’ll be able to see the difference just by looking at them.
That said, it’s important to learn everything you can about a basset fauve de Bretagne before adopting one.
The good news is that we’re here to help you learn everything you need to know. Read on to learn about Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s temperament, size, coat type, and grooming needs.
Quick Look at the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 13-15 inches |
| Coat Type | Rough, short, abrasive, fawn |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Outgoing, hunting, playful, affectionate |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
What Is the History of Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes have a long history that dates back to France during the 1800s. Specifically, the dog was bred in the Brittany area of France and used to hunt boars and other game in the area.
Basset fauve de Bretagnes would travel in small groups of about four dogs and they were small enough for hunters to travel behind on foot. Therefore, they were easier to hunt with than some of the larger breeds of the era. Plus, their thick and rough coats could help them dash through hedges and gardens without problems.
Originally, it was bred from the grand fauve de Bretagne, which was a larger breed that was used for hunting big game. The basset fauve de Bretagne was a smaller version of the dog and immediately became popular for its scent-tracking ability.
Over the years population numbers have fluctuated but there’s a bit of a debate about how much. For example, people suggest that basset fauve de Bretagne numbers dwindled during World War II, but the French basset fauve de Bretagne kennel club denies this; it’s a unique bit of lore surrounding the basset fauve de Bretagne.
Today, the basset fauve de Bretagne is a rare breed that has been registered with the UK Kennel Club since 1991. It’s not yet registered with other kennel clubs. Still, it’s a rare breed that’s hard to find unless you know a specific breeder that works with the breed.
What Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Look Like?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are short-legged dogs that have a rough and abrasive coat. When it comes to their colors, shades of brown and fawn are the most common colors that you’ll find in their coats and there isn’t much variation.
The coat itself is shaggy-looking and flows downwards towards the ground. While the hair is short, it appears longer because of their small bodies and short legs.
Basset fauve de Bretagnes have some-shaped heads with floppy ears, a short snout, and small eyes. Their tail is short and their eye color is either black or brown. You can usually tell it’s a Basset fauve de Bretagnes by their shaggy-looking appearance.
What Size Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
The basset fauve de Bretagne is a small dog that has tiny legs and a thick torso. They’re only around 12-15 inches tall and weigh 25-40 pounds.
While they’re short dogs, they do have a stocky build, so keep this in mind when you go to pick them up. There is also some size variation between male and female basset fauve de Bretagnes; males are heavier and taller than females.
What Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s Coat Type and Length?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes have short coats that are wiry but sometimes straight. Their coats are abrasive to the touch, so they’re not the best dogs if you want something to snuggle with. Their coats are rough because they graze through shrubs and gardens and need the hair to protect their skin.
What Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s Temperament?
The basset fauve de Bretagne has a mild temperament. They love to hunt and spend time with their families, but they’re not aggressive. Basset fauve de Bretagnes also show a willingness to work in packs and live with other dogs as long as they’re treated fairly. Plus, they form deep bonds with their families.
Some other traits that basset fauve de Bretagnes have include:
- Affectionate through loyalty
- Deep bonds with families
- Outgoing
- Curious
- Aloof
- Love for exploring
Temperament can always change based on the individual dog, so always keep this in mind.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Good With Kids?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are great with children. Their mild temperament makes them safe to have around small children and they’ll even jump into action to protect them. If your children are under the age of five, always keep an eye on your child when they’re playing with a basset fauve de Bretagne to be safe.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Good With Other Animals?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are not the best breed if you have other animals. They have a prey drive, so it’s not uncommon for them to chase small animals. Basset fauve de Bretagnes also don’t get along well with larger animals because they used to hunt them in packs. That said, basset fauve de Bretagnes will get along well with other dogs.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Aggressive?
No, basset fauve de Bretagnes are not aggressive. They only get aggressive when they feel threatened. Even then, it’s rare that they’ll get aggressive with people, especially members of the family. The only thing to consider is that they might be standoffish with strangers, so keep this in mind.
Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Bark?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes do bark. They have a loud bark that’s strong enough to alert their owners during hunting sessions. That said, they don’t bark often, so you can live in any type of home with them.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Affectionate?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are not the most affectionate dogs. While they don’t mind hanging around with you, they’re not lap dogs. Basset fauve de Bretagnes will show you their affection through loyalty instead. So, if you’re looking for a cuddly family dog the basset fauve de Bretagne might not be the right fit.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Intelligent?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are smart dogs. They’re intelligent enough to learn complex commands, work as service dogs, and familiarize themselves with their surroundings. Moreover, basset fauve de Bretagnes can leverage their noses to track animals over hundreds of miles.
When it comes to hunting dogs, the basset fauve de Bretagnes is one of the best options around if you want a combination of intelligence and other bravery.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Energetic?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes aren’t the most energetic dogs but they’re not lazy either. These dogs need stimulation and long walks that get their noses involved.
If you want to manage their energy levels properly take them on walks that last for about an hour or two. These walks shouldn’t be done daily, but if you don’t have time for a walk, playing with them for an hour or two per day will also help.
Having a garden outside can also encourage them to get exercise by exploring the scents with their nose. Also, make sure your walk routes include plenty of time close to woods so your basset fauve de Bretagne can use that nose.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Easy to Train?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes were meant to be hunting dogs that traveled in groups to track animals. Their strong noses make them excellent at finding things across large distances, even without too much scent work training. Therefore, these dogs are easy to train once you get started.
