Basset Fauve de Bretagne: history, characteristics, education and cost
History
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is an ancient breed originating from Brittany, whose presence is already attested in the 16th century. It is a descendant of the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne, which made up the large royal packs hunting wolves. After the Second World War, this breed was ready to die out, but Marcel Paumbrun, a passionate breeder, managed to keep it alive by adding contributions from the Basset Vendéen as well as the Wire-haired Dachshund.
Very popular in Britain in the 19th century, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne developed throughout France in the 1970s. Its exceptional hunting skills have also earned it many French rabbit cups. In 1963, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognized the breed.
Physical
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne measures 32 to 38 cm on average and weighs between 14 and 15 kg.
As its name suggests, it is a basset-type dog, that is to say that it has an elongated body and is short on legs. Its neck is muscular, its chest high, giving it a rustic and proud air. Its hair is short, very hard, even dry, of a fawn color ranging from golden wheat to brick red. We sometimes find on certain individuals the presence of a small white star at the chest or a few black hairs scattered on the back and ears.
Its back is short and broad; it's far well muscled; its chest is high and broad. Its head is quite long, with a marked occipital protuberance. Its stop is clearly visible, and it has slightly longer hair on the muzzle.
Its ears are drooping, pointed at the ends, and have shorter and finer hair than on the rest of the body. Its dark brown eyes are neither too deep in the sockets nor prominent. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne displays a lively look. Finally, its tail is carried slightly curved like a sickle, of medium length and thick at its attachment.
Character
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a dog with a balanced temperament; if it is pugnacious and active when hunting, it shows a very gentle and playful character at home. It has a certain ease of adaptation, which allows it to live in the city as well as in the countryside.
Jovial and affectionate, he is a perfect companion for the whole family, including children with whom he loves to have fun and is never aggressive. In addition, he is very sociable towards other dogs and strangers. However, having a natural hunter, it is not recommended to introduce him to cats or New Pets (NAC) if he has not been properly socialized.
Health
This breed enjoys robust health and is very resistant to harsh climatic conditions. Apart from its predisposition to herniated discs, there are no known hereditary pathologies. Its average life expectancy? Between 12 and 14 years.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne's diet is quite simple: high-quality industrial food, such as kibble, is perfectly suitable for it. It simply requires a diet adapted to its daily expenditure, its age, and its size.
When breeding, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne gives litters of 3 to 8 puppies.
To protect yourself from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, we recommend dog insurance.
Interview
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne costs between 400 and 700 euros to buy. Its maintenance costs around 1,100 euros per year.
Indeed, a dog requires a certain investment throughout the year (vaccines, food, grooming, etc.). As for the maintenance of its coat, it does not require much effort; regular brushing 1 to 2 times a week is enough. On the other hand, given its particular attraction for walks in nature, this dog may be led to get dirty. In this case, a bath is recommended.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has semi-drooping ears, so they should be checked, or even cleaned, once a week to prevent the development of ear infections. In addition, it is advisable to check for awns between the dog's toes after each outdoor walk.
It should not be forgotten that the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is above all a hunting dog that therefore needs to exercise a lot. Thus, he loves walks in nature. Consequently, a sporty owner would be a real pleasure for him. Even if he will be happier in wide open spaces, this dog will be able to adapt perfectly to life in an apartment, provided that he is offered at least 3 daily outings as well as play sessions.
Education
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is easy to train, thanks to its docile and intelligent character. It is suitable for people who have never had a dog before. To train it, it is advisable to combine firmness and gentleness. In addition, its socialization must be worked on as early as possible.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne will make an excellent rabbit hunting dog but can also have a career as a bloodhound (searching for wounded game).
Breed specificities
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a rustic and robust dog that does not present any particular genetic disease. With its thick coat, it has a very high resistance to cold and tolerates heat well.
However, like all basset-type dogs, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has an elongated back, which predisposes it to herniated discs.
A word from the veterinarian
As explained above, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is predisposed to disc herniations. This is a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus constituting the intervertebral disc into the spinal canal. This therefore creates compression of the spinal cord, which can cause motor, sensory, and sphincter disorders.
Signs that may alert the owner of this condition are:
- severe pain and refusal to move;
- an abnormal gait;
- an animal that drags its hind leg;
- partial or complete paralysis of the hindquarters;
- incontinence or fecal or urinary retention;
Following this, it is possible to carry out additional examinations to confirm the diagnosis and locate the lesion: X-ray, scanner, MRI. Surgical treatment will relieve or even cure the animal.

