Basset Fauve de Bretagne: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

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Posted Nov 5, 2024

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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is an ancient breed that originated in France, specifically in the Brittany region. This breed has been around for centuries, with evidence of its existence dating back to the 16th century.

They are known for their distinctive coat, which is a reddish-brown color with a short, smooth texture. Their short stature and long ears make them a recognizable breed.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great companions, but they can be wary of strangers. This breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

History and Origin

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a rich history that dates back to 1500s France, specifically in the Brittany area. This breed originated from the now-extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was initially bred for hunting, particularly for tracking and locating small game such as rabbits. They were used by French commoners after the French Revolution. Their keen sense of smell and sturdy build made them well-suited for this purpose.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne gained popularity as a hunting dog, and their friendly temperament and adaptability also made them a beloved companion. They were officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1957.

The History of

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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a rich history that dates back to 1500s France, where it originated from the now-extinct Grand Fauve de Bretagne.

Only aristocrats initially owned the original line of Bretagnes, but by the late 1700s, the breed grew popular with more people.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was developed as a hunting dog, and its primary role was to hunt rabbits and other small game, utilizing its scenting abilities to track and locate prey.

The breed was used by French commoners to help them hunt after the French Revolution, as they needed a slower dog who could track and hunt game but also move at a speed that would allow people to keep up with them.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was created in France from the remnants of the Grand Fauve de Bretagne, and it was bred to be a smaller version of the larger breed.

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The breed gained popularity during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as it proved to be adept at hunting with its keen sense of smell, sturdy build, and determination.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1957, and today it's a rare breed that's hard to find unless you know a specific breeder that works with the breed.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne was introduced to the French court by Admiral d'Anneboulde in 1520, and it was initially only allowed to be owned by French aristocracy.

The breed was allowed to be owned by anyone in 1789, and most peasants did not own horses, so the breed began to evolve again into a shorter-legged dog that no longer had to keep up with horses while hunting.

Breed Group

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne's breed group is a key aspect of its history and origin.

This French breed is part of a larger group of dogs known for their distinctive physical characteristics and hunting abilities.

To discover more about your dog's breed group, consider checking out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne's breed group is a testament to the breed's rich history and heritage.

For another approach, see: Boston Terrier Group

Physical Characteristics

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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small and stocky breed with a strong jawline and lively, dark brown eyes. Their backs tend to be rather short and broad for a Basset breed.

They typically range in height from 12-15 inches at the shoulder, with males being heavier and taller than females. In fact, most Basset Fauve de Bretagnes weigh between 25-40 pounds.

Their coat is short and wiry, with a fawn coloring and a rough texture that's abrasive to the touch. This unique coat helps protect their skin as they graze through shrubs and gardens.

Size

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small to medium-sized breed, with most weighing in between 25 to 35 pounds.

They typically range in height from 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder, making them a compact and sturdy dog.

Males are generally heavier and taller than females, so keep this in mind when meeting a Basset Fauve de Bretagne.

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Their short legs may be deceiving, but they have a stocky build that's quite impressive.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's size:

This size variation is something to consider when choosing a Basset Fauve de Bretagne as a pet, especially if you have limited space.

Physical Characteristics

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small to medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 25 to 35 pounds and ranging in height from 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder.

Their stocky build and short legs give them a distinctive appearance. The breed has a short and broad back, which is characteristic of Basset breeds.

Their coats are rough and abrasive, with a fawn coloring that's common in this breed. The coat is wiry but sometimes straight, and it's harsh to the touch.

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have dark brown eyes that are lively and expressive. Their heads are shaped like a "some-shaped" head, with floppy ears and a short snout.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's physical characteristics:

Their tails are short, and their eye color is either black or brown. Overall, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a unique and distinctive appearance that's sure to turn heads.

Coat and Grooming

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Their coats are a defining feature of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, and they're quite unique. Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have short coats that are wiry but sometimes straight.

Their coats are abrasive to the touch, so if you're looking for a snuggle buddy, this might not be the best choice. They're rough because they graze through shrubs and gardens, and their coats need to protect their skin.

The main colors of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne are fawn, wheaten, and red wheaten. They're almost a "wash-and-wear" type coat that's coarse and wiry.

Their coats are wiry, dense, and harsh to the touch. They're not a good choice for those with allergies because they shed.

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes do well in colder climates because their dense coats keep them warm. However, in hotter environments, you'll need to cut their hair to prevent overheating.

You'll need to groom them weekly to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove loose hair and a stiff brush for smoothing.

Regular dental care is essential for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings.

Temperament and Personality

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The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a loving and loyal breed that excels at forming deep bonds with their families.

They are highly intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation, making them a great fit for active households. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so gentle and consistent training is a must.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is their love for exploration and hunting. They are natural-born hunters with a strong prey drive, but they also make great companions for families with children.

Here are some key temperament traits to keep in mind:

  • Affectionate through loyalty
  • Deep bonds with families
  • Outgoing
  • Curious
  • Aloof
  • Love for exploring

Overall, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a wonderful breed that brings joy and companionship to many families.

Temperament and Personality

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a breed that's known for its unique temperament and personality. They're a social breed that thrives on interaction with their family.

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are affectionate through loyalty, which means they'll show their love and devotion to their family in their own special way. They form deep bonds with their families, making them excellent companions.

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These dogs are outgoing and curious, always eager to explore and investigate their surroundings. They're also aloof at times, which can make them seem a bit mysterious.

As a breed, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are generally friendly with everyone, but they will let you know if a stranger approaches the door. They're not meant to be watchdogs, but they're tough and will protect their families if needed.

Their intelligence and hunting instincts make them a great match for active families who enjoy the outdoors. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so gentle and consistent training is a must.

Here are some key traits to keep in mind when considering a Basset Fauve de Bretagne as a pet:

  • Affectionate through loyalty
  • Deep bonds with families
  • Outgoing
  • Curious
  • Aloof
  • Love for exploring

Overall, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a unique breed that's perfect for families who want a loyal and loving companion. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

Are Dogs Intelligent?

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Dogs are intelligent animals, and one breed that stands out for its exceptional intelligence is the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. These dogs are smart enough to learn complex commands.

Their strong noses make them excellent at finding things across large distances. They can even track animals over hundreds of miles. This ability to track and follow scents is a testament to their intelligence and keen sense of smell.

Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are also known to be courageous and intelligent, which makes them great hunting dogs. They can outsmart and outrun any prey, showcasing their intelligence and agility.

These dogs are easy to train once you get started, and they can learn to perform a variety of tasks, from hunting and tracking to serving as service dogs. They can even learn to do agility and off-leash walking.

If this caught your attention, see: Pembroke Welsh Corgi Agility

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Basset Fauve de Bretagne rare?

Yes, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a rare breed, with only a limited number of breeders working with it. Its rarity makes it challenging to find unless you know a specific breeder.

What is the full size of a Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

A Basset Fauve de Bretagne typically grows to 32-38cm in height and weighs 16-18kg as an adult. This medium-sized dog has a distinctive rough-coated appearance.

How do you pronounce Basset Fauve de Bretagne?

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is pronounced as "Bah-say Foo-vay duh Bray-jah". Learn more about this rare French breed and its unique characteristics.

Becky Murray

Writer

Becky Murray is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of animal-related subjects, where she has developed a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in canine herding breeds, Becky has produced a series of informative articles that delve into the characteristics, behaviors, and histories of these fascinating dogs.