Finding a breed that suits your lifestyle can be difficult. With so many options, how do you know which one is a good fit? If you’re looking for a medium-sized hunting hound who’s sociable, courageous, and intelligent, consider the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s Temperament
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is an old French scenting hound, with ancestry that traces back to the 1500s. Hunting, particularly with hounds and on horseback, was a feudal privilege before the French Revolution. After everyone in the country gained these rights in 1789, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne was developed as a shorter-legged companion for hunters who traveled on foot, as many peasants didn’t own horses.
Today, Fauves are both versatile hunting hounds and beloved family companions. In the field, they’re bold, courageous, and tenacious, originally bred to hunt rabbit, hare, fox, roe deer, and wild boar. At home, they’re easygoing, sociable family dogs who get along well with kids and other pets.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is one of several basset breeds — a group of hounds distinguished by their shorter legs and longer-than-tall proportions. (The name “Basset” derives from the French word “bas,” or low.) Smaller than his cousins, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne stands between 12.5 and 15.5 inches at the withers, and can weigh between 23 and 40 pounds. They’re sturdy, stocky dogs who move with ease and energy.
Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have a harsh, wiry coat that can range in color from light fawn to golden wheaten to red brick. They have a sweet, scruffy face with a lively expression and smooth, dropped ears. Grooming is relatively minimal — breeders recommend going over the coat weekly with a fine-toothed comb, followed by brushing with a stiff-bristled brush. Twice a year, Fauves should be stripped or plucked to remove loose hair.
How Much Training Do Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Need?
As a scent hound, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a strong instinctual desire to track interesting smells — and will likely ignore whatever else is being asked of them while on a scent. They’re also prone to chasing small quarry, like squirrels or rabbits, in the neighborhood — leashed walks and a well-rehearsed recall will come in handy.
Though Fauves can sometimes have a one-track mind, they’re highly intelligent, and many excel in companion events when trained with patient, engaging, positive-reinforcement methods. Scent-based activities like AKC Scent Work, tracking, Barn Hunt, search-and-rescue work, and scent games are enriching ways to channel a Basset Fauve de Bretagne’s powerful nose.
Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Good for Families?
Affectionate, friendly, and good-natured, Basset Fauve de Bretagnes are wonderful companions for families with children. However, they thrive in households that can meet their exercise and enrichment needs. Most do well with a brisk walk twice daily and regular access to a large, fenced yard to sniff around. Fauves generally get along well with other pets, as they traditionally hunted in packs.
How Social Are Basset Fauve de Bretagnes?
Though a serious hunter at heart, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is first and foremost a devoted member of the family. The breed is outgoing and sociable, without a trace of timidity. While Fauves may voice an alert at the arrival of visitors, they aren’t typically nuisance barkers — though they’ll delightfully bay (howl) when excited.
To learn more about the breed, visit the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America. The breed parent club can connect you with Fauve fanciers and breeders who can guide you on whether this is the right dog for your family.
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