Basset Fauve de Bretagne
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Find Basset Fauve de Bretagne BreedersGet to Know Basset Fauve de Bretagnes
- Ancient Hunting Roots: The Basset Fauve de Bretagne dates back to the 19th century but is believed to descend from much older French hunting dogs, making it one of the oldest known short-legged scent hounds in France.
- Distinctive Wiry Coat: Unlike many other Basset breeds, the Fauve de Bretagne has a rough, wiry coat that provides protection against thorns and harsh underbrush during hunts, helping it navigate dense terrain.
- Exceptional Nose for Scent: This breed is renowned for its powerful sense of smell, making it an excellent tracker for small game like rabbits and hares. Hunters prized it for its persistence and precision.
- Energetic Despite Short Legs: Though it has the classic short legs of a Basset, the Fauve de Bretagne is surprisingly energetic and agile, capable of covering rugged hunting grounds with stamina and speed.
- Friendly & Social Personality: Known for being affectionate and sociable, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne makes a great family companion. It’s playful, outgoing, and generally gets along well with children and other pets.
Breed History
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a charming and historic French hunting breed that traces its roots back several centuries to the Brittany region in northwest France. Originally bred as a short-legged scent hound, this breed was developed to track small game such as rabbits and hares through dense underbrush and rugged terrain. Known for its distinctive rough, wiry coat and striking reddish-tan color (fauve means “fawn” in French), the Basset Fauve de Bretagne combines stamina, agility, and a keen sense of smell. Though it was once a popular hunting companion, today the breed is also cherished as a lively and affectionate family pet, valued for its friendly temperament and adaptable nature.
Personality and Behaviour
- Intelligent but Stubborn: Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are intelligent and quick learners, but they can also be quite independent and stubborn. Training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Early socialization helps them develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
- Energetic & Curious: Despite their short legs, these dogs are surprisingly energetic and curious. They have a natural hunting instinct, which means they love to explore and follow scents. Providing them with regular mental and physical stimulation is key to keeping them happy and well-behaved.
- Friendly & Affectionate: The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is known for its warm and loving nature. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being involved in daily activities. Their affectionate demeanor makes them excellent companions for children and other pets alike.
Care
- Exercise: The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is an energetic breed that requires moderate daily exercise. They enjoy walks, playtime, and scent-based games that tap into their natural hunting instincts. Regular activity helps keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated, preventing boredom-related behaviors.
- Training: Training a Basset Fauve de Bretagne calls for patience and consistency. They are intelligent but can be stubborn and independent, so positive reinforcement and early socialization are essential. Short, engaging sessions work best to hold their attention and build good manners.
- Grooming: Thanks to their wiry coat, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have relatively low grooming needs. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hairs and prevents matting. Their floppy ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid infections, and occasional baths keep their coat clean and healthy.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Basset Fauve de Bretagne Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| ACVO Eye Examination | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam with exam by cardiologist Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam with exam by cardiologist |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Basset Fauve de Bretagne Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Basset Fauve de Bretagne
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Basset Fauve de Bretagne is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
