Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Also known as: Fawn Brittany Basset
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small French hound originating from Brittany. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne comes from France, and has a very rough, fairly short coat. Individual Basset Fauve de Bretagnes vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- 32–38 cm (13–15 in)
- Coat
- very rough, fairly short
- Colour
- fawn
- Other names
- Fawn Brittany Basset
About the Basset Fauve de Bretagne
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small French hound originating from Brittany. It stands 32-38 cm tall and has a distinctive fawn coat.
Overview
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a short-legged hunting breed of dog of the scent hound type, originally from Brittany , a historical duchy of France.
Health
A 2006 study found a relatively low inbreeding coefficient, at 3.9%, the second-lowest of the nine French breeds in the study. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is one of the more commonly affected breeds for primary open angle glaucoma . An autosomal recessive mutation of the ADAMTS17 gene is responsible for the condition in the breed.
History
The breed was developed in France as a hunting dog from the larger Grand Fauve de Bretagne , a breed that is now extinct. There was a rumour that the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was also close to extinction after the Second World War, and the breed was recreated using the remaining examples of the breed and crossing in standard wirehaired Dachshunds . However, the French club denies this, and says that Basset Fauve numbers were never so low. In 2002, there were 1060 new registrations of the Basset Fauve in France. The breed in the UK is mainly seen as a show dog and family pet, finally coming off the Kennel Club''s rare breed register in 2007. In the UK, under 140 dogs are registered a year. It can also be found in other parts of Europe where it is used to scent trail and also as a family pet. In 2026, the American Kennel Club fully recognized the breed.
Appearance
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a smallish hound, built along the same lines as the Basset Hound , but lighter all through and longer in the leg. Wire-coated, the coat is very harsh to the touch, dense, red-wheaten or fawn, sometimes with white markings on the chest. They measure 32 – 38 cm in height and weigh between 36 - 40 lbs but due to the historically controversial practice of registering mixed litters of Griffon and Basset Fauves, sometimes a litter of bassets will produce dogs with long legs. They have coarse, dense fur which may require stripping. Although their coat repels dirt and does not mat easily, they still require weekly combing and brushing. The hair on the ears is shorter, finer and darker than that on the coat. The ears just reach the end of the nose rather than trailing on the ground and should be pleated. They should have dark eyes and nose and ideally no crook on the front legs. The French standard says these are the shortest backed of all the basset breeds so they generally do not appear as exaggerated as the British Basset.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a short-legged hunting breed of dog with a scent hound type. It originated from Brittany, a historical duchy of France. The breed has a distinctive fawn-colored coat and a calm temperament. Adult Basset Fauve de Bretagnes typically weigh between 25-35 kg and stand 30-35 cm tall at the shoulder.
Is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne a good family dog?
Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are generally calm and gentle, making them suitable for families with older children. However, their short legs and calm nature may not make them ideal for very young children or highly energetic families. As with any breed, proper socialization and training are essential for a harmonious household.
What health problems do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have?
Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are prone to primary open angle glaucoma, a condition caused by an autosomal recessive mutation of the ADAMTS17 gene. They may also be susceptible to other health issues common in scent hounds, such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for maintaining their health.
How much does a Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy cost?
The cost of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between €1,000 to €3,000. It's essential to research and find a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Where do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes come from?
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.