Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Breed Summary
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a smallish hound, built along the same lines as the Basset Hound, but lighter throughout and longer in the leg. Wire-coated, the coat is very harsh to the touch, dense, red-wheaten, or fawn. 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.
Country of Origin: France
AKC Breed Popularity:
AKC Classification: Foundation Stock Service
UKC Classification: Scent hound
Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day
Physical traits: Small, Well-balanced, Compact
Coat: Length: Short
Characteristics: Rough
Colors: Fawn, Wheaten, Red
Overall Grooming Needs: Low
Personality traits/Temperament: Smart, Cheerful, Determined
Height: Female: 12-14 inches; Male: 14-16 inches
Weight: Female: 27-35 lbs.; Male: 27-35 lbs.
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: High
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: High
Health
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is healthy dog. Their life expectancy is 12+ years. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health concerns such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy, cardiomyopathies, skin allergies, and age-related thyroid issues. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions where baths with a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner is recommended. Flea control is also essential. A gene test for primary open-angle glaucoma is now available, meaning breeders can identify carriers and avoid producing this eye anomaly. Good breeders use genetic testing of their breeding dogs to reduce the likelihood of problems with their puppies.
Nutrition
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Add a high quality multivitamin to complete the nutritional circle. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Training
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small scent hound, bred originally to find rabbits. The nose goes to the ground and can overpower the brain if the dog is not trained from an early age to tune into his human. Because of this breed’s intelligence, mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise.
Exercise
Basset Fauves are energetic and love to play. Regular walks need to be on a leash as they can run off and follow their nose at a moment’s notice. Use paw balm daily to protect their feet. Areas for exercise and play, such as a backyard, should be fenced for the same reasons. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
Fun Fact
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was created in France from the remnants of the now extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne, a much larger breed.
References
1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/
2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds
3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/
4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles
5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds
