The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small, lightly framed Hound that is full of energetic vitality and is very friendly. A wonderful family dog in many ways and an ideal lap dog if given enough exercise. Originally bred in Brittany, France somewhere around 1800 to hunt Rabbits and Hares for hunters on working on foot, in fields and forests. It is a direct descendant of the Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a scenthound used to hunt wild boar and wolves.
Quick Facts About the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Lifespan of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne
11 to 14 Years
Wither Height of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Male and Female 12 to 15 inches or 30 to 38cms
Weight of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Male and Female 36 to 40lbs or 16 to 18kgs
Average Price of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne
In the USA prices range from $500 to $2500.
In the UK these dogs are about £700 to £1900.
What Breed is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
This dog is classified as a Hound.
Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Hypoallergenic?
No.
What does the Basset Fauve de Bretagne look like?
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne (BFB) is a smallish hound, similar in sizeand shape to the Basset Hound, but a lighter frame throughout and longer in the leg.
It is a Wire-coated dog, with quite dense hair the coat can feel harsh to the touch. Generally Fawn, Gold or Red-wheaten in colour.
A round head with soft eyes a long snout with a black nose and whiskers under the chin. The ears are medium length falling to the sides and slightly forward.
The head sits on a slender neck leading to a deep but narrow chest over slim front legs with forward facing feet. The chest leads to a thin waist under a straight back with a curved rear end with powerful looking rear legs and a thick tail that can stick directly back, up or down dependant upon its mood.
Although many compare this dog to the Basset here at Top Lap Dogs we think that the body resembles a closer likeness to the beagle, while it is the head that is Basset like.
History of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
The breed was developed in the Brittany area of France from a large hunting dog, the now extinct breed of Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a scenthound used to hunt wild boar and wolves.
This Basset though was bred to hunt rabbits and hares, popular with the common man who was hunting on foot. It simply inherited the excellent scent techniques of its predecessors.
The breed in the UK is mainly seen as a show dog and/or a family pet, it was on the Kennel Club’s rare breed register until 2007.
Character of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
This Basset is a playful, sociable dog that gets along well with almost everybody. It does have a high prey drive which can make it independent and difficult to train because it is easily distracted by scents and sounds going on elsewhere, but this is not an aggressive breed, and makes a good fun family dog.
It is a gentle and loyal pet, and makes excellent company for children due to its energy and excitability and yet still happy to sleep the rest of the day away.
Because of its strong hunting instincts, you have to be careful with cats and the like, and a secure garden would be sensible to stop it wandering although this dog is good at digging so be wary of holes near fences.
Friendly with other dogs this can be a good dog for socialising with other dog’s and their owners thus it is great for walking out, particularly as it loves to active.
Caring for your Basset Fauve de Bretagne
They have coarse, dense fur which may require stripping from time to time, as well as regular grooming. Their wiry coat repels dirt and does not mat easily, so brushing and stripping are easy.
Although a Basset Hound this dog does not have the eye infection problems such as Ectropion like that of other Bassets, which is clearly a blessing.
Prices vary enormously due to many claiming championship breeding. Breeding groups are small though, so these dogs are not always easy to find when you want to buy one and yet there are still some rescue groups committed to this breed, so this may be a cheaper route.
