Basset Fauve De Bretagne
Fawn Colored Brittany Basset
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a sturdy and compact breed celebrated for its energetic personality. Often called the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, this dog boasts a rough coat and demonstrates sharp intelligence, although he can sometimes be quite headstrong. As a loyal companion, he is eager to make his family happy. This breed is remarkably versatile, thriving in a variety of environments and excelling in hunting different types of game. Generally, he is friendly with other dogs and children, but it's wise to exercise caution around smaller pets like ferrets and guinea pigs, as he should not be left alone with them. With a playful demeanor, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne loves to partake in games and can be quite mischievous.
Breed Origin
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a hound breed that hails from France, with origins dating back to the 1500s. King Francois I famously kept a pack of these hounds for his hunting pursuits. This breed is thought to be a variant of the Breton hound, sharing a close lineage with the now-extinct Grand Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Although the Grand Basset is no longer around, its genetic influence can still be seen in the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, as well as in rough-coated Griffons and other Basset varieties. The breed was brought to the French court by Admiral d’Anneboulde in 1520, and a prominent stud named Mirraud significantly contributed to its development, being favored by royalty to improve the breed's quality. Before the French Revolution, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was a privilege of the aristocracy. However, following the events of 1789, it became available to the wider public. As many peasants did not have access to horses, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne adapted by becoming a shorter-legged dog, well-suited for navigating rugged terrain while aiding hunters in tracking game. In 2015, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, allowing it to be registered in the Foundation Stock Service. The AKC also recognizes various Basset breeds, all of which derive their name from the French word "basset," meaning low-set.
Breed Appearance
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is one of the smaller hound breeds that hails from France. This breed is easily recognized by its unique basset build, featuring a long body and short legs. Its dark, expressive eyes reflect a curious personality, and its nose can be either black or dark brown. The ears are moderately long and set low, ideally reaching the tip of the nose when pulled forward. The tail is of medium length and should never be docked or cropped. The breed is covered in a medium-long, rough, wire-like coat that is dense and has a harsh feel, accompanied by a slightly softer undercoat. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne comes in three color variations: fawn, red wheaten, and wheaten. The fawn can appear in various shades, while wheaten is a golden color, and red wheaten features a deeper tone with reddish highlights, sometimes resembling a brick red.
Care Routine
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne boasts a thick, rough coat that is generally easy to care for. Its wiry texture helps prevent matting and tangling, simplifying the grooming process. To keep the coat healthy, it should be brushed weekly with a stiff bristle brush, which removes dead or loose hairs and promotes cleanliness. While this breed does shed, the amount is minimal, with most loose fur coming out during grooming. Baths are only required when the dog gets particularly dirty or smelly, and a mild shampoo is recommended for such occasions. Every four months, the coat should be trimmed, and it’s crucial to strip the coat twice a year to reduce shedding. Regular nail trimming is also important, typically every 2 to 3 weeks, and care should be taken to trim the hair around the ears and eyes to avoid irritation. Additionally, it’s wise to check the ears weekly for dirt and clean them as necessary.
Behavior & Temperament
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne, originally developed as a compact hunting companion for French nobility, is a lively and devoted breed that values its family connections. As a hound, it can sometimes show a stubborn nature and may push limits. To ensure a well-behaved pet, owners must engage in consistent training to assert their leadership; otherwise, the dog might try to take charge, particularly if the owner is passive or lacks direction. This breed is generally friendly towards strangers, showing neither aggression nor irritability. Housetraining a Basset Fauve de Bretagne can prove to be quite challenging and demands a great deal of patience, as the dog may take time to grasp where it is appropriate to relieve itself. Deeply affectionate with its family, this breed makes an excellent playmate for children, although it may feel uneasy around toddlers unless it has been raised in their company.
Play & Exercise
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.0 Cups
Daily Activity
30 Minutes
Average Lifespan
13 Years
Origin
1500s
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
France
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Wiry
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Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Scenthound
AKC
Foundation Stock Service
UKC
Scenthound
Height & Weight
Weight
38 lbs (17 kg)Male: 38 lbs (17 kg) , Female: 38 lbs (17 kg)
Height
14 inches (36 sm)Male: 14 inches (36 sm) , Female: 14 inches (36 sm)
6 Months
17 lbs ( m 17 lbs, f 17 lbs )
10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )
12 Months
28 lbs ( m 28 lbs, f 28 lbs )
12 inches ( m 12 inches, f 12 inches )
18 Months
38 lbs ( m 38 lbs, f 38 lbs )
14 inches ( m 14 inches, f 14 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Brown
Coat Colors
Fawn
Red