You can train basset fauve de Bretagnes to hunt, track, and perform tasks as a service dog. Furthermore, basset fauve de Bretagnes can be trained for agility, off-leash walking, and just about anything.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Good Watchdogs?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are great watchdogs. They love to hunt and can respond well to commands or recognize when someone is a friend or dangerous. Basset fauve de Bretagnes also don’t bark at nothing, so when they start barking you’ll know that there’s something wrong.
Another benefit of the basset fauve de Bretagne for watchdog work is that they can leverage their great sense of smell. They can prevent small animals from getting into your garden or crops without even alerting you to a problem.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Good Service Dogs?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are good service dogs if you can train them to perform a specific task. Their small size makes them limited for some physical activities, but that doesn’t mean they can’t do anything at all. Basset fauve de Bretagnes are best suited for service dog roles like:
- Applying deep pressure therapy
- Getting help when someone is having a seizure
- Assisting someone with medication
- Opening doors for people
- Getting medication for people
- Escorting people through crowds
These are only some of the tasks that they can help with. Depending on the person’s needs, training can also be more geared towards their needs.
Basset fauve de Bretagnes can also be good therapy dogs or emotional support animals (ESAs). However, they’re not the biggest cuddlers, so keep this in mind when using them for this purpose. Plus, this coat is rough, so if you want to pet a dog to feel better the basset fauve de Bretagnes might not be for you.
How to Care for a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
It doesn’t take a lot to care for a basset fauve de Bretagne. Their grooming needs are minimal and most of the health risks won’t be obvious until later in life. Feeding them is also simple as long as you use a food blend that’s made for medium-sized dogs. Otherwise, they might not get the nutrients that they need.
The biggest factor to consider when caring for a basset fauve de Bretagne is that you need to get them exercise. Long walks are the best because they get to use their nose, and if you can take them hunting or exploring with you, the basset fauve de Bretagne will be happy.
Do You Need to Groom a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes don’t need to be groomed often but there are some unique grooming needs they have when compared to other breeds. For example, you need to pluck their coat twice per year to remove debris, knots, and ingrown hair. While you can do this at home, it’s better to take your basset fauve de Bretagnes to a groomer if you want to have them plucked.
Aside from plucking, you should brush their coat at least once per week to avoid matting. Also, check their coats after they spend time outdoors because they love to run around through gardens and bushes. You’ll want to check for ticks, fleas, and other insects if they aren’t treated.
The last things to consider are their nails, ears, and teeth. Check their ears for infections, clip their nails monthly, and brush their teeth twice per week.
Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Shed?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes aren’t frequent shedders. While they do shed, you won’t notice hair all over your home unless you go without vacuuming for a month or two. If you’re worried about the hair, you can brush it a few times per week and more often during the fall and spring months.
What Health Problems Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Have?
The basset fauve de Bretagne is a healthy dog breed that doesn’t have many health problems. That said, it’s always important to bring them to the vet annually for checkups. Also, make sure you get all of their vaccinations to prevent any other complications.
Some of the most common health problems that the basset fauve de Bretagnes include:
- Disc Disease: Basset fauve de Bretagnes may have abnormalities in their back that cause swelling and pain
- Angular Limb Deformities: Bones grow improperly, which may result in deformities and pain
- Ear Infection: Their floppy ears make it easier for infections to develop in their ears
- Glaucoma: In old age, fluid may begin to build up in their eyes
Always consult with a vet to ensure that your basset fauve de Bretagne is healthy and take preventative measures to prevent health problems from developing.
How Long Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Live?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes have an average lifespan compared to other breeds. These dogs live for around 10-12 years. You can keep them healthy and alive by taking them on walks and feeding them a diet that includes healthy proteins and fats. Also, check their coats for ticks and other insects to avoid health problems.
What Should a Basset Fauve de Bretagne Eat?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes needs to eat at least two meals per day. These meals must consist of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates. The food they need should be formulated for medium-sized dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.
Avoid store brands and basic blends in favor of premium foods from reputable companies. Ultimately, you need to feed them the best diet possible to help them live a long and healthy life.
If you adopt a basset fauve de Bretagne puppy, feeding guidelines are similar but always consult with a vet for the best advice. Puppies should also be fed upwards of four times per day instead of the two times that adults need to be fed.
Is a Basset Fauve de Bretagne the Right Dog for Me?
Basset fauve de Bretagnes are good dogs for most people, as long as you have the time to train them. You need to spend some time working with them and helping them explore their environment with long walks and plenty of playing.
Having a garden around your home will also stimulate their noses and speak to their curiosity. If you love sports dogs and hunting dogs, you’ll also love the basset fauve de Bretagne.
Niche reasons aside, basset fauve de Bretagnes are also the right fit for you if you have a small family without many other animals. While they love to play with children and bond with the humans of the household, they don’t do well with small animals because they were bred to hunt them. Keep this in mind when adopting a basset fauve de Bretagne.
This is also going to sound strange, but if you want a dog that’s soft and cuddly, the rough coat of the basset fauve de Bretagne won’t be right for you.
Always consider these factors before adopting to make sure you get a dog that works for you.