Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
| Other Names | Fawn Brittany Basset, Tawny Brittany Basset |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Weight | 25 - 35 lbs (11 – 16 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 12 - 15 in. (30 – 38 cm) |
| Coat | The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a dense, wire-coat that is very harsh to the touch. |
| Colour | Fawn, Red Wheaten, white markings acceptable but not desirable. |
| Litter Size | 2-6 puppies, Average of 4 |
| Life Span | 11 - 15 Years |
| Origin & History | The Basset Fauve de Bretagne first appeared in the 1800’s. At that point the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne was reaching its peak of popularity and numbers. Hunters decided to create a Basset variety of the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. The Griffon Fauve de Bretagne was crossed with Bassets and possibly some other breeds to create the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Exactly which Bassets were mixed with the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is unclear, although it is most likely that the Basset Griffon Vendeen and the now extinct wiry-coated variety of the Basset Artesian Normand were used. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne quickly became a popular hunting dog in France. The breed’s popularity was due to its hunting skills, as well as the popularity of the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne and Basset breeds in general. World War II was quite damaging to the breed, which dramatically declined in numbers. The extent to which the breed suffered is a matter a much debate. Many fanciers believe that the breed came dangerously close to extinction, to the point that very few Basset Fauve de Bretagnes remained. These fanciers believe that those few remaining dogs were crossed with other breeds, mainly the Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Wire-coated Dachshund to ensure the Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s survival. The French breed club believes that the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was never in such dire straights, and merely experienced a significant drop in numbers. Believers in this theory say that some Basset Griffon Vendeen and Wire-coated Dachshund blood may have been added after the war to improve the Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s hunting instincts. Research done in France may indicate support for the latter theory, although it is difficult to determine. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has been slowly but steadily increasing in popularity since World War II. The breed is well-regarded in French hunting circles and is becoming one of the most common hunting dogs in France. In recent years, registrations of the breed in France have only been exceeded by Beagles among small hunting dogs. In particular, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has developed a reputation for being an excellent rabbit hunting dog. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s affectionate personality and compact size are also leading some to keep the breed as a companion animal, with some success. If the Basset Fauve de Bretagne follows the trend of other Basset breeds, the dog will eventually become primarily a companion animal. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was essentially unknown outside of France and a few neighboring European countries until the 1980’s. The first known Basset Fauve de Bretagne in England arrived in 1982. The breed has appeared in the United States much more recently. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996, and the first Basset Fauve de Bretagne was imported into the United States in 2001. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America was established to promote the interests of the breed in the United States. However, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne remains very rare outside of France. |
| Personality | The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small hunting, hound dog. The breed is sweet, friendly, lively, gentle and devoted making an excellent companion dog. Its temperament should always be friendly, and never vicious, moody or harsh, and would only become so if the owners lead the dog to believe he is pack leader over humans. It is mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It can be a bit stubborn with meek owners and needs a firm, confident, and consistent owner who displays natural authority over the dog. Dogs need to know the rules of the house and have the humans stick to them. Bassets like to do tricks for food. They have a deep musical bark. Housebreaking can be difficult, but they do well with patient, gentle training. This courageous dog is a serious, determined hunter. They can easily adapt to different types of game and terrain. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's sometimes hard to get their attention, as they like to follow their noses and may not even hear you calling them back. Only allow your Basset off lead in safe areas. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a relatively healthy breed. Until very recently, they were almost exclusively hunting dogs. A dog with genetic defects is of no use as a working dog and would have been excluded from bloodlines. Many fanciers claim that the breed has no congenital health defects which are more common in the breed than any others. This does not mean that the breed is immune from health problems, just that there are none that are more prominent in the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. Studies conducted by the UK Kennel club showed that the most common causes of death for Basset Fauve de Bretagnes were traffic accidents, cancer, heart problems, and kidney problems. The frequency of traffic fatalities is likely the result of the breed’s tendency to follow its nose, sometimes without noticing what is going on around it. Hopefully, Basset Fauve de Bretagne breeders will continue to carefully breed these dogs to prevent health problems from developing in the future. |
| Grooming | The harsh, dense, wire-coat is fairly easy to groom and sheds little to no hair. Simply brush regularly with a stiff bristle brush. Brushing should keep the coat clean, so bathe only when necessary. Trim around the ears and eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. The whole coat should be trimmed about every four months and stripped twice a year. |
| Exercise | To keep the Basset Fauve de Bretagne healthy, it should be given plenty of exercise, including a long daily walk to keep the dog mentally stable, but discourage it from jumping and stressing the front legs. This breed will run and play by the hour when given the chance. Because of their keen noses they tend to roam when they pick up a scent. Take care when off lead that the dog is in a safe area. When they pick up a scent they may not even hear you calling them back as their complete focus will be on finding the critter at the other end. |
| Other Considerations | The Basset Fauve de Bretagne will do okay in an apartment. They are inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep healthy and trim. |
