Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Basset Fauve de Bretagne dog

Small French scent hound developed for energetic hunting through rough countryside.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Medium 23 - 39 lbs 12 - 16 inches 13 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: France



Own a Basset Fauve de Bretagne? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Basset Fauve de Bretagne? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.
  • Want a breed that tends to adapt well to apartment living.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a small rough-coated scent hound from Brittany in northwestern France. It descends from the same regional hunting tradition as the larger Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. French hunters developed short-legged bassets so they could pursue game at a pace that people could follow on foot while still possessing the nose and determination of larger pack hounds. The Basset Fauve was particularly useful for rabbits and hare but could work other game as well. Its harsh fawn-coloured coat provided protection when pushing through dense brush and rough vegetation. The breed's larger relative, the Grand Fauve de Bretagne, eventually disappeared, while the smaller Basset survived. Numbers became dangerously low during the 20th century, particularly around the World Wars. French breeders worked to preserve and rebuild the remaining population. Some accounts state that other basset breeds were introduced during reconstruction, but the extent of such crosses is debated among breed historians. The modern Basset Fauve retains a notably energetic character for a short-legged hound. Rather than being a slow, heavy basset, it was developed to hunt actively across difficult country. Its strong nose, persistence, rough coat, and willingness to follow a trail remain clear reminders of that practical French hunting heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basset Fauve de Bretagne

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne generally has a moderate energy level.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Basset Fauve de Bretagne generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.